We are fully registered, regulated, and inspected by the CQC. All our scans are carried out by experienced, NHS-registered and qualified sonographers. Click here to find out more
Baby Scan Studio, 1 The Glenmore Centre, Moat Way, Ashford, Kent TN24 0TL
Our dating scan is designed to provide reassurance and clarity during the early weeks of pregnancy.
Available between 9 and 12 weeks of gestation, this scan helps accurately date your pregnancy, confirms healthy development, and provides a clearer understanding of what to expect next.
What Happens During Your Dating Scan?
During your appointment, our experienced sonographers will carefully assess your pregnancy to:
Confirm the location of the pregnancy, helping to rule out an ectopic pregnancy
Determine gestational age, showing how far along you are
Confirm whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy
Check for your baby’s heartbeat
Provide an estimated due date, based on accurate measurements
What’s Included in Your Dating Scan:
2D ultrasound scan – we will begin with an abdominal scan across the top of your tummy; if the view is unclear, a transvaginal scan may be offered or required (Please drink plenty of water and arrive with a comfortably full bladder)
Black and white 2D ultrasound image to take home
Measurement of the gestational sac helps to determine your baby’s age and estimated due date
Visualisation of the yolk sac, which provides essential early nutrition to your baby
Observation of your baby’s heartbeat, depending on the stage of development
A dating scan is an important early milestone, offering both reassurance and accurate information as your pregnancy continues.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain or bleeding, we recommend contacting your local hospital’s Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit or calling NHS 111 for advice. If you’re still worried after this, we’re happy to book you in for a scan.
Bringing Guests
You’re welcome to bring guests to your scan, but as this is a very early stage of pregnancy, we advise not bringing children.
Please check our Terms & Conditions to see how many guests you can bring.
Scans are for those aged 18 or over.
NHS Scans
This scan is a private service and does not replace your routine NHS diagnostic scans.
Scan Duration & Safety
We scan only for as long as necessary to meet the purpose of your appointment — this helps to protect you and your baby. We follow professional safety guidelines set by BMUS (British Medical Ultrasound Society) and regularly update our procedures. You can view the latest guidance on their website.
What the Dating Scan Includes
Available between 9 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, this scan is designed to give you peace of mind in early pregnancy. We will:
Confirm the pregnancy is in the right place
Check how far along you are (gestational age)
Confirm a heartbeat
Check for a single or multiple pregnancy
Provide an estimated due date
Abdominal or Transvaginal Scans
Our experienced sonographers can perform both abdominal (over your tummy) and transvaginal (internal) scans.
While most scans are abdominal, a transvaginal scan may be needed in early pregnancy to get a clearer view. We’ll always explain the process clearly and only proceed with your full consent.
Referrals to the NHS
If we believe you need further checks, we’ll discuss this with you and provide a copy of your report to take to your NHS care provider.
Please ensure you follow up with your NHS provider as soon as possible. (See our Terms & Conditions for more details.)
A £10 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking (payable by debit card). This will be deducted from the total cost of your chosen package.
Appointments only – no walk-ins accepted.
You must be 18 or over to attend.
If you need a translator, please let us know before your appointment.
If you have maternity records or recent NHS scan reports, please bring them with you.
Dating Pregnancy Scan FAQs
Dating scans are available from 9 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, please note that this scan does not replace your routine 12-week NHS scan.
Your health and your baby’s wellbeing are our top priorities. The sonographer will talk you through the scan findings during your appointment and you’ll receive a printed report before you leave.If anything requires further investigation, the sonographer will explain it clearly. With your consent, we’ll refer you to your NHS care provider for follow-up, and we’ll provide a written report to take with you. It's important that you contact your NHS provider promptly if advised.We follow strict medical guidelines and have a clear referral process to ensure you receive the best possible care.
We understand it can be difficult to work out your exact dates, but we only offer dating scans from 9 weeks onwards. This is because, from 9 weeks, we should be able to detect your baby’s heartbeat using an abdominal (tummy) scan, without needing a transvaginal scan.Tip: If your periods are irregular, please ensure your first positive pregnancy test was at least 4 weeks before your scan appointment. If you're unsure of your dates, feel free to contact us — we're happy to help.
We only offer our services to adults aged 18 and over.
For your dating scan, especially if it’s your first one, we recommend not bringing children or large groups, as the scan may sometimes require a transvaginal examination.You are welcome to bring one supportive person with you to help ease any nerves. Later in pregnancy, you may bring up to three guests to enjoy the experience with you.
No referral is needed — you can book directly with us.If you have health concerns, it can be helpful to share your scan results with your GP. We offer same-day appointments and provide a clear written report at your visit.If the sonographer identifies anything that needs further attention, they’ll discuss it with you and, with your permission, refer you to your NHS provider for further checks.
Our sonographers are fully trained and experienced in both abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound scans.Most scans are performed over your tummy, but in some cases — especially early in pregnancy (before 8 weeks) — a transvaginal scan may be recommended for a clearer image. If this is the case, everything will be explained to you beforehand and we’ll only proceed with your full consent.Please avoid bringing children to early pregnancy or transvaginal scan appointments.Fertility and women’s health scans are also often best performed using a transvaginal method.
Optional Extras On The Day
Pregnancy Announcement Box (Large)
Only £24
A beautifully presented keepsake box designed to reveal your exciting news in the most memorable way. Perfect for surprising partners, family, and friends with your special announcement, which can be customised.
Pregnancy Announcement Box (Small)
Only £18
A beautifully presented keepsake box designed to reveal your exciting news in the most memorable way. Perfect for surprising partners, family, and friends with your special announcement, which can be customised.
Gender Reveal – Little Knitted Booties
Only £20
A charming pair of tiny knitted booties presented in a gift-ready box, creating a sweet and unforgettable way to reveal your baby’s gender to loved ones.
Gender Reveal – Smoke Grenade
Only £25
A vibrant, crowd-pleasing smoke grenade that releases a burst of colour for an unforgettable gender reveal moment, perfect for photos and celebrations.
Gender Reveal Scratch Card
Only £9
A fun and interactive scratch card that reveals your baby’s gender with a simple swipe, making it a cute and memorable way to share the exciting news.
Gender Reveal Balloons
Only £15
Simply fill it with your choice of pink or blue confetti, then pop the balloon when you’re ready for the big reveal! You’ll be treated to a shower of fluttery coloured confetti!
Gender Reveal Confetti Cannon
Only £15
Add a POP of excitement to your gender reveal, pop these confetti cannons to reveal a shower of pink or blue confetti to show your having a girl or boy.
Gender Reveal Golf Balls
Only £25
These gender reveal golf balls let you tee-off in spectacular fashion, showing everyone the gender of your baby in a puff of blue or pink smoke.
Gender Reveal Smoke Cannon
Only £20
Announce your new baby with a bang – this gender reveal paint cannon will let out a puff of coloured smoke with a scattering of confetti to make your gender reveal extra special
Love at First Sight Photo Frame
Only £10
2D baby scan photo in a beautiful frame
Teddies
Only £25
A selection of cute teddies for that special moment
The purpose of a dating scan in Ashford is to determine the gestational age of the pregnancy and ensure the health of the developing baby during the early stages of pregnancy.
Can I have a dating scan at 6 weeks in Ashford?
You can have a dating scan at 6 weeks in Ashford, but it may be too early to get a clear view of the baby. Dating scans are typically recommended between 9-12 weeks of pregnancy for the best results.
Do I need a full bladder for a dating scan?
For a dating scan, you do not need a full bladder. The scan can be performed with a normal, comfortably full bladder.
How long does a dating scan take in Ashford?
A dating scan in Ashford typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
What is the difference between a dating scan and a viability scan?
The difference between a dating scan and a viability scan is that a dating scan is performed between 9-12 weeks to determine the gestational age, while a viability scan is done after 6 weeks to check the baby's heartbeat.
Can a dating scan detect any fetal abnormalities?
A dating scan can provide some information about fetal development, but it is primarily used to confirm gestational age and does not routinely screen for fetal abnormalities. More comprehensive screening tests are available later in pregnancy.
What is the ideal time for a dating ultrasound scan?
The ideal time for a dating ultrasound scan is between 9 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, as this is when the scan can accurately determine the gestational age and confirm the due date.
What is the cost of a dating scan in Ashford?
The cost of a dating scan in Ashford is £99.
Can a dating scan detect multiple pregnancies?
A dating scan can detect multiple pregnancies, as it provides a clear image of the uterus, allowing the healthcare provider to identify the presence of more than one fetus.
Is a dating ultrasound scan safe for the fetus?
Dating ultrasound scans are considered safe for the fetus as they use non-ionizing sound waves to obtain images, which do not pose any known risks to the developing baby when performed by qualified professionals.
How is a dating scan different from an ultrasound?
A dating scan is a specific type of ultrasound scan performed between 9-12 weeks of pregnancy to determine the gestational age and due date, unlike a general ultrasound which can be performed at any stage of pregnancy.
What are the benefits of a dating ultrasound scan in pregnancy?
A dating ultrasound scan in pregnancy helps confirm gestational age, monitor fetal development, and provide reassurance about the health of the pregnancy during the early stages.
How long does a dating scan typically take?
A dating scan typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Can I eat before a dating scan in Ashford?
You can eat before a dating scan in Ashford, as there are no dietary restrictions for this procedure. It is recommended to have a light meal or snack prior to the appointment to ensure you are comfortable during the scan.
When is the best time for a dating scan?
The best time for a dating scan is typically between 9 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, as this allows for an accurate assessment of the gestational age and confirms the due date.
What is a dating ultrasound scan used for in pregnancy?
A dating ultrasound scan is used to determine the gestational age of a pregnancy and ensure the health of the developing baby during the early stages of pregnancy.
Do I need to book a dating scan in Ashford?
Yes, you need to book a dating scan appointment at our Baby Scan Studio in Ashford to have your early pregnancy scan between 9 and 12 weeks.
How accurate are dating scans in determining gestational age?
Dating scans are highly accurate in determining gestational age, typically within 3-5 days of the actual due date when performed between 9-12 weeks of pregnancy.
Can a dating ultrasound scan detect multiple pregnancies?
A dating ultrasound scan can detect multiple pregnancies during the early stages, as it allows the sonographer to identify the number of foetuses present.
Are dating scans safe for the mother and baby?
Dating scans are considered safe for both the mother and baby. Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to create images, and there is no evidence that it causes any harm when performed by qualified professionals.
What happens during a dating scan appointment?
During a dating scan appointment, an ultrasound technician will use a small hand-held device to take images of the developing baby. This allows the healthcare provider to confirm the gestational age and check the overall health of the pregnancy.
What happens during a dating scan in Ashford?
During a dating scan in Ashford, the sonographer will use ultrasound technology to measure the size of the baby and estimate the gestational age, as well as check the baby's development and overall health.
When is a dating ultrasound scan performed during pregnancy?
A dating ultrasound scan is typically performed between 9 and 12 weeks of pregnancy to confirm the gestational age and ensure the health of the developing foetus.
How accurate is a dating ultrasound scan in determining gestation?
Dating ultrasound scans are highly accurate in determining the gestational age, typically within 3-5 days of the actual due date when performed between 9-12 weeks of pregnancy.
What is the purpose of a dating scan in pregnancy?
The purpose of a dating scan in pregnancy is to confirm the gestational age and ensure the health of the developing baby during the early stages of pregnancy.
Where can I get a dating scan in Ashford?
You can get a dating scan in Ashford at Baby Scan Studio, which offers private ultrasound scanning services for expecting parents, including early pregnancy scans to confirm gestational age and ensure the health of the pregnancy.
Can a dating ultrasound scan predict due date?
A dating ultrasound scan can help predict the due date by accurately measuring the size of the foetus and determining the gestational age.
Are dating scans safe in Ashford?
Dating scans performed at Baby Scan Studio in Ashford are safe procedures that use harmless ultrasound technology to assess the development and health of the pregnancy during early stages.
How accurate are dating scans in Ashford?
Dating scans in Ashford are highly accurate, typically providing a gestational age estimate within 3-5 days of the actual due date when performed between 9-12 weeks of pregnancy.
How does a dating ultrasound scan measure fetal growth?
A dating ultrasound scan measures fetal growth by assessing the size and development of the baby, including measurements of the head, abdomen, and limbs to estimate the gestational age and monitor the baby's progress.
