Who Is Performing Your Pregnancy Scan?
The Question Every Patient Should Ask
For many parents, a pregnancy scan is one of the most anticipated moments of early pregnancy — a chance to see your baby for the first time, hear a heartbeat, and gain reassurance that everything is progressing as it should.
But while these moments can feel magical, ultrasound scans are also an important medical assessment, and the expertise of the person performing the scan matters enormously.
In the UK, the title "sonographer" isn't legally protected. This means that the training and experience behind that role can vary widely between clinics. Many patients understandably assume that anyone performing a pregnancy scan must be a highly trained specialist — but this isn't always guaranteed.
At Cocoon, we believe patients should feel completely comfortable asking questions about who is providing their care. Understanding the training and clinical expertise behind your scan is an important part of making informed decisions during pregnancy.
The Rapid Growth of Private Pregnancy Scan Clinics
Private pregnancy scans have become increasingly common across the UK, with many expectant parents choosing to book additional scans outside the NHS.
Research suggests that around one in three pregnant women in the UK now pay for a private pregnancy scan, often seeking reassurance, earlier confirmation of pregnancy, or keepsake images.
At the same time, the number of private scan providers has expanded rapidly. Today, more than 200 private baby-scan clinics operate across the UK, many located on high streets or within retail settings.
More broadly, demand for private diagnostics continues to grow. In 2024 alone, over 1.1 million private diagnostic scans and tests were delivered in the UK, reflecting a growing desire among patients to access healthcare information more quickly.
While many private clinics provide excellent care, professional bodies have raised concerns that the rapid expansion of commercial scanning services has not always been matched by consistent training standards or clinical governance.
For patients, this makes one question particularly important:
Who is performing your scan, and what training do they have?
The People Behind Your Scan at Cocoon
At Cocoon, ultrasound scans are performed by experienced clinicians with recognised medical backgrounds and accredited postgraduate ultrasound training.
Our ultrasound service is led by Katie Norman, Lead Sonographer, who brings extensive experience in obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound. Katie oversees the quality and clinical governance of the ultrasound service, ensuring that every scan is delivered to the highest professional standards.
Working alongside Katie are Advanced Practitioner Sonographers Gemma Ingles and Penny Pickering, both highly experienced clinicians with strong NHS backgrounds.
Gemma brings more than ten years of NHS clinical experience, with a particular interest in gynaecological ultrasound and diagnostic imaging. She is known for her calm, reassuring approach and for ensuring patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their scan.
Penny specialises in obstetric ultrasound, combining strong technical expertise with a warm and supportive manner that helps families feel relaxed and confident during their appointment.
The ultrasound team works closely with Cocoon's midwifery team, led by Kate Mortimer, Clinical & Safeguarding Lead for Maternity and Women's Health. Kate oversees maternity care within the clinic, ensuring every family receives thoughtful, compassionate support throughout pregnancy.
Supporting families through pregnancy and the early months of parenthood is Abbie Durrant-Milnes, an experienced midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, who provides specialist support around infant feeding and early parenting.
Together, this team reflects Cocoon's philosophy of Science-led Diagnostics. Soul-led Care — combining clinical expertise with genuine human support.
Why the Title "Sonographer" Isn't Legally Protected
Unlike professions such as doctors, nurses or midwives, the title "sonographer" itself is not legally protected in the UK.
This means that while many sonographers are highly trained healthcare professionals, the title can technically be used by individuals who are not registered with regulatory bodies such as the Health and Care Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, or the General Medical Council.
Within NHS and regulated clinical environments, pregnancy ultrasound scans are typically performed by clinicians who have completed accredited postgraduate ultrasound training and who work within structured clinical governance systems.
Professional organisations such as the British Medical Ultrasound Society and the Society and College of Radiographers provide guidance on safe ultrasound practice.
However, outside these environments, training standards and oversight can vary significantly between providers.
Diagnostic Ultrasound vs "Souvenir" Scans
Another important distinction is the difference between diagnostic scans and souvenir or keepsake scans.
A diagnostic ultrasound is a medical examination designed to assess fetal development, confirm gestational age, evaluate anatomy and identify potential complications.
These scans typically involve:
- Clinical documentation
- Expert interpretation of findings
- Appropriate patient counselling
- Referral pathways if concerns are identified
Souvenir scans, often marketed for bonding or entertainment purposes, focus primarily on producing images or videos.
While these experiences can feel exciting and memorable, they should never replace medical ultrasound care.
Professional bodies including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advise that ultrasound should primarily be used for medical benefit.
Early Pregnancy Scans Require Specialist Expertise
Early pregnancy scans — particularly those performed before 12 weeks — are among the most clinically complex ultrasound assessments.
At this stage of pregnancy, clinicians may need to confirm fetal viability, determine the precise location of the pregnancy, and identify serious conditions such as ectopic pregnancy.
Because structures are extremely small at this stage, accurate interpretation requires advanced training and significant clinical experience.
For this reason, early pregnancy ultrasound should ideally be performed by clinicians with specialist training and extensive experience in early pregnancy assessment.
For patients seeking reassurance during early pregnancy, the key question isn't simply whether a clinic offers early scans — but who is performing them, and what level of ultrasound expertise they have.
A Note on Midwife-Led Ultrasound Scans
Many pregnancy scans in the UK are performed by midwives who have undertaken additional specialist training in ultrasound. In these cases, midwives can provide highly skilled scanning within their scope of practice.
However, being a registered midwife does not automatically mean a clinician is qualified to perform every type of pregnancy scan.
Ultrasound requires specific postgraduate training and competency assessment, and different scans require different levels of expertise.
The key question patients should feel comfortable asking is not simply:
"Are they a midwife?"
but rather:
"What ultrasound training do they have, and what types of scans are they qualified to perform?"
The Five Questions Every Patient Should Ask Before Booking a Pregnancy Scan
If you are considering a private pregnancy scan, it is entirely reasonable to ask:
- Who will be performing my scan?
- What ultrasound training do they have?
- Are they registered with a professional regulator?
- Will I receive a clinical report following the scan?
- What happens if something unexpected is identified?
Any reputable clinic should be comfortable answering these questions clearly and transparently.
When it comes to pregnancy care, reassurance should come from expertise — not assumption.
Pregnancy scans should never feel rushed or transactional. They should be delivered by clinicians who combine technical expertise with compassion, and who are able to guide patients with clarity and care if anything unexpected arises.
Any reputable clinic should be comfortable explaining the qualifications and experience of the clinicians performing their scans. If they're not, that may tell you everything you need to know.