Pregnancy scans · From 24 weeks
Wellbeing Scan
A check on how the baby is doing right now: heartbeat, movement, the fluid around the baby, the placenta and the blood flow through the cord. For reassurance in the second half of pregnancy.
Performed and reported by accredited clinicians.
- When
- From 24 weeks
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Price
- €130, report included
Before you book
If you have noticed your baby moving less than usual, do not book a scan. Contact your maternity unit straight away, at any hour. Reduced movements need to be assessed the same day by your maternity team, and a private scan is not the right route.
About this scan
What this scan involves
A wellbeing scan looks at the things that tell us a baby is comfortable in the womb: a regular heartbeat, normal movement, a healthy amount of fluid, a placenta in a good position, and blood flowing freely through the umbilical cord.
Blood flow through the cord
Using Doppler ultrasound, the sonographer measures how easily blood flows through the umbilical artery. This is one of the more informative checks in later pregnancy, because it reflects how well the placenta is supplying the baby. The result is reported as a measurement against the expected range for your stage.
The fluid around the baby
The amount of amniotic fluid is measured. Too little or too much can each be a reason for closer monitoring, so the scan records the volume and the report notes whether it is within the normal range.
What this scan is not
It is a snapshot of wellbeing on the day, not a promise about the rest of the pregnancy, and it does not replace the care of your maternity unit. If anything on the scan needs attention, we contact your maternity unit with your consent, the same day if it is urgent.
When to have it
The best time for this scan
Ideal timing: Any time from twenty-four weeks.
-
24 to 30 weeks
Useful for reassurance in the second trimester, or where there is a reason to check the placenta and cord early.
-
30 to 40 weeks
The most common time. Cord blood flow and fluid volume are particularly informative in the third trimester.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- The heartbeat and its rhythm
- The baby's movements, breathing movements and tone
- The amount of fluid around the baby
- The position of the placenta
- Blood flow through the umbilical cord, by Doppler
- How the baby is lying
What's included
€130, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist
- Printed images to take home
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- Reassurance in the second half of pregnancy
- You have had a difficult previous pregnancy and want closer monitoring
- A condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure that makes placental function worth checking
- Your maternity unit has suggested a scan and the wait is long
- To check the baby's position later in pregnancy
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
No preparation is needed. Bring your maternity notes and any earlier scan reports.
During the scan
The scan is done through the abdomen and takes about thirty minutes. The Doppler measurement needs a still moment from the baby, so there may be some waiting. The Doppler makes a whooshing sound when the cord is found; that is the blood flow, and it is normal. You can watch the screen throughout.
After your scan
The findings are explained on the day. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and is sent to your maternity unit or GP with your consent. Anything urgent is telephoned through the same day.
How to prepare
No preparation required.
Book your Wellbeing Scan
€130 including the consultant report, 30 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
I think the baby is moving less. Should I book this?
No. Reduced movements need same-day assessment by your maternity unit, whatever the time of day or night. Please contact them directly. A private scan is not a substitute for that.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book this scan yourself.
Does it include growth measurements?
The focus is wellbeing rather than size. If you would like the baby measured and weighed as well, book the Growth Scan, or tell us when booking and we will advise which is more suitable.
Is Doppler safe?
Doppler ultrasound is used routinely in the second and third trimesters and is considered safe when used by trained staff at the settings we use. It is applied briefly, only to take the measurement.
Can I bring someone?
Yes. One adult guest is welcome in the room.
Also consider
Other pregnancy scans
From 24 weeks
Growth Scan
Measures the baby and estimates weight, plotting growth against the expected range for your stage of pregnancy.
€130 · 30 minutes
26–32 weeks
3D/4D Scan with Wellbeing Check
The 3D/4D imaging session combined with a full wellbeing assessment: heartbeat, movement, fluid volume, placental position and cord blood flow.
€180 · 45 minutes
From 12 weeks
Twin Pregnancy Scan
A longer appointment allowing each baby to be assessed individually for growth, position, fluid and wellbeing.
€160 · 45 minutes