The Truth About Private Pregnancy Scans: What the Latest BBC Report Means for You

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Why it’s making headlines—and how to protect yourself and your baby

A growing number of investigations and expert warnings are raising concerns about the safety, regulation and consistency of private pregnancy scan clinics in the UK. According to the Society of Radiographers and reports published in national media, private high street scan providers are increasingly uncovering serious issues: missed diagnoses of ectopic pregnancies, spina bifida and major fetal anomalies; unqualified staff operating under minimal oversight; and a confusing gap between commercial “reassurance” scans and clinical diagnostic services. BBC NEWS ARTICLE

In other words: the private scan market is booming—but so are the questions about whether all providers are equipped, regulated and accountable to deliver safe, accurate care.

How This Relates to NHS Maternity Care

The NHS remains the backbone of maternity care in the UK, offering routine scans (typically at 11–14 weeks and again at 18–21 weeks) and monitoring throughout pregnancy. tommys.org+1 But we understand that:

• Some parents feel rushed, anxious or under‑informed during NHS appointments.

• Waiting times and partner restrictions can prompt families to seek private reassurance.

• A private scan can complement NHS care—but it must not replace it.

The key message: Private care does not provide automatic access to the same regulatory framework, governance or escalation pathways that NHS‑led services offer. That means you need to be clear about what you’re booking—and why.

What to Look Out For: A Parent’s Checklist

When considering a private scan provider, ask the following:

1. Who is performing the scan?
   Is the clinician a registered consultant obstetrician, or a trained sonographer? Are they regulated by bodies such as the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) or listed on the voluntary Register of Clinical Technologists? lexology.com+1

2. What type of scan is this?
   Is it a diagnostic scan (intended to detect anomalies) or a souvenir/reassurance scan (often limited, not intended to replace NHS screening)? Osbornes Law

3. What happens if something is flagged?
   Ask about referral pathways. Will findings be communicated to your NHS team? Who will interpret results? Is there follow‑up support?

4. Is the clinic regulated and inspected?
   Check for registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and review inspection reports. lexology.com+1

5. How long is the appointment and what is the process?
   Beware of “conveyor‑belt” bookings (5–10 minutes) that may not provide adequate time for a full assessment or explanation. Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound

Our Perspective: Private & Holistic Services Together

At Bubba & Me we work with families who seek both evidence‑led medical oversight and personalised antenatal, birth‑prep and postpartum support. One of our trusted referral partners is the The Pregnancy Clinic in Sevenoaks (led by consultant obstetrician Professor Ranjit Akolekar). This combination allows us to integrate:

• Clinical safety (via consultant‑led, fully regulated services)

• Holistic support (via antenatal education, wellness treatments, breastfeeding and postpartum care)

• Continuity of care (from pregnancy to postpartum)

Our message: You deserve both – specialist medical support and deeply informed, supportive education and wellness.

As Professor Ranjit Akolekar, consultant obstetrician at The Pregnancy Clinic, says:

Recent reports highlighting the use of non-specialist or unqualified personnel to perform pregnancy scans are deeply concerning, as they may compromise the safety and wellbeing of both mother and baby. Inaccurate assessments can lead to false reassurance or, conversely, incorrect diagnoses—both of which carry significant emotional and clinical consequences. Expectant women and their families are therefore advised to exercise care when selecting high-street scanning services, to avoid unnecessary distress or adverse outcomes.

Despite remarkable advances in imaging technology, it is still the skill, expertise, training and experience of the professional conducting the scan—not merely the sophistication of the ultrasound equipment—that ensures accurate and meaningful results and truly makes the difference.

The Pregnancy Clinic in Sevenoaks, founded by Professor Ranjit Akolekar, provides exceptional, consultant-led pregnancy care and ultrasound services delivered exclusively by Consultants in Fetal and Maternal Medicine. The clinic’s mission is to deliver world-class, evidence-based care in a serene and supportive environment, combining clinical excellence with compassionate and personalised discussions about each pregnancy’s findings and management plan.

The Pregnancy Clinic is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism.

What You Can Do Now

• Keep your NHS routine appointments – they remain your core maternity pathway.

• If booking a private scan, take the time to ask the questions above.

• Understand what your scan offers—and what it doesn’t.

• Don’t rely on a “reassurance” scan alone if you’re experiencing symptoms (bleeding, pain, reduced fetal movements) – always contact your midwife, GP or Early Pregnancy Unit. tommys.org

• Use holistic resources: education, mindfulness, personalised support – to complement your care. That’s where we come in.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a time of hope, anticipation and sometimes understandable anxiety. It’s important that every step you take—from scans to treatments to education—is built on clarity, trust and rigour. If you ever feel unsure or want to explore your options further, we’re here to walk alongside you.