Private Pregnancy Scans in Barnstaple
Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound offers fertility, early pregnancy, gender reveal, and 4D baby scans in Barnstaple and across North Devon
Check AvailabilityAbout Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound
We’re based in Barnstaple and serve clients from Bideford, South Molton, Tiverton, and beyond. Whether you’re 6 weeks pregnant and want peace of mind, or you’re planning a gender reveal, our clinic combines NHS expertise with a personal touch.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rave Reviews (And 5* From all 55 Google Ratings)
Read all of our 5* reviews on Google and Facebook.
✅ Experienced, CQC-Registered, NHS-trained Sonographer
- 11 years as a sonographer
- HCPC and CQC-registered
- Clinic open for over 6 years
- 2586 private pregnancy scans
- 587+ rave reviews from expectant parents
❤️ Unique Private Pregnancy Scan Experiences
- Same experienced sonographer every time
- Long appointments mean time to talk and ask questions
- Calm, quiet, private studio — never a waiting room rush
- Thoughtfully designed for emotional peace of mind
Why Maria Opened Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound
There wasn't really any need for me to feel anxious.
At 7 weeks pregnant, I hadn't experienced any pain or bleeding. I hadn't suffered any miscarriages. I hadn't struggled to conceive.
In fact, the only signs that I was pregnant were two blue lines on a test and the fact that I was running to the loo every hour or so to be sick.
Even though I knew sickness was normal in pregnancy, I also realised that I was flushing vital nutrients away, and worried about what effect it might be having on my baby.
As time passed - even though the sickness and my concerns eventually disappeared - they were quickly replaced with other symptoms and worries.
For example, later in pregnancy, my mind was consumed with tracking my baby's movements.
In the same way that it's normal to be sick, I understood that it was natural for my baby to stop moving for a while.
Yet, at the same time, I also knew that lack of movement can be a sign that something is wrong.
Although my midwife has equipped me with the tools to determine whether the movements - or lack of movements - was normal or abnormal, it was often difficult to tell the difference.
What I ultimately discovered is that I really had no idea how my pregnancy was progressing until I saw my baby with my own eyes.
And that the only time I felt totally at ease was when I saw my daughter on an ultrasound scan, heard her heart beating, and observed her development.
Here again, I was very fortunate. I opened Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound when pregnant with Mabel, which meant I could scan myself to check on her whenever I wanted.
Chances are, you don't have your own ultrasound machine and the training to scan yourself on demand.
On the other hand, you do have the opportunity to ease your mind as frequently as you want and need with private pregnancy scans.
Even though I've always loved supporting expectant parent's as a sonographer, experiencing the highs and lows of pregnancy first-hand made me even more passionate and determined to give you a personal, reassuring, special scan experience at Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound.
About Private Pregnancy Scans at Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound
Peace of Mind
A scan at Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound can take you from worried to calm, tense to relaxed, and from anxious to overjoyed - and not just in early pregnancy.
Accurate Gender Reveal
The only gender scan with a 45-minute appointment - and re-scan guarantee - so there's time to check, double-check and triple-check your baby's sex.
"The whole experience was amazing. We were made to feel very welcome and relaxed from the minute we walked in. We found out the sex of the baby and checked their health."
— Lorraine Brooks
Lasting Memories
See your baby's facial features with a crystal clear 4D baby scan - plus their arms and legs in 2D - and you'll feel more excited than ever about their arrival.
"Thank you for our scan yesterday. It was amazing and so in-depth. It put our minds at rest about a lot of things we were worried about, and just magical to see our little boy more clearly! It has made us even more excited to meet him and all the family were so impressed with the detail. I would 100% recommend a 4D scan to anyone through you"
— Lauren Mason.
About Maria Birch
Maria had been supporting parents for 9 years, as an NHS sonographer, when she became pregnant with her daughter Mabel. After a private early pregnancy scan, Maria felt compelled to give other women a longer, better quality, more personal scan experience (read the story). Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound opened in December 2019 to rave reviews from parent's in Barnstaple and around Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and further afield. Now, she dedicates her time to Mabel, her son Frank, and supporting parents like you.
Happy Parents
I've never had a private scan before and wondered whether it would be worth it
I am on my third and last baby and if that wasn't the case I would be booking this scan for any new pregnancies I might have had. It was the best decision in all 3 pregnancies that I have made. We found out the gender (a new thing for us) which will make my organising everything a lot easier. Maria was exactly how and who you'd want her to be. I felt so at ease and so comfortable around her.
— Gemma Evans
Being first-time parents we were so unsure what to expect
But the moment we walked in the door we felt right at ease. We couldn’t have felt any more comfortable than with Maria. We have recently had a 4D scan at 30 weeks and it was the most magical experience we could ever have asked for. The quality of the scan was so amazing, it felt like our baby was there with us. We have never felt rushed in our 3 experiences and we got so many lovely videos and pictures that we will cherish forever. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone and everyone.
— Zara Hemmings
We had a bad experience at [COMPANY REMOVED] so we were apprehensive about another private scan
But Maria’s reviews were so good that we took the chance, and I’m so glad that we did! Due to previous miscarriages we have felt quite anxious throughout this pregnancy, but Maria was so welcoming and kind, made us feel instantly at ease. We didn’t feel rushed and she took her time to explain everything. I would 100% recommend Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound to anyone. Thank you so much!
— Mr. and Mrs. Whiting
Make Your Pregnancy Scan Experience Even More Special
Heartbeat Bears
Record and play back the sound of your baby's heart beat for years to come.
Gender Reveal Cannons
Reveal your baby's gender - to yourself and/or others - with a bang.
Extra Pregnancy Scan Prints
Every pregnancy scan at Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound includes scan prints - but you can buy extra to add to an A6 photo frame, your scrapbook, or to gift to relatives.
USB sticks
Get your scan pictures on a USB stick (in addition to digital downloads) for easy access and sharing.
What Parent's Say About Maria Birch
Maria made the scan incredibly special for us
It really felt like she cared about our experience and she took the time to explain everything in detail. A huge thank you to Maria for her excellent communication before, during and after the scan. We absolutely loved every second and are so pleased we decided to have the scan. It was worth every single penny.
— Francesca Mapp
Maria was so welcoming and kind
Due to previous miscarriages we have felt quite anxious throughout this pregnancy, but Maria was so welcoming and kind, made us feel instantly at ease. We didn’t feel rushed and she took her time to explain everything.
— Mr. and Mrs. Whiting
We love how Maria talks us through every step
My partner and I found it to be a much better experience having the scan with Maria versus going to the hospital. It is so much more relaxed, calm and personalised. We love how Maria talks us through every step, what she is doing, what she is looking for and why as well as giving us time to process. It makes the process much less anxiety-provoking and much more enjoyable.
— Chloe Prince
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I have a scan?
Pregnancy can be detected on an ultrasound scan from 6 weeks. Therefore, if you are confident in your dates, prepared to have a transvaginal (internal) scan, and simply want to know that your pregnancy is viable, then you could have a scan from 6 weeks.
On the other hand, if you're not that confident in your dates and/or you would prefer to avoid an internal scan and/or you'd like a little more information in addition to assessing viability, then I recommend having an early pregnancy scan from 8 weeks.
Are extra ultrasounds safe?
If you’re pregnant and feeling unsure about how many scans are too many, you’re not alone. I’ve spoken to hundreds of women—some worried about the 'risk' of scans, frustrated by conflicting advice online and wanting some clarity. Please read my full answer in this guide: Are Extra Ultrasounds Safe? The Truth About Ultrasound Frequency.
Who can I bring with me to the scan?
You can bring 5 guests with you (6 total, including you). That might include your partner, mum, dad, children, friend - it's totally up to you. Bring whoever you want by your side - whoever you want to share the experience with.
How many scans do you need in a healthy pregnancy?
This is one of the most common (and confusing) questions expectant parents have. You might be hearing different answers from friends and family, reading conflicting information online, or feeling anxious that you haven’t had as many scans as someone else. If so, please read my answer in this guide: How Many Ultrasounds Do You Need in a Healthy Pregnancy?
What appointments do you have?
I typically scan during the day, Wednesday to Friday. Even though my schedule tends to fill up a week or more in advance, I block off time each week for urgent early pregnancy scans. And, occasionally, someone will change their appointment, freeing up a slot at short notice.
How to Book a Scan (What to do Next)
Option 1: Book a Private Pregnancy Scan Now
Learn about fertility scans, early pregnancy scans, gender scans or 4d baby scans and schedule an appointment immediately.
Option 2: Book a Scan Clarity Call
Not sure which scan you need (if any)? Book a Scan Clarity Call with Maria. She’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide the best next step—no pressure, no guesswork.
Option 3: Read More About Pregnancy Scans
Maria also runs a website called The Scan Lady, where she helps parents navigate their pregnancy journey. If you're not ready to book a scan, or you simply don't want one - that's ok. See if any of the articles below are helpful to you.
Articles by Maria That May Help
5 Signs You Should Get a Private Scan or Second Opinion
Wondering if you need a second opinion? These 5 signs may mean a private scan or expert review could offer the clarity you’re looking for.
Private vs. Public Pregnancy Scans: Key Differences
Not sure whether to go NHS or private for your scans? Learn the key differences in cost, clarity, reassurance, and scan experience.
Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans
Confused about pregnancy scans? This guide explains every scan type, when it’s done, and why—so you know what to expect at each stage.
When to Get Each Pregnancy Scan: Timeline by Trimester
Wondering when to book your scans? Here’s a clear trimester-by-trimester timeline to help you plan every pregnancy scan with confidence.
A Note From Maria
Thank you very much for visiting and considering a scan with me at Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound. It's my mission to help you navigate your pregnancy with peace of mind. If you think a scan might help you achieve that, I'd be thrilled to meet you. Either way, I wish you a very happy and healthy pregnancy.
📆 Free Pregnancy Scan Timeline
If you’re not sure whether to have a private scan, what your scan results mean, or just want some guidance and support on your pregnancy journey, that's what Maria provides on The Scan Lady website.
Start by downloading a Pregnancy Scan Timeline for a visual overview of what scans to expect, when, and why.