The UK government has indicated it would consider implementing a routine third trimester ultrasound scan for pregnant women, should the UK National Screening Committee recommend it. The update follows a petition launched on March 23, 2026, which garnered 10,072 signatures, prompting an official response.
Petition calls for change
The petition, titled 'Require NHS to offer routine third trimester pregnancy ultrasound scan', was started by Louise Thornton. She said: "As a mother of a baby born via emergency c-section due to missed foetal compromise I urge the Government to require the NHS to offer a routine third trimester ultrasound scan. I think this could reduce emergency c-sections, stillbirths and lifelong disabilities due to missed foetal complications."
Thornton argued that current methods such as fundal height measurement and Doppler use are outdated and can miss growth restrictions, reduced foetal heart rate and placental issues. She believes routine third trimester scans could detect issues earlier and reduce emergency caesareans.
Government response
The government responded: "The Government would consider a routine NHS third trimester ultrasound scan in the event of an evidence-based recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee. A call for new proposals is open."
Currently, NHS hospitals in England offer at least two ultrasound scans during pregnancy: one at 11-14 weeks and a second between 18-21 weeks. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) antenatal care guidance recommends these two routine scans and advises that additional routine scans after 28 weeks do not provide significant benefits for low-risk pregnancies, though targeted scanning based on clinical need is recommended.
Screening considerations
The government noted that mandating a routine third trimester ultrasound for all women without specific symptoms would be considered a screening programme. The UK National Screening Committee advises on screening matters and only recommends screening when evidence shows more good than harm. Recent studies, such as the IRIS study, have explored routine third trimester ultrasound combined with biomarkers, showing improved detection of small babies, but insufficient evidence that universal screening alone reduces stillbirth.
The UK NSC welcomes new evidence through its open call, which opened on 1 July and closes on 30 September 2026.
Existing initiatives
The NHS has multiple initiatives to support fetal and newborn safety, including the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle (SBLCB) and the Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth Programme, backed by £7.8 million. The SBLCB includes guidance on fetal growth risk assessment and management. As of April 2026, 117 out of 119 NHS trusts were compliant with Safety Action 6 of the Maternity Incentive Scheme (2025/26).
The Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth Programme aims to improve identification and management of fetal distress during labour and impacted fetal head at caesarean birth, with full implementation expected by March 2027.
Additionally, Baroness Amos published her final report on NHS maternity and neonatal care on 30 June, highlighting issues of accountability and inequalities. The National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary of State, will develop a new national action plan to be published by the end of the year.
Ultrasound details
The first routine scan (12-week scan) provides a due date and baby size, and may include nuchal translucency screening for Down's syndrome. The second scan (20-week scan) checks for 11 physical conditions. Growth scans in the third trimester are currently offered for high-risk pregnancies or specific clinical indications such as reduced fetal movements, medical conditions, or abnormal fundal height measurements.
