How do I know if my baby is measuring the right size during a scan?

At our 28-week scan near Vicarage Road, the sonographer walked us through baby’s femur and abdominal measurements. Clinics in Watford usually estimate weight using formulas based on those readings. It’s not spot-on, but my baby’s birth weight only differed by 250g—comforting when you want to prepare baby clothes that actually fit.

Can I eat something before my baby scan, or will it mess things up?

Definitely eat. A light meal or snack is often recommended, especially for 3D or 4D scans—it can help get baby moving. I had a banana and orange juice before our session near Cassiobury Park, and baby suddenly became very photogenic. Just skip fizzy drinks unless your clinic advises otherwise.

Are repeat scans safe if I’ve already had NHS ones?

Yes—ultrasound is considered safe, even for multiple sessions. It uses sound waves, not radiation. Clinics near Watford Junction reassured us that extra scans (especially private ones for reassurance or bonding) don’t pose risk. We booked a bonus scan via Groupon around week 32 and were glad we did—it gave peace of mind ahead of delivery.

Can you get extra prints or copies of scan photos later on?

Some clinics offer digital backups or print duplicates if you ask soon after the appointment. At a studio off St Albans Road, we picked a package with 3 printed photos and a USB stick. One print did fade over time, so having digital copies helped us reprint later for the baby book.

Do Watford clinics let siblings or grandparents come to the scan?

Many do! Our 4-year-old came to a gender scan near North Watford and was mesmerised by the screen. Most clinics allow one or two extra guests—it’s worth confirming first, especially on weekends. One Groupon deal even mentioned “family-friendly rooms” with soft lighting and toys for older kids.

How accurate is the gender scan at 16 weeks—can they still get it wrong?

It’s generally accurate if baby’s in a good position. Clinics around Watford Business Park usually recommend scanning from week 16 onwards. Ours took two looks before confirming “girl”—and gave us a cheeky "99% sure" printout. Some clinics offer a free rescan if it’s unclear on the day.

Why do people get 4D scans if they’ve already done the NHS ones?

Because it’s less about clinical checks and more about connection. Watching baby yawn or wriggle in real time feels different than still images. Our 4D scan near Watford Fields came with a video clip we’ve watched a dozen times already. Plus, if you time it around 26–30 weeks, the photos are surprisingly detailed.

Are private baby scans expensive in Watford—or can I get a deal?

You’ll find early scans from around £60 and full 4D packages up to £150. Clinics near the town centre sometimes offer seasonal discounts or weekday promos. We found a great offer through Groupon: heartbeat recording, four images, and a short video all bundled into one tidy package.

How long does a scan take from start to finish?

Most run 15–25 minutes, depending on baby’s mood and what’s included. Our gender scan near Woodside was done in about 20 minutes, plus a few more for picking out photos. Some clinics offer longer 4D sessions with pause time if baby is curled up. They don’t rush you, which helps if it's your first time.

What if my baby won’t cooperate during the scan—can I come back?

Happens more often than you’d think. Some clinics in Watford offer free or discounted rescan sessions if baby’s in an awkward spot or hiding their face. Our little one was snoozing sideways, so we returned a few days later (no extra cost thanks to our scan package).