Why I Opened Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound (And What I Wish I’d Known Sooner)

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 now: waiting, wondering, and worrying.

Without a doubt, the best part of my job is supporting expectant parents like you in early pregnancy.

Why? Because I know how nerve-wracking it can be.

I was around 7 weeks pregnant when the questions started…

“Are they healthy?”

“Is everything OK in there?”

There wasn’t really any need for me to feel anxious. I hadn’t experienced any pain or bleeding. I hadn’t suffered miscarriages or struggled to conceive.

In fact, the only signs I was pregnant were:

1. Two blue lines on a pregnancy test  

2. Running to the loo every hour to be sick

Even though I knew morning sickness was normal, I worried that I was flushing away vital nutrients — and wondered what effect that might be having on my baby.

Ultimately, I knew I’d be worried no matter what… until I’d seen my baby with my own eyes.

I booked a private early pregnancy scan

I couldn’t bear the idea of waiting another 5–7 weeks for my first NHS scan.

Although I’d scanned thousands of women, I’d never been on the other side as a patient. I was nervous. Not of the scan itself — but of what it might reveal.

On the day of my appointment, I remember walking up the stairs to the clinic with my heart pounding. It felt like a job interview — only worse.

The sonographer lifted my top, tucked some tissue into my leggings, and gently pressed the ultrasound probe onto my abdomen.  

The tension in the room was thick.

“Should I look?” I thought.  

And then I did.

There, right in front of my eyes, was Mabel’s racing heart.

I felt like I was floating.

But the scan was rushed…

Just a few short minutes after seeing Mabel’s heartbeat, I was being ushered out of the room.

Yes, the sonographer was friendly.  

And yes, I was relieved.

But I wanted to take a deep breath. To savour the moment. To let the relief sink in.

That experience changed everything for me — because I realised that the scan itself is only part of the experience.  

The time, the support, the space to process — those matter just as much.

That’s why I opened Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound

Not every parent has it easy in early pregnancy. Some face anxiety, uncertainty, or previous losses. Some just want more time. More explanation. More kindness.

So I decided to create the service I wish I’d had:  

A clinic where you’re given time to ask questions, to understand what you’re seeing, and to walk away feeling heard.

A personal scan, not a production line

My private scan lasted 15 minutes at most.  

At Sneak-A-Peek, you get 30-45 minutes (depending on the scan type). That’s at least double the time.

That means:

• If all is well, you can relax and enjoy the moment  
• If anything looks unclear, we won’t rush — I’ll explain everything  
• And if support is needed, I’ll guide you with compassion

Either way, you’ll be treated with kindness, with clarity, and with the same level of care I wanted for myself.

Next steps

If you’re nearby in Barnstaple, Bideford, South Molton, or anywhere across North Devon, I’d love to welcome you to Sneak-A-Peek for a calm, unhurried early pregnancy scan or other pregnancy scan.

But if you’re not quite ready to book—or you’re outside the area and still need support—there’s another way I can help.

At The Scan Lady, I offer virtual pregnancy scan support for women all over the UK and beyond. It’s the resource I wish I’d had myself: a place to get answers, clarity, and genuine reassurance from a registered sonographer—without needing to book a full scan.

You’ll find blog articles that explain your scan results in plain English, plus a free expert-backed guide to your pregnancy scan timeline—so you know exactly what to expect, when to book, and why each scan matters.

And if you’re still feeling unsure?

You can always book a Scan Clarity Call, where we’ll talk one-to-one about your symptoms, questions, or scan results—no pressure, just support.

or

or