Frequently Asked Questions

PAMS Pregnancy Ultrasound Centre provides ultrasound services for investigations and reassurance in pregnancy and fertility. Immediate, same day, seven day a week appointments are available.

Pregnancy ultrasound scans, are performed by trained, sympathetic staff in a relaxing environment. The practice is located in 77 Newmarket Road, Norwich. There is no need for a referral letter from a GP or the NHS. We are registered with CQC.

We offer the most comprehensive in-depth 3D and 4D scanning. All our scans are performed by a highly trained sonographers.

There are no hidden charges or reduced appointment times. All our scans are unhurried.

Appointments available at short notice, 7 days a week.

We have a 90% success rate in obtaining good images on your initial visit. Sexing can be carried out on all our baby scans. We also ensure that your DVD recording, CD-ROM and Thermal Images (where applicable) are prepared for you to take home at the conclusion of your scan.

Popular reasons for booking are:

• To avoid a long wait for an appointment
• Longer appointment than the typical hospital equivalent
• The results of our scans are given to you on the day
• 95% accurate
• Same or next day bookings
• 7 days a week appointments available
• Convenient central Norwich location
• Scan performed by a highly trained sonographer
• Complimentary black & white picture (normally £5.00)

Absolutely. The service provider, however, must have a recognised clinical framework (correct processes for providing clinical services directly to the public) such as ours in place. All of our ultrasound services comply with guideline recommendations and are maintained to the required standard. Pam Kapur is an Advanced Practitoner Sonographer registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) RA39918 and The Society of Radiographers, 53661.

We offer morning, afternoon and evening appointments during the week, as well as weekend appointments.

A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability, therefore short notice appointments can be easily arranged.

Provided the ultrasound service on offer is being operated to the required guidelines, there are no contraindications for first line ultrasound scans. Since ultrasound is not an ionising radiation such as x-ray, there are also no known hazardous effects associated with multiple first line scans, again provided the service is operated to recommended guidelines. The safety of diagnostic ultrasound continues to be researched and monitored by the relevant professional bodies.

All our scans are carried out by sonographers. Sonographers usually train first as a radiographer, then undertake an approved post-registration course. These courses are offered by higher education and as a minimum requirement one additional academic year that prepares them both clinically and academically for this specific area of practice. All practising radiographers are regulated by the Health & Care Professions Council and members of Society of Radiographers, UK.

A private scan is your choice and our sonographers will always accommodate 3-4 guests (including siblings) and your partner.

It is worth noting that certain scans may involve intimate or internal scanning and we recommend if you require a chaperone that you bring someone you feel comfortable with as there may not be suitable staff available.

Also consider who you would feel comfortable with if your results were a medical follow up outcome.

We accept all major debit/credit cards, cash or bank transfer.

In nearly all cases your scan results will be given to you at the end of your scan appointment in a clear written format with supporting images. We will provide a sonographer report at the time with a medical follow up recommendation if necessary. We will also provide a CD-ROM of images for ease of emailing to your fertility clinic if required.

Appointment times differ for each package. Upon your arrival, you will be asked to complete a short registration and consent form. Our sonographer will then begin your scan.

If your scan outcome (result) is a medical follow-up recommendation. The reason for this will be clearly explained at the end of your scan. You will be given a detailed report including images.

All legalities and security procedures are in place and your results will not be viewed by any unauthorised person. Your permission is always obtained before we contact your GP if this is a necessary course of action.

The Early Pregnancy Scan is the first pregnancy scan that you can have and is not routinely available on the NHS.

It is often advised if you are not sure about the state of your pregnancy.

An Early Pregnancy Scan will provide reassurance in the very early stages of your pregnancy.

It is particularly reassuring for women with history of previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

You can have an Early Pregnancy Scan any time from 5 weeks to 11 weeks and 1 day into your pregnancy.

These dates are calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Yes, you will need a full bladder prior to the scan. 

In some cases it maybe necessary to perform an internal scan. You will be asked to empty your bladder before we attempt the trans vaginal ultrasound scan.

No this scan is to compliment the scans you will be offered by your local NHS trust during your pregnancy.

This scan is not to replace the NHS scans but to compliment them to give you extra reassurance during early days of pregnancy.

• Confirm the presence of a pregnancy
• Confirm where pregnancy is located
• Confirm the fetal heartbeat after 7 weeks
• Check the viability of the pregnancy
• Confirm single or multiple pregnancy
• Calculate your estimated due date (EDD)

• A consultation with you and opportunity for you to ask questions
• Your results on the day
• A medical report will be available immediately after your appointment
• Complimentary black & white picture of your baby (normally £5.00)

A Gender Reveal Scan (sexing) will identify if you're having a boy or girl as early as 15 weeks gestation.

From 15 - 34 weeks of pregnancy.

We always check on the wellbeing of your baby when we perform any scan and for this reason the gender scan is combined with a growth scan that checks your baby's health. During your appointment we will go through your report and fully explain our findings.

No, you do not need a full bladder for this scan.

Please bring your maternity notes with you for your appointment.

Our Gender Reveal Scan is performed as non-medical and non-diagnostic. They are intended to assist in a wonderful early bonding experience for both parents.

To attend PAMS Pregnancy Ultrasound Centre you must already have undergone your initial hospital abnormality scan. All our sonographers are fully trained and qualified and will use their skill and knowledge on each scan. If they do detect something untoward, we will sensitively support you and your partner or family, if present.

We will take as long as is required to go through the scan with you. In the event that this should happen, we will need your written permission to supply a report and copies of any findings to your GP or hospital specialist.

Your scan will consist of a series of high frequency sound waves, which build a 2D image. The sonographer will then capture the image and use the latest scanning technology to create a 3D image. When real time is added, you then see the 4D moving image of your baby.

Please note that in order to get the best 4D pictures possible we have to revert back into 2D in order to 'set up' the picture. Therefore all the scans we do contain a mixture of 2D and 4D images.

The recording on the DVD is in black & white, not sepia throughout the scan as seen on the monitors. However, the still pictures on CD-ROM are provided in sepia.

The best time for a consultation is between 22 and 32 weeks gestation in order to get the best images. However, if you are outside this period please contact us for further advice.

No. A full bladder is not required for Baby Bonding Scan. However, it can often help to lift the baby from an awkward position if you have a slightly full bladder. Therefore we do ask that you do not empty your bladder just before your scan.

All you need to bring with you are your pregnancy notes.

No this scan is to compliment the scans you will be offered by your local NHS trust during your pregnancy.

Expert opinion is that there are no known risks, to either the mother or baby associated with this procedure. Ultrasound has been in use for over 30 years with no adverse risks identified.

However, as an added precaution, PAMS Pregnancy Ultrasound Centre makes every effort to keep scanning times to a minimum, whilst obtaining the best possible images of the baby.

We practice the A.L.A.R.A principle, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, meaning that the ultrasound settings are very low, but it is still possible to achieve incredible images. In addition, we follow the scanner settings endorsed by British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS).

Yes. Just let us know, as a longer appointment time will be allocated at a small extra cost. This is due to the length of time it can take to obtain good images. In addition, earlier gestation weeks are advised for multiple pregnancies.

Should your baby be in a poor position to obtain clear 4D images, the sonographer will first try a few techniques to obtain the best image. If these are unsuccessful, you may be asked to return our patient lounge and walk around in an effort to encourage your baby to move.

We may try to re-scan you several times during the remaining clinic opening hours. If there isn't spare time in the clinic schedule or if the clinic is closing we will ask you to re-book for another day. Nevertheless, with our experience and little persistence we are usually able to coax even the most camera shy babies into view.

No, sorry. To use commercial music we would have to obtain permission from the artist and pay them a substantial sum. This would make your Baby Bonding Scan DVD very, very expensive.

To check on the growth and welfare of your baby in the second and third trimester, which is from 14-40 weeks.

The Baby Growth Scan can be performed from 14-40 weeks of gestation.

This service includes Dopplers for measuring blood flow from the placenta to your baby from 28 weeks of gestation.

Doppler measurements are very useful as these are critical in monitoring growth in the latter stages of pregnancy.

No you do not need a full bladder for this scan.

No this scan is to compliment the scans you will be offered by your local NHS trust during your pregnancy.

The private scans are designed tocompliment the scans you are offered at your local NHS trust and not to replace them.

Growth scans are not routinely offered on NHS, unless clinically indicated by your clinician.

The purpose of this scan is to assess the growth of your baby and check its health and well being. We also check the liquor volume and position of the placenta. 

Estimated fetal weight will be generated and plotted on your charts.

Gender identification from 15 weeks at no additional cost, if you want to know.

• Your results on the day
• Clinical report
• Estimated fetal weight
• Gender identification from 15 weeks at no additional cost, if you want to know
• Complimentary black & white picture of your baby (normally £5.00)

A Presentation Scan is recommended if your midwife is not sure which way the baby is lying in the womb.

It helps to determine the position of your baby immediately before birth.

From 36 weeks to term.

No, you do not need a full bladder for this scan.

Presentations scans are not routinely offered in the NHS unless clinically indicated by your clinician.

Private scans complement your NHS scans but are not designed to replace the NHS scan.

A Presentation Scan helps to determine the position of your baby immediately before birth.

It checks on the general health of your baby and confirms the location of the placenta.

• You will receive your results on the day
• Clinical report with the findings from the scan
• Complimentary black & white picture normally (£5.00)

Evaluating the wellbeing of the uterus and ovaries before conception.

Estimating the time of ovulation and measuring the endometrial thickness for assisted conception, follicle tracking and endometrial thickness prior to private IVF treatment in the UK or abroad.

For couples having issues with conceiving, it may be recommended to have a Follicle Tracking Scan. This particular scan can be used to determine your time of ovulation; therefore you can time your sexual activity to increase the chances of falling pregnant naturally.

Another reason to use the Follicle Tracking Scan can be to examine that your eggs are developing properly and are being released for fertilisation. Similarly, if you are undergoing fertility treatment, the Follicle Tracking Scan can be used to check to see if your medication is working.

Additionally, you can also discover if your eggs will be ready to be harvested for IVF treatment.

The ideal time to have the Follicle Tracking Scan done is dependent on the time of your menstrual cycle. As it will show when you are most likely to be ovulating. The Follicle Tracking Scan is commonly performed on the 9th day of your menstrual cycle. Depending on the regularity and length of your usual cycle, you may require the scan earlier or later.

There will be more scans carried out at a 1-2 day intervals to trace the follicles as they move and evolve. Follicle Tracking Scans are usually carried out three times in one single cycle, this is done so we can watch as the follicle develops.

The Follicle Tracking Scan is a trans-vaginal ultrasound that is a specially designed probe to be inserted into your vagina. This is carried out so that ultrasound waves can be concentrated on your ovaries.

If you are having treatment from a fertility specialist, they may recommend for you to have a blood test. The blood test can check your hormone levels alongside the ultrasound scan, as your hormone levels can affect your ovulation and ability to conceive.

To be best prepared for the Follicle Tracking Scan, it is recommended that you empty your bladder before you go in for the scan. You should wear loose and comfortable clothing, as you will need to remove the lower half of clothes. As well as this, if you are already going through fertility treatment, you may be advised to take certain medication that encourages ovulation.

A Follicle Tracking Scan is primarily used to assure you that you are generating eggs and ovulating. Follicles are small fluid filled sacs that should hold an egg each. These growing follicles should be revealed within your ovaries. Throughout each menstrual cycle, at least one or more of your follicles should have matured and released for fertilization. If you are going through fertility treatment, it could be that you are taking a type of medication that can encourage your ovaries to produce more eggs.

Once your results have been revealed from the Follicle Tracking Scan, you will be able to discuss the results with the sonographer. We will issue a full report of results and scan images for you to take away and forward them to your fertility specialist.

Having a Endometrial Lining Scan can benefit you if you are having IVF treatment. We are able to use the scan to let your fertility doctor know when the right time is to transfer the embryos into your uterus.

If you are wishing to fall pregnant naturally, a Endometrial Lining Scan can be used to determine when you are about ready to conceive. However, this may not be required for the majority of couples as you can usually tell the estimated time of ovulation from your menstrual cycle.

It is recommended that the Endometrial Lining Scan should be had at the time in your menstrual cycle when the womb lining is likely to be the thickest. To get the best results, we advise you should have the Endometrial Lining Scan on the 9th day of your cycle. Depending on the length and regularity of your menstrual cycle, you may need the scan earlier or later.

Your Doctor or clinic will usually advice you on that depending on the protocol they use. If the endometrium is not ready at the very first scan, you will need to return for extra scans every 1 to 2 days after, so we are able to see as the endometrium grows to it's thickest point.

The Endometrial Lining Scan is a trans-vaginal scan meaning that an ultrasound probe will be inserted into your vagina. Your endometrium can sometimes be checked with an external abdominal ultrasound.

The results are not as precise as the trans-vaginal scan, which is why this method is only recommended to assist any medical altercations. To gather more data on your fertility and hormone levels, your specialist may suggest that you have a blood test for hormones as well as a Endometrial Lining Scan.

To prepare for your trans-vaginal ultrasound, it is advised that you should empty your bladder before your scan. It is required for you to remove the lower half of your clothing before the scan, so it will be best to wear clothing that is easy to take off. For fertility treatment patients, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations including taking medication that can be used to encourage or get your womb lining ready for the scan.

The Endometrial Lining Scan can be used to measure and understand the condition the lining of your womb or endometrium. A measurement of the thickness of the endometrium can be taken which gives an indication to see when you will ovulate, which can help to see if your uterus is prepared for an embryo to embed itself.

The endometrium reacts to the female hormones that manage your menstrual cycle. The endometrium thickens during the natural cycle, as your body gets ready for a potential conception. Throughout your fertility treatment, specific drugs will be given to you to encourage the same process. The Endometrial Lining Scan will reveal to your doctor if the drugs are having the right effect on you, and it will show to them when you are ready for the next step in treatment.

Once your results have been revealed, you will be able to discuss with the sonographer about them. We are able to send full results with scan images to you electronically.

Some of the reasons for having a Gynaecological Pelvic Scan could be to explore gynaecological symptoms. These could include pelvic pain, irregular periods or other menstrual issues. If your doctor suspects you have a condition such as fibroids and ovarian cysts, a Gynaecological Pelvic Scan could be used as to investigate the symptoms.

Similarly, this type of ultrasound can be used to check on your pre-existing conditions if you have already been diagnosed with a problem such as fibroids or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that would require monitoring. Other indications could be to assess your fertility, or to support your doctors if you are having IVF/fertility treatment elsewhere. Equally a Gynaecological Pelvic Scan can be used as part of your well woman screening or IUCD location.

For an Gynaecological Pelvic Scan it is recommended that you should drink a pint of water about an hour before the appointment and to try not to go to the loo until after the abdominal scan has been completed. It is also advised to wear clothing that is comfortable and can be pulled back to reveal your abdomen with ease.

A Gynaecological Pelvic Scan can be used to identify and assess a range of gynaecological problems. During the scan, our sonographer will examine the condition and shape of your entire reproductive system. If any abnormalities such as growths or cysts are found, the pelvic scan will detect them by measuring the uterus, ovaries and cervix. Furthermore, we will check to see if there are any issues found surrounding the pelvic area.

A Gynaecological Pelvic Scan is very useful in investigating and identifying problems such as, ovarian cysts or polycystic ovaries, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, polyps or other growths and endometriosis. Similarly, if you require a Gynaecological Pelvic Scan as part of fertility treatment or assessment, the scan can be used to check how healthy your ovaries and uterus are before you try to conceive.

Another benefit of using the scan is to see when you will be ovulating; this can assist with the timing of your assisted conception or natural cycle. Furthermore, it is important if you are getting fertility treatment to know the thickness and health of the endometrial lining. This can also be determined with the full pelvic ultrasound scan. The scan can also locate and detect an implanted coil or IUCD as well as assessing the effect of HRT after the menopause.

It can be important to check to find out the location of your IUCD or contraceptive implant to confirm it is positioned correctly and to identify if there are any problems with it. This process is done with a simple ultrasound scan. It is advised to undergo an IUCD Location Scan for a range of reasons, one of them is if you or your doctor are finding difficulty in feeling the strings of the IUCD. The device should pass through your cervix into the top of your vagina. Your doctor should show you how to check the strings when you have the IUCD fitted.

Another reason to have the IUCD Location Scan is if there are any problems with the insertion and your doctor has advised you to check it has been fitted correctly. If you do not think that the IUCD is working properly as you think you may be pregnant, the IUCD Location Scan can be used to check. Similarly, if you have a condition such as fibroids or ovarian cysts it is advised to have the IUCD Location Scan as the condition may have intervened with the insertion of the device. In addition to these reasons, if you are noticing signs of bleeding or suffering from pain, it is important to check with the scan as it may be due to a misplaced IUCD.

The IUCD Location Scan is carried out as a trans-vaginal ultrasound. The thin ultrasound probe is inserted a little way into your vagina so we are able to look at your uterus and cervix. If we are unable to find the IUCD with the internal scan, a trans-abdominal ultrasound may be performed instead. This process does not give as thorough results, but it can aid us in to finding if the IUCDs have moved from their planned position.

The IUCD Location Scan can be used to check a range of issues. The scan can check to see if the position of the device has changed, if the location of the device has moved out of place and if the position of the strings is correct.

The IUCD Location Scan can also detect any bleeding or tearing that has potentially occurred. This could have happened if the IUCD has moved out of place. If this is the case, the ultrasound images will assist if it needs to be removed. The IUCD device can be removed and replaced with a new one.

If your IUCD Location Scan determines your device has been fitted properly, you will not need to do anything else until you want to have it removed. However, if the IUCD Location Scan reveals any problems, you may require the device to be taken out straight away.

Sometimes, if it is safe and still working, it is possible to keep the IUCD in place. However, if this is not safe, we may be able to use the information from the ultrasound with instruments to remove the IUCD. In some cases, it could be necessary to take it out surgically; this process would require a general anaesthetic. At the end of a IUCD Location Scan we are able to give you a full report, which can aid your gyneacologist.

If you have chosen to have your IUCD device removed and would like another to be fitted or to choose another form of contraception. We are able to check that the new one has been fitted precisely with another IUCD Location Scan.