Is it too early to start making memories with an early pregnancy scan?

Not at all. We booked ours at 7 weeks at a quiet little clinic near Ecclesall Road. Seeing that tiny flicker—baby’s heartbeat—was the first moment it all felt real. Early scans in Sheffield are available from 6 weeks, and many offer printed photos or video to take home. It’s the start of something special.

How long do private baby scans take—and is there time to enjoy the moment?

Most are around 20–30 minutes, depending on the package. Ours near Hillsborough didn’t feel rushed at all. We had time to watch baby move, ask questions, and choose which photo to frame. It felt less like a medical appointment and more like a gentle pause in a busy week.

Are 4D scans really that different from regular ones—or just a fancy add-on?

It’s a whole different experience. 3D gives you still images, but 4D adds movement—you might catch baby stretching, blinking, or rubbing their eyes. Our clinic in Norfolk Park even captured a yawn. It felt like getting a sneak peek at someone we hadn’t met yet, but already loved.

What if the baby’s not playing ball—can we reschedule?

Totally. At our 16-week gender scan, baby had their legs crossed the entire time. The sonographer tried everything—juice, a walk, a gentle jiggle. Still no luck. They invited us back a few days later at no extra cost. Many Sheffield clinics offer this as standard, especially with 4D or gender packages.

Can I hear the heartbeat during my scan—or will I just see it?

From around 8–9 weeks, many private clinics offer both. We heard ours at week 10, and it’s now saved inside a plush toy we bought from the studio. It’s the kind of keepsake you’ll tuck away with tiny socks and the first onesie. Clinics in Sheffield often include heartbeat recording as part of deluxe scan packages.

Are scan photos permanent—or do they fade over time?

If they’re thermal prints (most are), they will fade eventually. We made that mistake—ours yellowed in the frame after a year. Now we always ask for digital copies. Some clinics in Sheffield offer USBs, email links, or even app access. That way, you can reprint them whenever nostalgia strikes.

Is it safe to have extra scans between the standard NHS ones?

Yes—private baby scans use safe ultrasound technology with no radiation. We added scans at 8, 16, and 28 weeks alongside our NHS appointments, and every one felt worthwhile. For us, it wasn’t just reassurance—it was about documenting the journey. Clinics near Meadowhall and Darnall were lovely about explaining everything clearly.

How accurate are gender scans at 14–16 weeks?

Quite accurate—especially if baby’s cooperative. Our clinic in Nether Edge gave us a “99% confidence” certificate at 16 weeks. They even offered a free rescan if they weren’t sure. It felt more like a celebration than a diagnosis—we left holding ultrasound photos and name ideas scribbled on a napkin.

Can I book a scan just for photos, or does it have to be clinical?

Yes—many private scans are specifically for bonding and keepsakes. Our 28-week 4D scan included photos, a heartbeat clip, and a short video of baby waving. We made a little edit and played it at our baby shower. Sheffield clinics often offer memory-focused packages—some even found on Groupon with frame or plush toy add-ons.

Why do people still choose private scans when NHS ones are free?

Because NHS scans focus on medical checks, and rightly so. But private ones offer time, space, and atmosphere. You can choose the music, invite your partner, and savour the moment. At our 20-minute scan near the Botanical Gardens, we weren’t rushed—and left with more than a report. We left with a memory.

Frequently Asked Questions