4D Ultrasound Scan Our group practice has been using the cutting edge technology 4D ultrasound scanning for 2 years. This form of ultrasound has revolutionised the way in which we can all view the developing baby. Parents find 4d scanning very reassuring that baby is developing normally. The service DOESN’T include a detailed medical diagnostic and screening service for the pregnancy. However, we do check the baby to the best of our ability at this stage but due to rising indemnity insurance costs we cannot now cover our companies activity for the anatomical check up. So this service has to be considered more of a viewing of baby in a diferrent form of ultrasound scanning. Normal ultrasound images are composed of black and white moving pictures. 4d ultrasound provides the depth of the scan to view the images as though they were in reality outside the womb.
When is the best time to view the baby? The best time to view baby is between 26 and 30 weeks with about 28 weeks as the best viewing time.
What we provide For £190 we provide a DVD recording of the scan, all the images on a CD and a copy of the images printed in wax so as they never fade. If you wish to have another DVD made we can do this for an extra £10. The total examination takes around 30 minutes. We do not routinely scan forlonger than this as there is usually no need to and it is best to stay within considered safety margins. The scan is part of a medical examination to check baby for any growth problems including Doppler ultrasound. We do not record music over the DVD.
What if the images are not very good? If we cannot obtain the images we feel are of high enough standard on the day then you have two options. Firstly, you can return but pay the full price regardless of the quality of the images or accepting a price reduction of £40 from the total fee of £190 ie the cost is then only £150 with no return visit. We have found that this is a sensible and fair method of fee for service with patients to date. Only on a few occasions out of nearly a thousand patients have we been unable to obtain some images which are considered to be of sufficiently high standard to be acceptable to all parties.
What makes the image a poor quality? The age of the pregnancy, position of the baby or placenta and weight of the mother are the main contributing factors that produce a poor image quality. We do not routinely perform this scan for twins as the images are so hard to obtain. If you are concerned about any of the above factors please contact us for further discussion.
Other Questions The use of this form of ultrasound is safe in pregnancy. You do not need a full bladder for this scan. You can bring up to 3 people with you at the time of the scan. You can cancel an appointment but if this is within 48 hours of the appointment we reserve the right to charge you £50 for the late cancellation.