Your 4D Scan, 3D Baby Scans Frequently Asked Questions

You may have questions to ask about 3D scan and 4D Baby Scans. This is welcome and encouraged. Commonly asked questions have been answered here, but the list is by no means exhaustive.

The list of questions and answers regarding 3D Baby Scans and 4D Scans is not large. You may have a different question related to 4D Scan Services or indeed other areas of pregnancy, screening tests and ultrasound in general. Please feel free to post them and we will endeavour to answer them as soon as possible. Please allow 24-48 hours as we are sometimes very busy.

4D Baby Scans FAQs

The many research studies and observations over the years have not reported untoward effects of ultrasound on the baby or mother. 4D Scan or 3D Scan is no different to conventional 2D Scanning except in this case, the images are collected by the ultrasound machine, processed in its computer memory to give a three-dimensional image. There is, therefore, no known risk to safety of mother or baby. For further in depth reading please visit our 3D and 4d ultrasound articles section.

Except for the 3d scans and 4D baby scans, we would normally expect a referral from your General Practitioner. 4D baby scans are self-initiated. As part of our 4d baby ultrasound protocol, we do scan the baby to ensure all is well. If any problem is identified during 4d baby scanning we will tell you and recommend that we inform your midwife, GP or obstetrician. Our own Obstetrician are always at hand to advise in such circumstance.

For all other clinical situations other than 3d scans and 4d scans, we are obliged to inform your GP of any investigations and/or results (unless you do not have a GP).
Overseas patients are not required or expected to have a local general practitioner.

No, you do not normally need to drink water for pelvic ultrasound or 3d baby scans.

For best results for 3d scan and 4d baby scans we advise the phase between 24 and 34 weeks. At this time of pregnancy, there is sufficient water around the baby who is relatively speaking is small. The sonographer can in these circumstances obtain the best shots. When the baby is larger with less water around the baby is less active, the head tend to drop in the pelvis and the results may not as brilliant as are usually.

Women with twins should visit at around 27 weeks rather than later, as twins have less space around them.

The position of the baby and the water around the baby are the most important factors in obtaining the best 3d scans. You do not have influence on either. However, in many instances, excessive abdominal fat can have some (negative) impact on image quality. In other words, there is not very much you can do prior to your visit to influence the quality of your 4d scan and 3d baby scans.

The scan will be performed by a fully trained ultrasonographer or consultant. It is done on the abdomen similar to earlier pregnancy scans. We do not use the internal (vaginal) route for the purpose of 4D scans or 3D scans.

Of course you can, this a family non-clinical event. Although we encourage you to bring family members, please be reasonable about numbers, as we can not accommodate more than 3 observers in the rooms.

4D baby scans or 3D scans are primarily not diagnostic tools for abnormalities. However, if problems are identified, you will be told, so you can be checked at your hospital. In exceptional circumstances and with your permission, we may have to contact your local hospital.

What you take home with you depends on the package you have selected. There will be chance for you to upgrade to higher package if indeed you had booked a lesser package. Click here to view our 4d baby scan packages.

If your question on 3d baby scans and 4d scans has not been answered, don’t despair!

For further pregnancy related questions please visit the authoritative book by Consultant Obstetricians available online.

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