Ultrasound technology has been researched extensively in hundreds of clinical studies over the past 35 years and, in these studies, has not been found to cause any harm to mother or baby. Routine scanning is now a normal procedure during pregnancy.
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 then generates an image. 4D ultrasound will be similar therefore to a conventional scan in terms of exposure.
Your baby scan will be performed by one of our sonographers. All of our sonographers are fully trained NHS sonographers.
Baby scans performed at East Midlands 4D Baby Scanning 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. You will be advised accordingly as to what action to take and, at your request, we will liaise with your GP or maternity unit to pass on this information.
We recommend having your scan between 20 and 32 weeks. For best results we recommend having your scan between 25 weeks and 28 weeks. Scans may be carried out after 32 weeks, but images can be less clear.
In order to make sure that you can get an appointment at the optimum time, you should therefore aim to book your appointment around 2 weeks in advance.
Because twins tend to have less space around them, we usually advise having your 3D/4D scan slightly earlier than usual. We recommend at around 24 weeks.
Yes, we are only able to perform scans if an appointment has been made. Upon booking we do require a £20 deposit.
Yes, of course! This is, after all, your experience and we encourage you to invite your loved ones along to enjoy this wonderful experience with you (especially considering that numbers are usually restricted when it comes to hospital scans).
We can comfortably seat 4 people at our facility, but additional friends and family members are welcome as long as they don’t mind standing! We have a large wall-mounted screen so that everybody should be able to see. Please be reasonable with numbers however and let us know how many people you’ll be bringing so we can prepare.
In most cases, yes. Unfortunately, however, it may not be possible and babies don’t always behave the way that we’d like them to! Sometimes the baby may be lying 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/a fizzy drink or eat a little chocolate — these things tend to get the baby moving more.
If, in the opinion of the sonographer, your pictures aren’t of adequate quality, we will arrange for a second scan free-of-charge.
East Midlands 4D Baby Scanning use the very latest technology to gain images. However, for the above reasons, we cannot always guarantee the clarity of the 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 that you can do to improve your chance, your baby is in charge of the show!
Please see our preparation notes on our packages page for some tips on preparing for your scan.
You need to bring your hospital/antenatal notes along with you (this enables our sonographer to check your due date and contains contact details of your health professionals if we need them).
Please note that you need to be 16 weeks or more for package 2. Please bring your hospital notes containing your hospital aquired dating scan as proof of gestation in case of any discrepancy. If the baby does not measure 16 weeks and you come without proof of gestation and require a rescan a further charge of £30 will be administered.
It isn’t always necessary to have a full bladder when you attend for your scan, but it can help with early scans. Please see our preparation tips on our packages page for advice on preparing for your scan.
Please call our booking line on 01623 624 137. If we’re unable to answer during busy periods, please leave us a message, email us or use our booking form and we’ll get back to you at the earliest opportunity. We do require a £20 deposit on booking the appointment.