Concierge fetal-medicine imaging · London
First-trimester dating scan, 11-13+6 weeks — accurate dating and combined trisomy screening.
Performed at 11 weeks + 2 days to 13 weeks + 6 days, the first-trimester dating scan measures the fetal crown-rump length (CRL) to accurately date the pregnancy, and — when the parents choose — combines nuchal translucency (NT) with maternal PAPP-A and β-hCG for combined trisomy 21/18/13 screening.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant fetal-medicine sonographer — the same clinician who scans you interprets the measurements.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Dating, viability and, when consented, combined risk are usually discussed the same visit, with the written report to follow.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private first-trimester dating scan costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard dating scan in our network: £180–£320, with dating and viability confirmed the same visit.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard first-trimester dating scan | £180–£320 | 20 min | Same-day |
| Dating scan + nuchal translucency | £220–£380 | 25 min | Same-day |
| Combined trisomy screening (NT + PAPP-A + β-hCG) | £300–£500 | 30 min | Same-week |
| Combined screening + fetal-medicine consult | £500–£850 | 60 min | Same visit |
| Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) add-on | £400–£650 | 15 min | 5–7 days |
| Urgent same-week appointment | £350–£600 | Half-day | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, whether nuchal translucency and combined biochemistry are added, and whether a same-visit fetal-medicine consultation is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A first-trimester scan is only as good as who measures the NT.
Nuchal translucency has to be measured to Fetal Medicine Foundation criteria to be valid — a millimetre matters. We route you to an FMF-certified fetal-medicine sonographer, not a generalist.
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Just want accurate dates?
We arrange a straight dating scan without NT if that is all you need.
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Want the full combined screen?
FMF-standard NT plus PAPP-A and β-hCG, with a single risk figure returned within days.
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Screening came back high risk?
Same-week fetal-medicine consult, NIPT, or CVS pathway — the next step, not just the number.
The journey
From booking to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~25 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
Book at 11-13+6 weeks
The scan is only valid in this window — CRL between 45 mm and 84 mm — so timing matters. We help you count from your last menstrual period.
- 02
Before
Full bladder for transabdominal view
A moderately full bladder lifts the uterus into view. We send clear pre-scan guidance the day before your appointment.
- 03
Before
Transvaginal scan sometimes required
If views are limited — retroverted uterus, higher BMI, early gestation — a brief transvaginal scan gives the definitive picture.
- 04
On the day
CRL measured
Crown-rump length dates the pregnancy to within 3-5 days — the most accurate dating measurement in obstetrics.
- 05
On the day
Nuchal translucency measured (if consented)
A calibrated NT measurement, taken to Fetal Medicine Foundation standards, feeds the combined risk calculation.
- 06
On the day
Combined blood test result added
Maternal PAPP-A and free β-hCG are combined with NT, maternal age and CRL to produce a single trisomy 21/18/13 risk.
- 07
After
Written report and risk score
A formal report, images and — when consented — the combined risk figure, usually within 24-48 hours, with onward pathway if the risk is raised.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
What a first-trimester dating scan answers.
The scan answers a set of specific questions — dating, viability, chorionicity, combined trisomy risk and major structural anomalies. These are the findings we most often report.
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Accurate gestational-age dating
CRL between 45-84 mm dates the pregnancy to within 3-5 days.
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Nuchal translucency measurement
Fluid at the back of the fetal neck, measured to FMF standards.
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Combined trisomy 21/18/13 risk
NT + PAPP-A + β-hCG + maternal age produces a single risk figure.
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Multiple pregnancy (mono/di-chorionic)
Confirms twins or more and determines chorionicity — critical for later care.
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Early structural anomalies (major)
Anencephaly, large abdominal-wall defects and other major structural findings.
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Anembryonic pregnancy
An empty gestational sac — a missed miscarriage picked up early.
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Molar pregnancy
The characteristic ultrasound appearance of gestational trophoblastic disease.
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Red flag: NT > 3.5 mm — urgent fetal-medicine referral
A markedly increased nuchal translucency warrants same-week fetal-medicine review.
Next steps
What can follow a first-trimester scan.
The scan is a fork in the road. These are the options — from reassurance to invasive testing and onward specialist care.
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Reassurance if low risk
A low combined risk with a normal early anatomy survey is powerful reassurance to carry into pregnancy.
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Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
A maternal blood test analysing cell-free fetal DNA — used contingent on an intermediate combined risk, or as a primary screen.
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Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
A diagnostic test between 11 and 13 weeks — the answer when parents want certainty after a high-risk screen.
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Amniocentesis (from 15 weeks)
The alternative diagnostic test later in pregnancy, when CVS is no longer possible.
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Anomaly scan at 20 weeks
The definitive structural survey — every pregnancy should have one, regardless of first-trimester findings.
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Maternal-fetal medicine referral
A same-week consultant fetal-medicine review when the scan flags anything unusual.
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Multi-disciplinary team review
For complex findings, a joint fetal-medicine, obstetric and neonatal team meeting.
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Postnatal paediatric planning
Where a diagnosis is made, planning for delivery, neonatal care and long-term follow-up starts now.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant fetal-medicine sonographers, FMF-certified for NT and combined screening
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Standardised CRL and NT measurement to Fetal Medicine Foundation criteria
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Same-day discussion of findings, with a written report and risk score to follow
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Onward fetal-medicine, NIPT, CVS or amniocentesis pathway if screening is raised
Safety and red flags
One of the safest tests in medicine — with a few things to know.
Ultrasound is exceptionally safe in pregnancy. The practical points are what the scan can and cannot answer, and which findings need urgent onward care.
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Painless, radiation-free
A handheld probe and gel — no needles, no radiation, no contrast.
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Warm gel used
The contact gel is warmed, so the transabdominal scan is comfortable from the first touch.
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Position on the couch
You lie on your back with a moderately full bladder — that is the whole preparation.
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Transvaginal is safe in pregnancy
Where views are limited, a transvaginal scan is safe at this stage and quickly gets the answer.
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Screening, not diagnosis
The combined test gives a risk figure — a high risk is not a diagnosis, and needs NIPT or CVS to confirm.
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Anti-D planning in RhD-negative women
If invasive testing follows, RhD status guides anti-D prophylaxis — we flag this to the fetal-medicine team.
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A normal scan is not a full clear
The anomaly scan at 20 weeks is the definitive structural survey — first-trimester ultrasound catches only major findings.
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NIPT sometimes a follow-on
For borderline or intermediate combined risk, NIPT is often the next step before considering invasive testing.
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Bring dating and prior imaging
Your LMP date, any prior scan and — for repeat pregnancies — previous obstetric history materially sharpen the report.
Red flags — call us or your fetal-medicine team the same day
- NT > 3.5 mm
- Suspected structural anomaly
- Molar pregnancy
- Missed miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Monochorionic multiples with size discordance
- High combined risk (> 1:150)
- Reduced fetal movement (later)
- Placenta praevia / vasa praevia flag
Reading your report
A first-trimester report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your obstetrician, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and gestational age
Your details, the reason for the scan, LMP-based gestational age and the scan gestation.
- 02 Technique
Transabdominal and transvaginal views
Which approach was used, image quality, and whether views met FMF criteria for NT.
- 03 Findings
CRL, NT, biochemistry, anatomy survey
Crown-rump length, nuchal translucency, PAPP-A and β-hCG values, and the early anatomy survey.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Dating, viability, chorionicity, combined risk figure and the concrete next step — read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about the first-trimester dating scan.
Quick answers on cost, timing, NT vs NIPT, and when CVS or amniocentesis come in.
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What does a first-trimester dating scan show?
It confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus and viable, dates it accurately using crown-rump length (CRL), and — when parents choose — combines nuchal translucency with maternal PAPP-A and β-hCG to give a single combined risk for trisomy 21, 18 and 13. It also detects the most major structural anomalies and confirms singleton or multiple pregnancy.
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When should the scan be done?
The window is 11 weeks + 2 days to 13 weeks + 6 days — CRL between 45 mm and 84 mm. Outside that window the combined risk calculation is invalid, and dating is done from second-trimester biometry instead.
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How much does a private dating scan cost in London?
A standard dating scan is typically £180–£320 in our network; adding nuchal translucency raises the price to £220–£380, and the full combined trisomy screen with PAPP-A and β-hCG runs £300–£500. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
-
What is nuchal translucency?
A small pocket of fluid at the back of the fetal neck. All fetuses have some — the measurement, when combined with maternal blood biochemistry and age, adjusts the background risk for trisomy 21, 18 and 13. An NT above 3.5 mm warrants urgent fetal-medicine referral regardless of the combined risk figure.
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Is combined screening the same as NIPT?
No. Combined screening uses ultrasound plus a maternal blood test to produce a risk. NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) analyses cell-free fetal DNA in a maternal blood sample and is more accurate — but still a screen, not a diagnosis. Diagnosis requires CVS or amniocentesis.
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When would I need CVS or amniocentesis?
When screening returns a high risk — typically > 1:150 on combined screening, or a high-risk NIPT — and the parents want a definitive answer. CVS is performed at 11-13 weeks; amniocentesis from 15 weeks.
Sources
- NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP). Combined screening for trisomy 21, 18 and 13.
- Fetal Medicine Foundation. First-trimester screening standards and NT measurement criteria.
- RCOG. Green-top Guidelines on antenatal care and screening.
- NICE. Antenatal care (NG201).
Published 2026-07-30 · Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, · Next review 2027-07-30 · Reading time ~5 min
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In practice, in London
Where first trimester dating scan sits in a private London pathway
With first trimester dating scan, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. On the NHS, first trimester dating scan typically sits behind a triage step and a wait that can stretch from a few weeks into months. In London’s private sector, the same appointment often lands within days. That speed matters when symptoms are disrupting work, sleep, or a plan you’d already committed to — and it’s the single most common reason people call us in the first place.
A private first trimester dating scan pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For first trimester dating scan specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
The value of going through a concierge for first trimester dating scan isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.
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