Your scan will be performed by a fully trained sonographer.
Does the 3D/4D scan present any risk to mother or baby?:
Ultrasound technology has been researched extensively in hundreds of clinical studies over the past 35 years and has not been shown to cause any harm to either mother or baby with routine scanning now a normal procedure in all pregnancies. In 3D/4D scanning, exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. 3D and 4D ultrasound both utilise sound waves to look inside the body. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image. 4D ultrasound will be similar therefore to a conventional scan in terms of exposure.
What if an unexpected abnormality is found?:
Scans performed here by www.eastmidlands4dbabyscanning.co.uk are not meant as a check for foetal abnormalities. If however any incidental abnormality is discovered the sonographer will explain the findings as fully as possible to you. At your request we will liaise with your GP or maternity unit to pass on this information.
At what stage of my pregnancy is it best to have a 3D/4D scan?:
For best results we advise having your scan done between 20 and 32 weeks. Scans may be carried out after 32 weeks, but images can be less clear. In order to make sure you can get an appointment at the optimum time you should therefore aim to book around 4 weeks in advance if possible.
When is the best time to have a scan if I am having twins? :
Double trouble!-
Do I need to book an appointment?:
Yes, appointments are necessary to have a scan performed.
Can I bring my family and friends along with me to watch my scan?:
Yes of course! This is, after all your experience and we encourage you to invite your loved ones along to enjoy the wonderful experience with you (especially since numbers are usually restricted during routine hospital scans). We can comfortably sit 4 but if family members don't mind standing additional guests are welcome and we do have a large wall mounted screen so everyone should be able to see but please be a little reasonable with numbers.
Will I always get great pictures and images of my baby?:
In most cases yes. Unfortunately however it may not be possible and babies don't always behave the way we would like them to! Sometimes baby may be laying face down towards the spine or placenta which can make it difficult to see baby's face. If this happens we may ask you to take a gentle walk outside, drink fresh orange or a fizzy drink eat a little chocolate, all these things can often get the baby moving more. We will then scan you again. www.eastmidlands4dbabyscanning.co.uk use the very latest technology to gain images however for the above reasons we cannot always guarantee the clarity of the images.
Is there anything else I can do to improve my chance of getting great images?:
Baby's position and the amount of water around baby are the two most important factors in getting good images. However, in many cases, extensive abdominal fat can have some impact on the quality of images. In answer then, there is not much you can do to improve your chance, after all baby is in charge of the show!!
What do I need to bring with me ?:
You need to bring your hospital / antenatal notes along with you. This enables our sonographer to check your due date of your pregnancy and containes contact details of your health professionals if they become necessary.
It is not always necessary to have a full bladder when you attend for your scan appointment but sometimes it can help particularily when having an early scan. Please therefore ask at time of booking.
How do I make an appointment ?:
You can ring our booking number on 01623 624137. If however we are busy scanning and are unable to take your call you can leave a message and we will ring you back at our earliest convenience..
Do I still need to attend my routine hospital scans?:
YES. Your 4d Baby Scan is completely optional and is in addition to your routine NHS antenatal care. You must still attend all of your normal hospital appointments.
How long will my scan appointment last ?:
We would advise that you allow 45 minutes for your appointment. Your scan time can
vary depending on the option you choose but depending on how co-
What if I don't want to find out the sex of my baby ?:
If you do not wish to know the sex of your baby please let us know and we will do our very best to respect your wishes
Will you be able to tell me the sex of my baby ?:
We can look to determine the sex of your baby although sometimes depending on baby’s position this may not always be possible
How long before I get My Images?
A DVD of moving images and a CD ROM of still 3D images and any image prints will be available on the day to take away (depending on package chosen )
If you are attending for a Pregnancy Reassurance or Peace of Mind Scan in very early pregnancy, we may need to do a Transvaginal Scan (TV Scan)
A TV Scan is used in very early pregnancy -
Frequently Asked Questions
www.eastmidlands4dbabyscanning.co.uk