If you’ve just found out you’re expecting—congratulations! Whether this is your first baby or your third, the world suddenly gets filled with questions. One thing every parent will hear from midwives, GPs, and family is: “When are you booked in for your baby scan?”

Here in Bolton, pregnancy scans are a rite of passage. From the early NHS appointments at Royal Bolton Hospital to friendly private clinics like Chequers Health Group, every mum and dad wants to know:

• What exactly happens at a baby scan?
• How many will you have?
• Are private scans worth the money?
• Is it safe?

Let’s answer all those and more, in plain English, with the real Bolton experience.

A baby scan—or ultrasound—is a safe, painless test that lets you see your baby on a screen. Sonographers (ultrasound specialists) use sound waves (no radiation) to create live images.

You’ll see:

• Baby’s shape, heartbeat, and movements
• How far along you really are
• Whether you’re having one baby or more
• (Later) A close look at organs, limbs, the placenta, and sometimes even a little yawn or stretch

Pregnancy scans are the main way the NHS and private clinics check your baby is growing well.

NHS Baby Scans

• Free for every pregnant woman registered with a local GP
• You’ll usually get a 12-week “dating scan” and a 20-week “anomaly scan” as standard
• Extra scans only if there are medical concerns (like twins, growth issues, or bleeding)

Local NHS providers:

• Royal Bolton Hospital Maternity Unit
• Some community clinics (ask your midwife)

Private Baby Scans:

• Booked direct with clinics like Chequers Health Group on Rushlake Drive
• You choose the date and time—weekends and evenings often available
• More options: early reassurance scans, gender scans, 3D/4D keepsakes, extra growth checks
• Cost: £39–£150+ depending on type

Why do parents book private scans?

• Extra peace of mind (especially after IVF or previous loss)
• Early gender reveal (before NHS offers it)
• Flexible appointments if work/childcare makes NHS times tricky
• Wanting a fun, family experience (more guests allowed, photo prints, videos, etc.)

Tip: NHS scans are automatic (hospital books them for you). Private scans—just ring up and choose your slot.

Early Pregnancy Scan (Private, 6–10 Weeks)

• Tiny flicker of a heartbeat on screen (the “blob with a flashing dot”)
• Confirm pregnancy is in the womb (not ectopic)
• If you’ve had bleeding or IVF, many parents choose this for peace of mind
• Most accurate for dating in the first trimester

12-Week Dating Scan (NHS or Private)

• The baby looks more like, well, a baby!
• Measurement from “crown to rump” sets your official due date
• Blood test & nuchal fold check for Down’s syndrome (combined test)
• Expect a print-out to show family (and start the photo album)

Gender Scan (Private, from 16 Weeks)

• About 95% accurate—sometimes babies keep their legs crossed!
• Find out early, before NHS would tell you
• Some clinics include heartbeat video, little gift bags, or “gender reveal” extras

20-Week Anomaly Scan (NHS)

• Full MOT for baby: checks brain, heart, kidneys, stomach, limbs, spine, face, and placenta
• Can often confirm gender if you ask
• If anything looks odd, you’ll get fast support from the fetal medicine team at the hospital

Growth/Wellbeing Scans (Private or NHS if needed)

• Check if baby’s growing as expected (especially if bump is measuring small/large, or with twins)
• Look at blood flow in cord, amniotic fluid levels, baby’s position
• 3D/4D scans for those who want a keepsake video and photos (not medically essential, but great fun for family bonding)

What’s Accurate:

• Due date: very accurate at 12-week scan
• Gender: about 95% after 16 weeks (if baby plays along!)
• Major organ and limb problems: most picked up at the 20-week scan
• Baby’s growth: good estimate, but late in pregnancy it can be less precise

What Scans Can Miss:

• Some heart, brain, or genetic problems (not visible on ultrasound)
• Things that develop after the scan (labour risks, some late complications)
• Baby’s personality, hair colour, or whether they’ll sleep through the night (if only!)

• Ultrasound has been used for over 50 years—no radiation, no pain, no known risk to mum or baby
• NHS and reputable private clinics (like Chequers) only employ trained sonographers and follow strict guidelines
• Keep the appointment short and don’t worry about the number of scans—the NHS, RCOG, and British Medical Ultrasound Society all agree: diagnostic ultrasound is safe

Tip: Always check what’s included (photos, digital images, family members allowed) before you book.

1. Arrival – Chequers is easy to find on Rushlake Drive, with free parking outside. Reception staff greet you by name.
2. Paperwork – Show your maternity notes or booking details.
3. The Scan – Lie back, warm gel on tummy, and the sonographer starts scanning.
4. On Screen – You and your partner can watch everything live. Sonographer explains what’s what—head, arms, feet, heartbeat.
5. Questions Welcome – Ask anything! Want to see baby’s toes again? Just say.
6. Photos – Printouts to keep. Digital copy often available before you’ve even left the car park.
7. Aftercare – Get a full explanation, what comes next, and who to call if you have questions later.

Many families stop for a cuppa on the way out—or share the photos on WhatsApp before they’ve got their shoes back on!

“We had our early reassurance scan at Chequers and left feeling so relieved. The sonographer talked us through every step. We got to see our little one’s heartbeat and went home grinning ear to ear.”

— Emily & Dan, Horwich

“I’d heard the NHS scans were quick, but my private 4D scan at Chequers was a full-on family event—my partner cried, my mum filmed it, and the sonographer made us all feel right at home.”

— Leah, Farnworth

“Booked a last-minute growth scan at 36 weeks because I was panicking. The team were brilliant—no rush, no judgement, just reassurance. Our little lad was fine and I finally got some sleep that night.”

— Ahmed, Astley Bridge

Whether you’re keen to meet your baby early, want a keepsake photo, or just want peace of mind, Chequers Health Group is here for every Bolton family.

Call 01204 928850, pop in to Rushlake Drive, or book online—our team is ready to help you feel confident, informed, and excited every step of the way.