Private Child Abdomen & Pelvic Ultrasound

A child abdomen and pelvic ultrasound is a gentle, reassuring way to find out what is behind tummy and pelvic symptoms in children. Your child may benefit from a scan if they have:

• Recurrent or sudden tummy pain that keeps coming back or has come on quickly
• Bloating, constipation or ongoing trouble going to the toilet
• A lump or swelling you or your GP can feel in the tummy
• Urinary symptoms such as pain passing urine, going very often, or repeated urine infections

A scan is a calm, painless next step that often brings real peace of mind, and in many children it confirms that everything is healthy.

A combined abdominal and pelvic ultrasound gives a clear, detailed look at the main organs inside your child’s tummy and pelvis. In one gentle appointment the sonographer can examine:

• The liver, gallbladder and spleen.
• The kidneys, bladder and the rest of the urinary tract.
• The bowel, including loops that may be loaded with stool or showing signs of inflammation.
• Other structures in the lower tummy and pelvis, depending on your child’s symptoms.

Because the scan looks at several organs at once, it is an efficient way to investigate symptoms that could come from more than one place, without any radiation and without anything your child needs to feel worried about.

The scan uses safe, gentle sound waves, with no radiation, no needles and no injections. A small amount of warm gel is applied to the tummy and a smooth, hand-held probe is moved gently over the skin to build up a live picture of the organs underneath.

Your child simply lies back on a comfortable couch while the specialist senior sonographer examines each area in turn, pressing only very lightly. For the pelvic part, a comfortably full bladder helps show the lower organs more clearly. The images appear on a screen straight away, so findings can be explained as the scan goes along.

The whole assessment usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is completely painless.

The appointment at our London clinic is calm, gentle and unhurried, your child’s comfort comes first. You are welcome to stay right beside them for the whole scan, and a parent or carer is encouraged to help them feel relaxed.

Here is what usually happens:

• Your child lies back on a comfortable couch and lifts or lowers their clothing just enough to expose the tummy. We take time to explain everything in child-friendly language first.
• A little warm gel is applied to the tummy and the sonographer moves a smooth probe gently over the area, pressing only lightly. Many children find it tickly rather than uncomfortable.
• For the lower organs a comfortably full bladder gives the clearest picture, so we may ask your child to hold on until this part is done, then they can use the bathroom.
• Your specialist senior sonographer explains what they can see on the screen as they go, so you understand the findings in real time.

The scan itself takes around 15 to 20 minutes. There is nothing uncomfortable for your child. The gel may feel a little cool at first but quickly warms up.

A child abdominal ultrasound needs only a little preparation, and your child can take any regular medication as normal. For the clearest views of the gallbladder and upper tummy, it helps if your child has a light period of fasting beforehand. As a general guide, no food for around 3–4 hours, though small sips of water are fine. Our team will confirm the exact timing for your child’s age when you book.

For the pelvic part, a comfortably full bladder helps show the lower organs, so it is useful for your child to drink some water in the hour before the appointment and try not to go to the toilet just before arriving. We will then let them empty their bladder once the pelvic views are complete.

It helps to dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing so the tummy is easy to reach. Bringing a favourite toy, book or tablet can keep them relaxed. If your child is unwell on the day, just let us know, we are always happy to rearrange.

Yes, an ultrasound is completely safe and gentle for children. It uses only sound waves, exactly like the scans used during pregnancy, with no radiation, no needles and no contrast. There are no known risks and no side effects, so it can be repeated as often as needed and is suitable at any age.

Your child can return to normal activity immediately afterwards, and the scan can be safely repeated as often as needed if your specialist wants to keep an eye on something over time.

You shouldn’t have to wait for important answers about your baby’s health. That’s why, at the Harley Street Ultrasound Group, we give you same-day results.

Your specialist senior sonographer will talk you through what they can see during the scan itself, so you leave the room with an understanding of your child's findings. Your full medical report with tailored advice and any recommended next steps will be ready the same day, along with high-resolution digital images of the scan.

You can view and share both the report and the images securely from any internet-connected device, including your phone, and forward them directly to your GP, health visitor or a paediatric specialist.

Once the scan is complete your child can get dressed and carry straight on with their day. There is no recovery time, no restrictions on eating, drinking or activity, and nothing to look out for.

If the findings are reassuring, such as healthy organs and a tummy that looks completely normal, or simply a bowel loaded with stool that explains the symptoms, you leave with that peace of mind and clear advice on managing things at home.

If something is found that needs attention, your report sets out a straightforward path forward. Your specialist will make sure you understand the options and, where helpful, ensure you are referred promptly to a paediatric specialist, with your report and images shared securely so nothing is repeated unnecessarily.

Most children’s scans are reassuringly normal, and many tummy symptoms turn out to have a simple, treatable cause. The findings we see most often include:

• A bowel loaded with stool, the common picture in constipation, which usually responds well to diet, fluids and gentle treatment.
• Mesenteric adenitis, mildly swollen tummy lymph nodes after a viral illness, a frequent and harmless cause of tummy pain that settles on its own.
• Trapped wind or full bowel loops causing bloating and crampy pain.
• Occasionally a finding that needs follow-up, such as signs pointing towards appendicitis or a kidney or bladder issue.

Whatever is found, your specialist will explain it clearly and in plain English, so you understand exactly what it means for your child and what to do next.

Most tummy pain in children is not an emergency, but some symptoms need same-day medical attention rather than a booked scan. Please take your child straight to A&E or call 999 if they have:

• Severe or rapidly worsening tummy pain, especially low down on the right side, which is a possible sign of appendicitis
• Pain with repeated vomiting (particularly green or bile-stained vomit) or a swollen, hard tummy
• Episodes of severe cramping pain with drawing-up of the legs and redcurrant-jelly-like stoolsm, which are possible signs of intussusception
• A high fever with a child who is very drowsy, floppy or unwell

In an urgent situation, hospital teams can arrange the right imaging immediately. A private ultrasound with us is ideal for recurrent, ongoing or non-urgent symptoms. If anything found on the day needs prompt attention, we will make sure you are pointed straight to the right care.

A Private Child Abdomen and Pelvic Ultrasound at the Harley Street Ultrasound Group is £450, all fees inclusive.

What’s included in the price:

• One-to-one appointment with a specialist senior sonographer.
• Gentle combined ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis.
• Detailed written medical report with tailored advice.
• Same-day high-resolution digital images delivered to your secure portal.
• No referral required and no waiting list, most children are seen within 24 to 48 hours.

We accept self-pay and most major UK private health insurers. If you have insurance, please contact your provider before booking to confirm your policy covers treatment. Our team is happy to provide any clinical or pricing details they need.

Many parents worry that coming to us privately will somehow affect their baby’s NHS care. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get your baby on the right path fast. When you come to us, your child is seen by a qualified specialist who can investigate their symptoms the same day. If your child needs further care, our specialist will write to your NHS GP advising them, and your report and images can be shared securely with any NHS paediatric team.

We don’t want you waiting weeks for answers. Your child’s health and your peace of mind is priceless.