Maria Birch is a registered sonographer and founder of Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound, offering calm, expert care. She also runs The Scan Lady, providing global pregnancy scan support and reassurance.
From 6 Weeks – Early Pregnancy Reassurance in Barnstaple If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant—congratulations! You might be feeling a mix of joy, nerves, and a thousand questions. One of the first big steps on your pregnancy journey is your first ultrasound scan. But what does it
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer Last updated: 2nd July 2025 You’ve just seen those two pink lines. Or the word “pregnant” on the test. Your heart’s racing. Your mind’s spinning. Now what? Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth, the early days can feel
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer Last updated: 2nd July 2025 If you’re newly pregnant, you’re probably wondering: “When will I have my first scan on the NHS?” The short answer: 🗓️ Your first routine NHS scan usually happens between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is often
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer Last updated: 2nd July 2025 When the BBC published its undercover investigation into private pregnancy scans, the headlines were shocking—but, sadly, not surprising to those of us who’ve worked in both public and private ultrasound settings. From missed diagnoses of serious conditions
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer Last updated: 2nd July 2025 If you’re thinking about booking a 4D baby scan, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What’s the best time to do it?” Here’s the simple answer: 👉 The best window for 4D scans is between 24 and 34
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer Last updated: 2nd July 2025 If you’re newly pregnant, one of the first questions that might cross your mind is: “When should I book my first ultrasound scan?” The answer depends on a few key factors—your dates, symptoms, preferences, and what you
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer Last updated: 2nd July 2025. If you’ve just had a positive pregnancy test, you might be asking: “How soon can I get an ultrasound to confirm everything is okay?” It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked at Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound.
By Maria Birch, UK-Registered Obstetric Sonographer If you’re approaching the halfway point in your pregnancy, chances are you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves about your 20-week scan—also called the anomaly scan or mid-pregnancy ultrasound. As a sonographer (and mum of two), I’ve performed thousands
If you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant, I’d love to help ease your mind as soon as possible. My name is Maria, and I’ve been an obstetric sonographer for over 9 years. I also have a daughter called Mabel — and I’ve been exactly where you are