3D/4D 'HD Live' Ultrasound Scan 26-32 weeks of pregnancy

 

A 3D/4D High-Definition ultrasound scan can be performed to see your baby’s face and limbs from 26 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. Parents to be often chose this pregnancy scan as an early opportunity to bond further with their baby, or invite relatives along to meet their little one.

A 4D scan is a 3D scan with the added dimension of real time – as in a film or video – so the baby can be seen to be moving. This will be recorded on a USB stick for you to take home, with further clips and images sent directly to your mobile phone. 

4D scans are not commonly needed for medical reasons, however if your baby has a facial condition such as cleft lip or cleft palate, a 3D or 4D scan could provide extra information for medical purposes.

At The Birth Company your baby’s wellbeing is of the most importance, therefore we always perform a comprehensive assessment of your baby’s growth and development, included with every scan. 

The Birth Company is a calm, relaxing pregnancy clinic. We offer longer appointment times as routine. More time for baby, more time for you.

To see baby’s face clearly, it may take a little time to get a good view, so the scan could take longer than 40 minutes. If the baby is not in a favourable position you may be asked to go for a walk and return later, or to have a cold drink or some food to encourage some extra activity from baby. If during your appointment we are unable to see baby’s face, we will invite you to return for a rescan free of charge. 

The best time to perform a 4D scan is at 26-32 weeks of pregnancy when there is a greater volume of amniotic fluid but when the baby has not yet become too big. It is more difficult to see the face if the placenta is at the front of the womb (anterior placenta) or your baby has arms or legs in front of the face. The baby can be seen moving and sometimes it is possible to record your baby yawning or stretching.

When can I have the 3D/4D HD scan?

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.

What will be checked during the 3D/4D HD scan?

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.

What are the indications or reasons for having this scan?

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 Anomaly 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 Anomaly Scan

Consultant or Sonographer?

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

Is it easy to make an appointment?

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. 

What you will receive:

•  Detailed ultrasound report, with charts and images, to file with your maternity notes.
•  YourBabyScan Images and Videos direct to mobile and email
•  Baby Ultrasound Images to take home
•  Longer appointment times as routine
•  A calm and relaxing environment
•  High quality professional care from our Specialist Advanced Sonographers who are committed to advances in pregnancy care
•   You will receive a USB stick with video recording of the baby.

How to Prepare for your scan

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

What happens if my baby does not pose for the 3D/4D 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.

How is the scan electronically sent to you?

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.

What is the next scan following a 3D/4D ultrasound?

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.

 

Cancellation Policy 

For cancellations, a full refund of your appointment fee will be given with 24 hours notice. If less than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given, a £50 cancellation fee will be applied. Our full terms and conditions can be found here: Terms and Conditions 

Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG Antibody blood test £100

The Birth Company is now able to offer the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG Antibody blood test, at a cost of £100. If you would like to have this blood test performed whilst attending for your ultrasound scan appointment, please let us know ahead of your appointment in order to allow for a longer appointment time and to take payment over the telephone using our secure payment portal.

For more information about the test, please follow this link to The Doctors Laboratory website. 

TDL Pathology 

Patient Information

Some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. In later stages of pregnancy, it may be advised to perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan to have a closer look at a baby’s anatomy, or to assess the maternal cervix.

There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
The transducer will be introduced with a latex / non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.