FAQs | Pregnancy Scans & Health Screening in Harrogate | Cocoon

We're based in Harrogate town centre, close to Waitrose and just a five minutes' walk from the train station. Directions available via map link or [what3words:gear.energy.level](https://map.what3words.com/gear.energy.level)

Please don't pull down the narrow driveway to the clinic; there's very limited space. Parking is available on Victoria Avenue or at Waitrose car park (free with purchase, one minute walk away).

We are only able to offer our services to adults at this stage — so you must be at least 18 years old.

The full service fee applies if you cancel or don't attend. For changes, contact the clinic as early as possible as rescheduling may not always be possible, especially at short notice.

We are a busy clinic and it's important that we run on time for the benefit of all clients. Please call ahead — accommodations may not always be possible.

Unfortunately it isn't possible to transfer booked services — but please do contact us and we'll do our best to find a solution.

The length of your appointment depends on the service you've booked — further details will be included in your booking confirmation.

We offer a range of different scans for different stages of your pregnancy or fertility journey. Browse the services page or contact the clinic to discuss options.

No — it is vital that you attend all antenatal services provided by the NHS. Services at Cocoon should complement, not replace, NHS care.

You'll be sent an email before your scan with all the details of what to expect and anything you need to do beforehand; this will depend on the type of scan you have booked.

We'll need access to your tummy area, so please ensure that whatever you wear is comfortable and accessible. Ultrasound gel may transfer to clothing.

We aim to complete our scans abdominally, however in some circumstances — particularly during very early pregnancy and fertility scans — we may need to complete a transvaginal (internal) scan. This will only be done with your full consent, and a trained chaperone will be available for support.

It is very safe — there are no known risks to either mother or baby from ultrasound scans. Full support services are available, including sessions with our Lead Midwife and bereavement support team.

It's really personal preference. Some people like to visit regularly to make sure everything is progressing well and to document their journey.

Following your appointment, we'll email a report that details our discussions and findings. You're free to share this with your healthcare providers; recommendations for follow-up may be included.

It's often helpful for you to bring your notes with you — so please feel free to do so, especially if your booked appointment is with our midwife.

Our sonographers are here to support you, whatever the outcome of your scan. The team will discuss findings fully and reports are provided to your healthcare providers. Bereavement support is available through our Taking Baby Steps partnership.

Cocoon can't guarantee the quality of your images. Ultrasound is baby-led, and it isn't possible to predict their position. Complimentary re-scans are offered if image quality is inadequate, at the clinic's discretion.

Due to space restrictions in the scan room, we limit the number of guests you can bring to three.

If you'd like to bring your children with you, please ensure there's a responsible adult who can sit outside the scan room with them until the sonographer is comfortable with them entering.

We offer an early gender test from as early as six weeks — this is a 99.9% accurate DNA test carried out as a simple blood test. Gender scans are available between 16–40 weeks.

We cannot 100% guarantee the sex of your baby. Results represent the sonographer's opinion based on available information. The early gender test offers 99.9% accuracy for reassurance.

Of course — please let your sonographer know and they will keep this information to themselves.

No, there's no extra charge if you're having twins.

If you experience any pain, discomfort or bleeding during your pregnancy, it's vital that you seek medical advice immediately, through your GP or via 111.

For the type of comprehensive, clinically-led profiles we offer, venous collection supports a more robust sample and a more reliable testing experience.

Yes. Cocoon At-Home results are clinically reviewed.

This depends on your goals, symptoms and the type of insight you are looking for. Some people test annually for baseline monitoring, while others test more regularly to track changes over time.

Some clients choose to combine blood test results with wider health tracking tools and wearables to build a richer picture of energy, recovery and wellbeing.

No. At-home blood testing is not a substitute for urgent medical care. If you are worried about severe or urgent symptoms, you should seek immediate medical advice.