Who performs the ultrasound?
A qualified sonographer will perform the exam.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound has been used for the last 35 years for fetal imaging and has been verified in
several studies as a non-
invasive tool with vast benefits (for further information about the
development of ultrasound please to refer to
Dr Joseph Woo’s renowned page
www.ob-ultrasound.net Multiple studies have been done all over the world
confirming no
negative effects on the fetus.
Do I still need to attend my hospital scans?
Yes, any scans done only complement your regular NHS scans and should in no way be
seen as a substitute. The
BABY4D scan is not part of your routine antenatal care. The 4D
scan should not replace any appointments at your
hospital. Our scans are designed to be
an early opportunity to meet your baby and to create a unique bonding
experience.
Can I have a 4D scan at any stage of pregnancy?
Between weeks 22 and 32 weeks is considered the ideal time for a 4D ultrasound. Having
said that we can get very
good images from 11 weeks onward. At all stages foetal
wellbeing scans can be done and 2D scans can be achieved
from just after
conception.
Can the Ultrasound Fail?
As we take as much time as possible we minimize the risk of failure. If we feel right at the beginning of
the scan that this will not be possible due to conditions, such as too little fluid we will bring it to your
attention immediately and ask if you would like us to continue.
The confirmation of sex and confirmation of pregnancy and portrait scans has to be paid for on the day
they are done.
If there is any doubt the sonographer might ask you to come back once for confirmation.
When the baby is in a difficult position, 4D scans can sometimes not be adequately obtained. We will try
to get better imaging while you are still there, by doing a repeat ultrasound during that day if possible.
If we are still unable to get an acceptable 4D examination (Premier 4D package) we will give you the
following options:
- You can buy the PORTRAIT package with the photos that it includes, or
- We will give you one rebooking, the second booking has to be paid for even in the unlikely event
that no images can be obtained on that occasion as well.
I agree to these terms and conditions.
Name………………………………………….
Signed ……………………………………….
Can my family accompany me?
As this is a family event we allow up to 3 people to join you during the ultrasound
examination. We provide a larger
screen in the examination room so that both you and our
family / friends can watch the exam in comfort.
What is 4D ultrasound?
Up to quite recently, all ultrasound was 2D – meaning only in 2 planes. This is the typical
picture we all grew
accustomed to. With better technology, the ultrasound started to have
the capability to image in 3 planes, which
looks like a photograph of the baby.
Recently, technology added the 4th dimension – MOVEMENT.
How long before I get my Images?
We will print the photos, thermal images and DVD’s while you wait. If you want any other
type of print we will send
through the pictures immediately and you will receive it as soon
as we can process it.
Why do you keep the scanning time down to 20 – 30 minutes per scan?
A small amount of controlled studies showed minor temperature changes in the field of
view. This is less than the
temperature change during the mother's exercise (an activity that
is strongly encouraged during pregnancy).
Intensive study of this finding shows no
negative effect on the fetus.
Thus, we keep our ultrasound time similar to the time of a diagnostic scan (the one during
your visit to the clinic /
doctor) of 20 to 30 minutes.
We also use the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Possibly Achievable)
Are any X-Rays Involved?
NO – Ultrasound works by using high frequency sound waves to image the baby.
No X-Rays are involved in any way.
What if something abnormal is found during the exam?
If any abnormality is found during the ultrasound or if a repeat scan shows any deviation in
normal development we
will inform you of this and at your request liaise with your
GP / midwife.
This is the advantage of storing your data with us as it will always be available for
comparison during your next visit.
Data storage is safe and confidential.
Again we must stress that we in no way replace your routine follow ups. The ultrasounds
we do are self elected, non
diagnostic bonding scans. In other words we don't do medical
scans. We must point out that we are not specifically
looking for any abnormalities.
Does an ultrasound exam guarantee a normal baby?
No, an ultrasound exam does not. Again we must point out that we are not specifically
looking for any abnormalities.
To answer the question, detection of congenital anomalies
is dependent on many factors such as gestational age,
maternal habitus and fetal position.
Most common missed anomalies are cardiac in origin. Many are developmental,
meaning in
some cases an anomaly, which is detectable by sonography, may not be apparent at the
time the study is
done.
What is the fetal wellbeing checklist
This is a very basic checklist only looking for the baby's heartbeat, looking how it is lying in
the womb and to show
you the movement of the baby. If you wish (and if possible) we can
determine the sex of your baby. The checklist
should in no way be seen as proof that all is
well and your routine follow up should still be done.
Regarding the DVD
What happens if my DVD doesn't work once I return home?
After you have had your 4D Scan your DVD will be tested on a home DVD player in front of you whilst you are still on
our premises, to make sure it is working correctly.
Make sure you press 'enter' and not 'play' on your DVD remote control as this is how it will work at home.
If it is still not working, please try it in another player. If it still is not working then contact us.
