Private gender scan in London: find out your baby's sex from 12 weeks

A gender scan is a private ultrasound that identifies the sex of your baby by examining the genital anatomy. The scan is non-invasive, takes around 15-20 minutes, and uses the same ultrasound technology as any other pregnancy scan. There is no risk to you or your baby.

For other gynaecological imaging (non-obstetric), we also offer gynaecological ultrasound at the clinic.

During the scan, Mr Naoum looks for the external genitalia. In a boy, the scrotum and penis are visible. In a girl, the labia are visible. The accuracy depends on your baby's position, the gestational age, and the experience of the clinician performing the scan.

When can you find out the gender?

We offer gender scans from 12 weeks. Accuracy improves as the pregnancy progresses:

At 12-13 weeks, the prediction is based on the angle of the genital nub rather than fully developed genitalia. Mr Naoum will give you his assessment and explain the confidence level. If you want absolute certainty, a follow-up scan at 16+ weeks will confirm.

The baby needs to be in the right position for the genital area to be visible. If the baby's legs are crossed or the baby is facing away from the probe, Mr Naoum may ask you to walk around or lie on your side to encourage movement. In a small number of cases, the sex cannot be determined on the day and a follow-up scan can be arranged.

Can you tell the gender at 12 weeks?

Yes, with caveats. At 12-13 weeks, gender prediction relies on the "nub theory." All babies have a small protrusion (genital tubercle) between their legs at this stage. If the nub angles upward at more than 30 degrees from the spine, it is more likely to be a boy. If it is flatter or angled downward, it is more likely to be a girl.

This method has an accuracy of around 85-90% when performed by an experienced clinician. It is a prediction, not a definitive diagnosis. The baby must be lying on its back for the nub to be clearly visible, and Mr Naoum may need to wait during the appointment for the baby to move into the right position.

If you book a 12-week gender scan and want confirmation, a follow-up at 16+ weeks can be arranged.

What happens during the scan

You lie on the examination couch and gel is applied to your abdomen. Mr Naoum moves an ultrasound probe across your bump to locate the baby and examine the genital anatomy.

The scan is abdominal (over the tummy). Mr Naoum will show you the image on the screen and explain what he is looking at. You will be told the sex during the appointment.

If you want the result kept secret and revealed in a specific way (a sealed envelope, for example), let the clinic know when you book.

You will receive printed images to take home from every scan.

If you have opted for the gender + wellness scan (£450), Mr Naoum will also take fetal growth measurements, check the amniotic fluid level and placental position, and confirm a heartbeat. This takes an additional 10-15 minutes.

Gender scan vs NHS 20-week scan

The NHS 20-week anomaly scan is a detailed medical assessment of the baby's development, checking for structural abnormalities. Many NHS sonographers will tell you the sex during this scan if the baby is in the right position, but some NHS trusts have stopped offering gender identification, and it is not the purpose of the appointment.

A private gender scan is dedicated to determining the sex. Mr Naoum has time to wait for the baby to move into the right position and is focused on giving you a clear answer.

If you want to know earlier than 20 weeks, or if your NHS trust does not identify gender during the anomaly scan, a private scan fills both gaps.

For wider women's health screening outside pregnancy, see our well woman health check.

Frequently asked questions