Private Gender Scan Costs in the UK

Private gender scans are one of the most popular ways to find out your baby's sex in the UK. They sit between the low-cost fun of nub theory and the higher cost of DNA tests, offering a high-accuracy ultrasound result from around 16 weeks. But prices and packages vary widely, and it pays to know what you are actually paying for.

Typical Cost Range

Most private gender scans in the UK cost between 40 and 100 pounds, depending on location, clinic, and what is included. You will find:

Budget end (40 to 60 pounds) — a short appointment focused on confirming sex, usually with a few printed images.
Mid-range (60 to 90 pounds) — longer appointment, more images, sometimes a short video clip.
Premium (90 to 150 pounds or more) — includes 4D imaging, keepsake videos, additional growth and wellbeing checks, and sometimes a report for your midwife.

Prices are higher in London and the South East and lower in the North and parts of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

What Is Usually Included

At a minimum, a gender scan should include:

A brief ultrasound from around 16 weeks.
Confirmation of sex if the baby is in a clear position.
A small number of printed images or digital copies.
A brief check of the baby's heartbeat.

Mid-range and premium packages often add:

Growth measurements.
A short 4D clip.
A heartbeat keepsake (the recorded sound).
A more detailed report.
Additional photos or video.

What Is Usually Not Included

Most private gender scans are not medical diagnostic scans. They will not replace your NHS anomaly scan, screen for chromosomal conditions, or provide a formal clinical report that your NHS team will act on. If you want a full wellbeing and growth scan, expect to pay more or book a different package.

How to Compare Clinics

When weighing options, look at:

Gestation requirements — most will not scan before 16 weeks for sex determination.
Sonographer qualifications — qualified diagnostic sonographers are preferable to non-clinical staff.
Policy if they cannot determine sex — some clinics offer a free rescan; others do not.
What happens if you attend too early — some refund, some reschedule, some keep your money.
Location and parking — ultrasound with a full bladder is no fun with a stressful journey.
Reviews — look for comments on accuracy, cleanliness, and professionalism, not just the decor.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Extra photos or video clips — often charged separately.
Partners or guests — some clinics charge for additional attendees.
Rescan fees — if the baby is not cooperating, a rescan may not be free.
Cancellation fees — check the policy before booking.
USB or digital copies — sometimes extra.

Is a Private Scan Worth It?

If you want to know your baby's sex before your 20-week anomaly scan, cannot wait, or your NHS trust does not disclose sex, a private scan is usually the most reliable non-DNA option. Accuracy at 16 weeks or beyond is typically above 95 per cent when the baby is in a good position.

If you are happy to wait until 20 weeks and your NHS trust tells you sex at the anomaly scan, you may not need a private scan at all.

A Note on Using Nub Theory Instead

If you want a no-extra-cost prediction at 12 weeks, nub theory on your dating scan image is an option — but accuracy is much lower, around 70 to 80 per cent, and you need a clear image. If you want a reliable answer rather than a fun guess, a private gender scan from 16 weeks is a better use of money.

What to Check Before Booking

Read the clinic's policy on rescan, refunds, and gestation. Ask who will be doing the scan. And keep your expectations realistic: a private gender scan is a keepsake and a confirmation, not a replacement for NHS antenatal care.