Cervical Length Scan
A gentle internal ultrasound (14–24 weeks) to measure your cervix and check your risk of early labour.
Is a Cervical Length Scan Right for Me?
A cervical length scan measures the length of your cervix to help assess your risk of early labour. For most of pregnancy, the cervix stays closed and only starts to open when your body is getting ready for birth.
What we check:
Cervical length (how long your cervix is)
Any signs of opening (dilation)
If you have a cervical stitch, we can check its position
Extra reassurance for those with previous early birth, cervical treatment, or twin pregnancy
What’s Included In Your Cervical Length Scan?
Cervical length measurement
Baby wellbeing checks, including movement and heartbeat
Checks of amniotic fluid levels (fluid around baby)
Confirmation of placenta location
Baby’s position (if far enough along)
Baby weight and measurements
A wellbeing checklist to take away
A scan report
1 printed image
All digital images emailed free after your scan
Performed by a qualified, HCPC-registered sonographer
How to prepare for your Scan.
Wear two piece outfit:
(you’ll undress from the waist down).
Empty your bladder:
Use the toilet just before your appointment.
Take medication as normal:
Unless your doctor/midwife says otherwise.
Relax:
It’s a gentle, routine internal scan, we’ll guide you throughout.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
You’ll be welcomed by our friendly reception team.
You’ll complete a consent form and receive a copy of our Terms & Conditions.
We’ll ask a few quick questions about your pregnancy, so our sonographer understands the reason for your visit.
You can relax with your family before you’re called into the scan room.
Your scan will be carried out by one of our expert sonographers.
After the scan, you can choose any images you’d like us to print.
Hear From Our Expectant Mothers
FAQs
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You must be between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy to book a Cervical Length scan.
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A Cervical Length scan is a prenatal test that assesses the length of your cervix to determine if it is prepared for the birth of your baby. During most of your pregnancy, your cervix remains closed and will only begin to open when your body is ready for delivery.
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A cervical stitch, also known as a cervical cerclage, is a procedure that can be performed if your Cervical Length scan shows your cervix is opening too early. The stitch helps stop the cervix from opening further and can be removed before your due date. This can help prevent preterm birth.
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A Cervical Length scan is usually recommended if your waters have broken too early in the past, your cervix is damaged from a previous birth, or you have a history of three or more late miscarriages.
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No, a Cervical Length scan is not painful. The scan is performed using a transvaginal ultrasound, which may sound intimidating but is designed to be painless.
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Yes, it’s best to come with an empty bladder if possible. This will give us the best access to see whether you have a short cervix.
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Yes, if you require a female sonographer, please speak with one of our advisors at the time of your booking as some of our sonographers are male.
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No, there’s no need to worry about your first Cervical Length scan. A professional will perform your measurement and guide you through the process.
