Early Pregnancy Viability Scan
Gentle, expert reassurance during the earliest stages of pregnancy: confirm an intrauterine pregnancy and see baby's heartbeat from 6 weeks. Same-day or next-day appointments, no GP referral, no NHS waiting list.
What your Early Pregnancy Viability Scan includes
Everything you need for complete peace of mind during the earliest stages of pregnancy
Diagnostic ultrasound scan
Confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy
Detection of fetal heartbeat (where visible)
Confirmation of the number of babies
Early pregnancy dating measurements
Assessment of pregnancy viability
Transvaginal scan if clinically indicated
Sonographer report
Printed and/or digital images
Discuss your scan findings with the sonographer
Free rescan if clinically needed
No GP referral required
Early Pregnancy Viability Scan – 6 to 9 Weeks 6 Days
Our Early Pregnancy Viability Scan is designed to provide reassurance during the earliest stages of pregnancy. This scan focuses on confirming that your pregnancy is developing within the uterus and progressing as expected. Whether you have recently received a positive pregnancy test, experienced previous pregnancy loss, conceived through fertility treatment, or would simply like early reassurance, this scan can provide valuable information.
Our experienced sonographers confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, detect the fetal heartbeat where visible, confirm the number of babies, take early pregnancy dating measurements, and assess pregnancy viability. A transvaginal scan may be carried out if clinically indicated, at no extra cost.
Appointments are available without a GP referral and can often be booked on the same day or next day. The scan costs £89 and includes a sonographer report, printed and/or digital images, the opportunity to discuss your findings, and a free rescan where clinically needed.
Important Information: In some very early pregnancies, ultrasound findings may be inconclusive due to gestational age or the timing of implantation. Where further assessment is clinically required, our sonographer may recommend a follow-up scan. Any follow-up appointment is offered solely at the discretion of the sonographer based on clinical findings and is not routinely included as part of the package. If you are experiencing pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, shoulder tip pain, fainting, or any other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical advice from your GP, midwife, NHS 111, local Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU), or emergency services as appropriate.
Not sure which scan?
If you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, we recommend the Early Pregnancy Viability Scan. If you are 10 weeks or beyond, the Early Pregnancy Reassurance Scan may be more suitable. If you're unsure, our team will be happy to advise.
View the Reassurance Scan →Book Your Early Pregnancy Viability Scan
Book Your Viability ScanWhat is the Early Pregnancy Viability Scan?
Our Early Pregnancy Viability Scan is designed to provide reassurance during the earliest stages of pregnancy. This scan focuses on confirming that your pregnancy is developing within the uterus and progressing as expected. Whether you have recently received a positive pregnancy test, experienced previous pregnancy loss, conceived through fertility treatment, or would simply like early reassurance, this scan can provide valuable information.
This scan is most suitable from 6 weeks up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. The scan itself is gentle and usually transabdominal (over the tummy); in some circumstances a transvaginal scan may be recommended for the clearest view, at no extra cost.
What We Assess
During your appointment our experienced and registered sonographer will carry out the following assessments:
- Confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy
- Detection of fetal heartbeat (where visible)
- Confirmation of the number of babies
- Early pregnancy dating measurements
- Assessment of pregnancy viability
- Transvaginal scan if clinically indicated
If you'd like to talk through timing before booking, ring us on 0191 380 0402; we'd rather steer you to the right week than book you in too early.
If the NHS is excellent, why book a private early scan at all?
Fair question. The NHS is excellent for medical need. The system isn't built around reassurance, though, and routine NHS care doesn't offer a scan before 11–14 weeks unless you've had symptoms (bleeding, pain, recurrent miscarriage history). For most women between 6 and 11 weeks who simply want peace of mind, the NHS pathway isn't available. That's the gap a private early pregnancy viability scan fills.
Booked privately at our Gosforth clinic, that means:
- No GP referral required. Book online or by phone in minutes. The self-referral guide walks through the process.
- Same-day to 7-day availability versus the typical 2–6 week NHS wait.
- Heartbeat from as early as 6 weeks (where visible), so you can see baby well before the NHS dating scan.
- Up to 9 guests welcome in our spacious room with two 46-inch LED TVs and projector wall, so partners, parents and best friends can share the moment.
- Sonographer report, printed and/or digital images, plus a free rescan if clinically needed.
An early private scan complements NHS care. It doesn't replace your NHS dating or 20-week anomaly scans, both of which remain essential. Our NHS vs private comparison guide spells out where each one helps, and the UK private ultrasound cost guide sets the £89 price tag in national context.
Early Pregnancy Viability Scan: NHS vs Private
Your NHS care centres on the 11–14 week dating scan and the 20-week anomaly scan, both rigorous, clinically important appointments we always recommend you keep. If you'd like the additional peace of mind of seeing your baby's heartbeat earlier than 11 weeks, a private early pregnancy viability scan at Numi Scan Gosforth is designed to complement your NHS pathway. We confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, viability and early dating from as early as 6 weeks, with no GP referral needed and no waiting list, supporting your NHS care, not replacing it.
| Aspect | NHS | Numi Scan Gosforth |
|---|---|---|
| Earliest available scan | 11–14 weeks (NHS dating scan) | ✓ From 6 weeks |
| GP referral required | Yes, and usually only if there's bleeding or pain | ✓ No referral needed, book direct online |
| Average wait time | 2–6+ weeks from booking | ✓ Same day to 7 days |
| Reassurance scans for healthy pregnancies | Not routinely offered | ✓ Yes, designed for peace of mind |
| Heartbeat confirmation | Only at the 12-week NHS dating scan | ✓ From as early as 6 weeks (where visible) |
| Intrauterine pregnancy confirmation | Only if symptoms are present | ✓ Always included |
| Multiple pregnancy check | At the 12-week dating scan | ✓ At this scan, from 6 weeks |
| Printed & digital images | Not provided | ✓ Printed and/or digital images |
| Sonographer report | Letter to your GP only | ✓ Professional report given to you |
Wondering whether you can book without going through your GP? You can. Read our full guide on private ultrasounds without a referral for how it works.
Future scans we recommend for you
Most parents who book a viability scan come back as their pregnancy progresses. Here's what we'd recommend next based on where you are in your journey.
10 weeks onward Early Pregnancy Reassurance Scan
Additional reassurance and a chance to see baby's continued growth and development before your routine NHS dating scan. Growth measurements, movement and general wellbeing.
Learn more
99.9% accurate NIPT Harmony Test
DNA-based screening for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes. It's the most accurate non-invasive prenatal test available, from a simple maternal blood sample.
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Most popular Gender Scan
Find out whether you're expecting a boy or a girl with 99%+ accuracy from just 15 weeks. Includes a free 4D peek and full wellbeing check.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
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