Early Pregnancy Scan in Barnstaple
Private reassurance from 6 weeks with an NHS-trained sonographer in North Devon
Feeling anxious or uncertain? You're not alone.
The first weeks of pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, nerves, and countless questions. If you’re wondering whether everything is progressing as it should, an early pregnancy scan in Barnstaple can offer the clarity and comfort you need.
At Sneak-a-Peek Ultrasound, we welcome you with warmth, expertise, and privacy. We’ve supported hundreds of women across Barnstaple, Bideford, South Molton, and beyond—helping them feel confident and informed, especially in the early weeks.
What is an Early Pregnancy Scan?
Also called a viability scan, it’s a private ultrasound between 6 and 11 weeks gestation, designed to:
- Confirm your pregnancy is in the uterus
- Detect a heartbeat
- Check for single or multiple pregnancies
- Measure the baby and estimate your due date
- Assess the surrounding area for signs of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
Most parents choose to book between 7–9 weeks, when the heartbeat is clearer.
When Should I Book an Early Scan?
You can book an early scan from 6 weeks gestation, based on your last menstrual period (LMP) (see where this fits into your pregnancy scan timeline). Many women choose to book between 7 and 9 weeks, when the baby and heartbeat are more likely to be clearly visible.
An early pregnancy scan may be particularly helpful if:
- You’ve had IVF or assisted conception
- You’re unsure of your dates
- You’ve experienced pain, spotting, or anxiety
- You'd like reassurance and peace of mind
Not sure how far along you are? No problem — we’ll check your baby’s size and provide a more accurate estimate.
What Will The Scan Show?
At this stage, your baby is still very small—but there’s so much we can see:
- Gestational sac and yolk sac
- Fetal pole (baby itself)
- Presence of heartbeat
- Size of baby (CRL – crown-rump length)
- Confirmation of how many weeks pregnant you are
Your scan will include a detailed explanation throughout, and you’ll receive printed images to take home.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your comfort and privacy are our priority. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll be welcomed to our calm, private clinic in Barnstaple—easy to reach from Bideford, South Molton, and surrounding towns.
- The scan is usually performed abdominally. If your uterus is tilted or the view is unclear, a transvaginal scan may be offered (always with your full informed consent).
- We explain everything we see in real-time and answer any questions you have.
- We allow time for emotion, support, and clarity—not rushed appointments.
- You’ll leave with a report and printed scan images.
Is an Early Pregnancy Scan Right For Me?
An early pregnancy scan is especially useful if:
- You’ve had a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- You’re pregnant after IVF or fertility treatment
- You have no symptoms and feel unsure
- You want to confirm viability before sharing news
- You simply want reassurance before your NHS scan (here’s how private vs NHS scans compare in early pregnancy.)
You don’t need a referral — many parents just want clarity and reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don't know my dates?
It’s more common than you think. Irregular cycles, birth control, or recent miscarriage can make LMP tricky to track. We’ll measure your baby on scan and calculate the gestation for you. If it’s too early to confirm what we need, we’ll explain everything.
How early can I have a scan?
You can book from 6 weeks gestation, but many people wait until 7–8 weeks for more clarity.
Do I need a full bladder?
Yes, for abdominal scans we recommend arriving with a comfortably full bladder to help us get a clear image.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely. Our clinic is comfortable for up to 5 guests, so please feel free to bring your partner, children, friends and/or relatives to share the moment with you.
What if something doesn't look right?
Maria will explain everything with empathy and care. If a concern arises, she'll help you understand next steps and refer you to NHS care as needed.
What Parents Say
We had a bad experience at [COMPANY REMOVED] in [LOCATION 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. Coming away with all of the photos and videos that we watch over and over! Oh and a lovely free fridge magnet! I would 100% recommend Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound to anyone. Thank you so much!
- Rhea Whiting
If I hadn’t experienced a miscarriage previously I probably would have been patient and waited for my 12-week scan
But I loved the personal experience we had when seeing our baby for the very first time. We didn’t feel like just another couple and just another scan, it very much felt like a personal experience.
Maria is incredibly knowledgeable and talks you through everything she can see on screen. We felt reassured heading into the Christmas period that our baby is growing as expected and is healthy. This will allow us to enjoy Christmas without wishing it to be over to get to January to have our 12-week scan.
I would 100% recommend Sneak-A-Peek, the experience exceeded our expectations and we were so pleased with our lovely images and videos of our baby. The environment is so relaxing and nothing like the clinical environment you’d receive within the hospital. Thank you so so much for such a lovely experience.
- Lauren Meredith
It was mostly nerves and anxiety that might have prevented me from booking a scan
But being able to take our son was great, and we had more time than we usually would at the hospital to take it all in and really enjoy watching our baby for a little while. We felt very reassured and happy. Our son was over the moon to see his little brother/or sister! Overall, it was a wonderful experience and being able to watch the videos back with my family is fab! Huge thank you to Maria x
- Holly Parr
The distance might have stopped us from booking as [COMPANY REMOVED] is closer to our home.
I'm glad we booked, though. Seeing our first baby for the first time and having the reassurance that everything is okay was the best part! We also liked getting confirmation of pregnancy and the reassurance that there was a heart beat as well as measuring on track. Maria was very welcoming and friendly. The location was easy to find, thanks to the emails sent after booking, and the room was lovely. I also appreciated the videos and information sent prior to the appointment to put my mind at ease as to what to expect.
- Becca Jones
Your Scan Options and Prices
A) Regular Early Pregnancy Scan
- Early Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan: 30-minute appointment so you don’t feel rushed
- 7-Step Fetal Well-Being Assessment: comprehensive health check of you and your baby
- Rapid NHS Referral: if necessary, you will be referred to your local NHS service immediately
- Digital Scan Pictures: all saved scan images sent by email to download after scan
- 4 x Regular Scan Prints: a roll of 4 printed black & white scan pictures (similar to NHS)
- Price: £115
B) Premium Early Pregnancy Scan
- Everything in Regular, plus...
- 🖼️ 2 x Premium Scan Prints: 2 individual scan pictures suitable for frames and scrapbooks (A6 size)
Price: £118
Not Ready to Book?
That’s okay.
If you’re feeling unsure or want some more information about pregnancy scans, visit The Scan Lady — Maria’s online platform for global pregnancy scan guidance.
👩⚕️ The Scan Lady offers:
- Scan interpretation and guidance
- Reassurance from a CQC- and HCPC-registered sonographer
- Answers to your early pregnancy scan questions
→ Get support at The Scan Lady
Or, if you’d prefer to speak directly to a professional before booking, you can book a Scan Clarity Call — a short, no-pressure chat to ask questions and feel heard.
Book Your Early Pregnancy Scan
Appointments are available weekly. Early slots fill fast — book today for reassurance when you need it most.
👉 Book a regular or premium early pregnancy scan in Barnstaple now.