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FAQ's - Frequently asked questions

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What is the difference between 2-3-4D ultrasound?

A 2D scan is the scan black and white images that many pregnant women receive from their local hospitals. 3D is a three-dimensional ultrasound image allowing you to see the surface of your baby’s body including facial features. 4D (the 'fourth-dimension' being time) provides real time moving 3D images of your baby in the womb.

Are there risks involved in 4D ultrasound?

There are no known medical risks related to a 4D scan compared with any other obstetric ultrasound investigation.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring your hospital / maternity records.

Can I have a 4D scan at any stage of my pregnancy?

Between weeks 24 and 32 weeks is considered the ideal time for a 4D scan.

Do I cancel my hospital scans?

A 4D scan is not a diagnostic scan and is not part of your routine antenatal care. The 4D scan should not replace any appointments at your hospital.

What if you see something wrong?

The 4D scan is not a medical investigation however in the very unlikely event that a problem with your baby is identified 4D baby imaging has clinical support from Mr Matthew Jolly MRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Sub-Specialist in Fetal Medicine. With your consent we will speak directly to Mr Jolly who will advise on your options and liaise with your Obstetrican and/or General Practitioner.

If you would like a separate detailed anomaly scan or a fetal wellbeing scan this can be arranged.

Will I get good images?

We use the latest ultrasound equipment and experienced ultrasonographers to produce the best possible images for you. However the quality of the final images also depends upon your size and the baby’s position. If the ultrasonographer feels that the images are sub-standard and that significantly better images would be possible with a repeat scan then a second complementary scan will be offered at the ultrasonographers discretion.

How long is a session and what do I need to bring with me?

Each appointment is for 45 minutes including the ultrasound session. You should bring your hospital / maternity records.

How far in advance should I schedule my appointment?

We are usually booked two to three weeks in advance.

How many guests may I bring?

We can comfortably accommodate 2 - 4 guests in our scanning room.

Do I need a note from my doctor?

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor. 4D scans are not a diagnostic or medically indicated investigation.

What experience / qualifications do 4D baby imaging's ultrasonographers have?

All of our ultrasound specialists are board-certified by ARDMS

How long before I get my images?

A DVD of moving 4D images and a CD-ROM of still 3D images will be available on the day for you to take away.

What is Down syndrome, how common is it and where can I get more information about it?

Down Syndrome is where an individual shows a number of problems involving both physical and mental development. The severity of handicap is variable however 80% have severe learning difficulties. For this reason, many couples want to find out as much as possible about their future baby so as to plan accordingly. The nuchal test supports this process of information gathering.

One baby with Down Syndrome is born every 700 births in the UK. The chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome increases as the age of the mother increases. Typically a 25 year old women at birth has a risk of 1 in 1351 compared to a 40 year old woman at birth who has a risk of 1 in 96. The risk of Down Syndrome is lower later in the pregnancy because fetuses with Down Syndrome are more likely to miscarry.

For further information on this subject click here

Do you do gift certificates?

Yes

What services do you provide and how much do they cost? (See below for special packages)

Fetal viability scan	(6 weeks onwards)	£95
Nuchal and nasal bone scan	(11-13+6 weeks)	£125
Nuchal and nasal bone scan (+ blood test)	(11-13+6 weeks)	£200
Fetal sexing scan	(16 weeks onwards)	£95
Fetal anomaly scan	(ideally at 20-24 weeks)	£130
4D Scan	(24-30 weeks)	£195
Fetal anomaly scan with cervical assessment	(23-24 weeks)	£150
Fetal wellbeing scan and Doppler	(24-42 weeks)	£125
Amniocentesis	(15 weeks onwards)	£450
Chorion Villus Sampling (CVS)	(11-14 weeks)	£500
A GP letter is required for gynaecology referrals which cost £120 for a new appointment and £80 for a follow up appointment.
For more detailed information on the above scans click on diagnostic scans and click on the scan title you're interested in.

LIMITED TIME special deals undertaken by our Clinical Midwife Specialist

Package 1. Consists of 2 scans, the first in early pregnancy to sex the baby (this will be in 2D) and the second scan which will be a 4D scan around 26 weeks. With both scans you will receive a DVD of moving images and a CD of still images along with pictures on the day of your visit. Cost £275 Package 2. Consists of a 4D scan between 24 to 30 weeks pregnant. You will receive a DVD of 4D moving images and a 3D CD of still images along with pictures on the day of your visit. Approximately 45 minutes. Cost £185 Package 3. Consists of a 4D DVD of moving images along with pictures on the day of your visit. Cost £140 Package 4. Consists of a CD of 3D still images along with pictures on the day of your visit. Cost £130 Package 5. A dating and viability scan. To confirm the viability and to date the pregnancy whilst determining the number of babies you are carrying. You will receive a CD of 2D still images along with pictures on the day of your visit. Cost £90 Package 6. A sexing scan. To sex the pregnancy from 17 weeks gestation. You will receive a CD of 2D still images along with pictures on the day of your visit. Cost £90

If the questions above haven't answered all your queries and you would like more information regarding what we can offer, then click here to find out how to get in touch.