Maternity Services

Ultrasound Scans

Mothers usually have two or three standard ultrasound scans during the pregnancy – a dating scan at 8 -10, nuchal screening at 11-13 weeks and a detailed anomaly scan at 19-20 weeks. A further scan is also done at 32 weeks if needed.

Your pregnancy package includes the cost of all ultrasound scans, excluding the nuchal scan if you choose to have one.

Mr Sheridan will perform these scans himself either at Spire Bushey Hospital or Watford General Hospital. He will also scan you whenever needed at your antenatal appointments.

If amniocentesis is required an additional charge of £150 + laboratory fees will be charged. Mr Sheridan will perform this procedure.

Nuchal Screening

If you are intending to have nuchal screening (Down’s Syndrome screening), we suggest patients go to the Fetal Medicine Centre in London to have this scan, which is performed between 11 – 14 weeks of pregnancy. We will discuss the scan with you at your first appointment, and will give you the information on how to arrange it. The fee for the test is approximately £150, which you pay directly to the Fetal Medicine Centre.www.fetalmedicine.com/fmc/ultrasound/11-13-weeks-scan/

Blood Tests

Pregnancy blood tests are usually performed once between 10-14 weeks and some repeated at 28 weeks, more frequently if there are complications. All tests will be explained to you beforehand.

Routine blood tests are generally performed at Spire Bushey Hospital. The total cost of these during pregnancy will be in the region of £500 – £600.

The Hospitals

Spire Bushey Hospital

Spire is a private hospital (formerly BUPA) and this is where you will be seen for all your antenatal appointments and have the majority of your scans and blood tests. Sarah’s Antenatal classes are also held here.

It is approximately 4 miles from Watford.

Spire Bushey Hospital, Heathbourne Road Bushey WD23 1RD www.spirehealthcare.com/bushey

Watford General Hospital

All births take place at Watford – it is a large, well-equipped NHS hospital with private facilities, caring for around 6000 mothers and their babies each year.

It has a Special Care Baby Unit for babies born over 28 weeks, 2 maternity theatres, a large labour ward as well as an integrated birthing centre for ‘home from home’ births. Watford is also part of the pilot scheme for stem cell cord blood donor collection.

Watford Maternity Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford WD18 0HB www.theknutsfordsuite.co.uk