Early Pregnancy Scan Barnstaple

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?

An early pregnancy scan—also called a viability scan—is a private ultrasound performed during the first trimester, typically between 6 and 11 weeks.

It’s designed to:

• Confirm a pregnancy inside the uterus
• Detect your baby’s heartbeat
• Check for single or multiple pregnancies
• Provide an accurate estimated due date

We also check the uterus and surrounding area to help rule out concerns such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

When should I book an early scan in Barnstaple?

You can book an early scan from 6 weeks gestation, based on your last menstrual period (LMP). 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

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 happens at the 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

You don’t need a referral. Many women book directly for peace of mind.

What if I don’t know how far along I am?

That’s absolutely fine. We’ll measure your baby and calculate a more accurate gestation based on size. It is common to be unsure of dates, especially if your cycles are irregular or you’ve recently stopped birth control. If it’s too early to see what we need, we’ll explain clearly and offer a free rescan at a later date where appropriate.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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?

Of course. Our clinic is comfortable for up to 5 guest, 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 you get for your money

Bonus: 2 premium scan prints

With a regular early pregnancy scan, you get a roll of 4 black and white printed pictures of your baby.

With the premium version, you still get 4 prints in a roll, but you also get 2 premium pictures. These are individual prints - thicker, glossier, and A6 size - ideal for a scrapbook, picture frame, or gifting.

We understand—booking a scan can feel like a big step, especially early in pregnancy.

If you’re feeling unsure, anxious, or simply want to speak to a professional before deciding, we offer a Scan Clarity Call: a short one-to-one conversation with our NHS-trained sonographer to help you:

• Understand what each scan includes  
• Decide if now is the right time to scan  
• Get clarity on your symptoms, dates, or concerns  
• Feel supported before making any decisions  

There’s no pressure to book—just expert guidance, compassion, and answers.

👉 Schedule a Scan Clarity Call and take the first step at your own pace.

Related services

• Fertility scans
• Gender scans
• 4d scans