Are ultrasound scans safe in pregnancy?

Yes, ultrasound scans are considered safe when used appropriately. The British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) states that “there is no evidence that diagnostic ultrasound has produced any harm to patients in the four decades of its use.” However, they advise that it should be used prudently.
Ultrasound has been performed in pregnancy for many years and is thought to be safe when conducted by trained clinicians who understand best practices. There is a theoretical risk of warming tissues or creating gas bubbles at very high machine output levels, which is why we strictly adhere to BMUS safety guidelines. We ensure:
The output of the machine remains within safe limits.
Scan durations are kept to a safe length with a large safety margin below any theoretical risk level.
For more information, visit the Health Protection Agency’s guidance on ultrasound safety: www.gov.uk/government/collections/ultrasound-and-infrasound-health-effects

How do I give feedback about my scan?

We value feedback as it helps us improve our services. If you’d like to:

• Give a compliment, report a concern, or make a complaint, please contact our Practice Manager by emailing reception@somersetearlyscans.co.uk or calling us directly.
• We can also provide a complaints leaflet via post, email, or in person at your appointment, detailing how to make a complaint and what happens next. 

What is your cancellation policy?

• More than 7 days’ notice – You can request a refund of your deposit (minus a £15 admin fee).
• Between 24 hours and 7 days’ notice – Your deposit will be retained.
• Less than 24 hours’ notice – The full appointment fee will be charged.
• Medical cancellations (e.g., miscarriage or emergency admission to the hospital) – Your deposit will be retained.
• Late arrivals (more than 15 minutes late) – This will be treated as a late cancellation.

Where will my appointment be?

Your appointment will take place at one of our three clinic locations:

• Taunton Road Medical Centre, Bridgwater
• Elm Hayes Surgery, near Bath
• Litfield House, Bristol

These clinics are based within NHS GP surgeries or specialist medical centres. Directions are available on the ‘Location’ section of our website. If your appointment is in the evening and the surgery doors are closed, please ring the bell, and reception will let you in.

How do I pay?

A deposit is required at the time of booking. The remainder of your fee must be paid at your appointment via debit or credit card (excluding AMEX). We do not accept cash or cheques. Please note that full payment must be made before we proceed with your scan.

I have had IVF/ICSI treatment. How do I work out when to come for a scan?

To calculate your pregnancy stage:

• Egg collection day = 2 weeks pregnant
• Frozen embryo transfer (cleavage stage, day 2-3 embryo) = 2 weeks + 2-3 days pregnant
• Frozen embryo transfer (blastocyst, day 5-6 embryo) = 2 weeks + 5-6 days pregnant

If you’re unsure, please email or call us, and we’ll be happy to assist.

What happens if you find something unexpected during my scan?

We will communicate findings with sensitivity and honesty. If your pregnancy is of uncertain viability, we will offer:

• A follow-up appointment with us (charged at the second scan rate).
• Referral to an NHS hospital of your choice, with a medical report provided.

With your consent, we will share findings with your NHS or private healthcare team:

• Non-viable pregnancy – Referral to your local Early Pregnancy Unit.
• Gynaecological concerns – Dr. Suvarna Mahavarkar, Consultant Gynaecologist, will provide expert input. You may book a private appointment with her, see your GP, or request a referral to a private specialist.

Your information will not be shared without your consent.

Will you be able to check the baby for medical problems at my early scan?

The primary purpose of an early scan is to:

• Confirm pregnancy viability.
• Date the pregnancy (although very early scans—before 6 weeks—may not provide accurate dating).
• Confirm location of the pregnancy (ensuring it is in the womb and not ectopic).
• Check for twins or multiple pregnancies.

However, structural abnormalities cannot typically be diagnosed at an early scan due to the baby’s small size. These will be screened at your NHS 12-week and 20-week scans.

📩 If you have any further questions, please contact us via phone or email—we’re happy to help!