A 3D/4D scan is ideally performed between 26 – 32 weeks of pregnancy. Please note, the further along you are in your pregnancy the more difficult it may become to see baby’s face. If you are having twins, 26 weeks is the best time to see your babies.

Depending on the fetal position and advanced gestation (as the pregnancy progresses it becomes harder to see all of baby’s anatomy), the sonographer will try to visualise major organs and structures. This is an advanced gestation anomaly scan.

Your baby’s growth will be assessed by ultrasound, which is more accurate than the traditional tape measure used by the antenatal team in the NHS. Measurements are taken of baby’s head (the head circumference or HC), the size of the baby’s tummy (the abdominal circumference or AC) and the length of the baby’s upper leg (femur length or FL). These measurements can give an Estimated Fetal Weight, EFW, which can help predict baby’s weight at birth. These measurements are plotted on a growth velocity chart, which is printed on a report that you can show your midwife at your next antenatal appointment.

Further checks include the position, or presentation, of baby and the volume of amniotic fluid (AFI) which baby is surrounded by. The Umbilical Doppler blood flow in the Umbilical cord is also assessed.

A consistent growth pattern, normal amount of amniotic fluid and normal umbilical doppler can reassure that your baby is thriving. Assessing the position of the placenta and blood vessels reassures that your baby will be delivered safely.

3D / 4D scans are an optional opportunity to bond with your baby, seeing your baby’s face before the birth. The scans are always performed safely, with accredited sonographers and high quality, advanced ultrasound equipment.

We always include a fetal wellbeing and growth scan. Growth scans are commonly performed for the following reasons:

• The Midwife or Doctor measures the baby bump with a tape measure as small for dates (SFD) or large for dates (LFD)
• A third trimester Fetal Wellbeing and Growth scan is not offered routinely within the NHS
• If there is a previous history of birth where there was premature delivery
• You would like some extra reassurance in your pregnancy
• You would prefer a more comprehensive, detailed ultrasound scan to be performed in a calming and relaxing environment
• The NHS Sonographer reported findings during your pregnancy scan and a second opinion is needed
• If you are experiencing reduced movements, or a change in pattern of your baby’s movement
• To assess for Vasa Previa. A rare but severe condition in which blood vessels cross or run near the internal cervical os. Diagnosis of such complications can give your antenatal team the best opportunity to ensure you and baby are safe during delivery.
• If you experience adverse symptoms such as bleeding or fluid loss
• If there is a previous history of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy
• The placenta is low lying at the 20 week Anatomy scan and you wish to fly from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• The Sonographer or Fetal Medicine Specialist is monitoring a condition present which was determined at the Nuchal Translucency or Anomaly Scan
• If the baby was measuring small for dates (SFD) or large for dates (LFD) at the 20 week Anatomy Scan

Our specialist sonographer is the best and most qualified person to perform the 3D/4D HD pregnancy scan.

We offer morning, afternoon and evening availability during the week, as well as weekend appointments. A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability therefore same day appointments can be easily arranged. Our Sonographers are here to reassure even at short notice.

There is no particular preparation for this scan. Some parents to be bring a cold or hot drink, or snack as this may encourage more activity from your little one during the scan

The baby needs to be in a favourable position for the face to be seen clearly. This may take up to 40 minutes. If the placenta is at the front of your womb (anterior) this can affect how clearly your baby’s face can be seen. Ultrasound scans can be limited by an increased maternal BMI.

We may ask you to take a short walk, a hot or cold drink or a snack to encourage your baby to move. If we ae unable to complete the scan on the day due to baby’s position, we will invite you to return for another appointment free of charge.

The Birth Company is the first clinic in UK to offer this service allowing you to share your pregnancy ultrasound with friends and family wherever they are in the world. We offer this to you routinely with your 3D/4D HD Scan. The transmission is instantaneous. Please note on this system currently there is no sound, only video. It is a national policy not to permit patient or partner's phone recording in a room.

We provide still ultrasound images for you to take away with you on the day. We also send these to you electronically, with a couple of video clips. We provide a USB stick with the full 3D/4D experience.

A Fetal Wellbeing/Growth scan can be performed anytime from 24 to 40 weeks. A further Fetal Well-being and Growth scan (including Doppler) can be performed anytime if there is a continuing concern. Where serial growth scans are recommended, a period of 2-4 weeks between scans gives the best opportunity to assess baby’s growth pattern.