For a lot of couples, the first scan — often called the 12-week scan or dating scan — is the day the pregnancy starts to feel real. It's worth planning it together, so the day itself is about the moment rather than the logistics.
This guide is about the practical and emotional side of the scan for couples. For what the scan involves medically, and the screening tests on offer, read the NHS pages on antenatal scans and screening and talk to your midwife.
A note on health questions. This article isn't medical advice. Your maternity team is the right place for questions about your own pregnancy.
When is it?
The first scan is usually offered towards the end of the first trimester — which is why it's called the 12-week scan — and is normally arranged by your maternity service after your first midwife appointment. Timings vary, so go by the date on your appointment letter. If you're expecting to hear about it and haven't, contact your maternity unit.
Why couples look forward to it
For most couples the scan is a milestone: a first look at the baby, and a due date you can plan around. It's also often the point couples choose to start telling family and friends.
Talk about screening before the day
Around the time of the first scan, you'll be offered screening tests. They're optional, and the choices are personal. The best thing you can do as a couple is:
- Read the NHS information together well before the appointment.
- Talk about what you'd each want, and what you'd want to happen next depending on the results.
- Write down questions for the midwife, and ask them before the scan day if you can.
Deciding in advance means you're not making a big decision on the spot.
Planning the day
- Read the appointment letter carefully. It tells you where to go, when to arrive, and anything your unit asks you to do beforehand.
- Allow plenty of time. Clinics can run late, so don't book anything tight afterwards.
- Sort out getting there. Hospital parking can be difficult, so check it in advance.
- Write your questions down. It's easy to forget them in the moment.
- Ask about photos. Many units offer printed scan pictures; ask what's available when you arrive.
- Plan the rest of the day. Some couples like to go for breakfast afterwards; some want to go straight home. Agree it beforehand.
What partners should know
- You can usually go. Partners are generally welcome at antenatal appointments if the pregnant person would like them there. Check your appointment letter for any local rules, such as how many people can attend.
- Book the time off. GOV.UK says fathers and partners have the right to unpaid time off work to go to 2 antenatal appointments, and many people use one for this scan.
- Let the sonographer work. They often concentrate on the images first and talk you through them afterwards. A quiet room doesn't mean bad news.
- It's fine to ask questions, or to ask for something to be explained again.
- Be ready for any outcome. Most scans are routine and happy. Occasionally a scan brings unexpected or difficult news. Being there together matters most in that moment.
If the news is unexpected
Sometimes a scan shows something unexpected — twins, for example, or something the team wants to look at more closely. Your maternity team will explain what happens next. It's a lot to take in, so it's fine to ask them to go over things again or to write things down.
If the news is difficult, you'll be offered support. Charities including Tommy's and the Miscarriage Association offer support for both partners.
After the scan
You'll usually leave with a due date, and your maternity team will let you know about the appointments that follow, including a later scan in the middle of the pregnancy.
It's also often when couples start telling people. See our guide to telling family you're pregnant.
A quick checklist for the two of you
- Scan date and time in both your diaries
- Time off booked
- Read the NHS screening information together
- Questions written down
- Appointment letter read, and travel sorted
- A plan for straight after
Keep the dates in sync
BumpSync puts your appointments on a shared timeline, so you both see what's coming up in one place. When your scan is booked, add the date and time and you'll both have it. See how BumpSync works for partners.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 12-week scan in the UK?+
The first scan is usually offered towards the end of the first trimester and arranged by your maternity service. Timings vary, so go by your appointment letter, and see the NHS website for more information.
Can my partner come to the 12-week scan?+
Partners are generally welcome at antenatal appointments if the pregnant person would like them there. Check your appointment letter for any local rules.
What screening is offered around the 12-week scan?+
You'll be offered some screening tests around the time of the first scan. They're optional. Read the NHS information together and talk to your midwife about what's right for you.
How should we prepare for the 12-week scan?+
Read your appointment letter for any instructions, allow plenty of time, write down your questions, and talk about the screening choices together before the day.
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