A 3D/4D ultrasound scan can be performed in order to see a preview of the baby from 26 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.
A 4D scan is a 3D scan with the added dimension of time – as in a film or video – so the baby can be seen to be moving. 4D scans are not usually needed for medical reasons.
If the baby has a rare malformation, a 3D or 4D scan could provide extra information for medical purposes, but this is rare.
Parents may want the scan if they are curious to see their baby's face. If you have a 3D or 4D scan, we always do a wellbeing scan first, before trying to view the face or other parts of the body in 4D. It may take some time to get a good view of the baby, so the scan could take 30-60 minutes.
If the baby is not in a favourable position you may be asked to go for a walk and return later. The best time to do 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 baby has its arms or legs in front of the face. The baby can be seen to be moving. Sometimes it is possible to record your baby yawning or stretching.
Parents to be who wish to find out the likelihood that their baby has one of three chromosomal conditions; Down’s syndrome (T21), Edward’ syndrome (T18) or Patau's syndrome (T13) choose NIPT. This prenatal test can be performed two weeks earlier than the NHS 12-14 week Nuchal Translucency screening.
Tiny structures inside your baby’s cells called chromosomes carry the genes that determine how your baby develops. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes per cell, however changes may occur during the production of sperm or egg cells which can lead to your baby having an extra chromosome. Although babies with Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 are born to mothers of all ages, maternal age does increase the likelihood of the presence of these conditions. NIPT analyses the cffDNA in the maternal blood, to determine if there is an increased likelihood that your baby has an extra chromosome present. Downs Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome and Pataus Syndrome are spectrum conditions varying from mild to severe presentation.
The Nuchal Translucency screening offered by the NHS determines a background chance based on maternal age. From the maternal age of 35 years of age onwards this background chance increases substantially. This increases the likelihood of receiving a high probability result from the Nuchal Translucency screening. Due to the limitation of the Nuchal translucency screening, this lowers the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test, meaning that those over 35 are more likely to receive a high probability result, even if the baby does not have the condition.
NIPT has a higher positive predictive value than the Nuchal translucency screening. This means less high probability results where the condition is not actually present. We do not use the term false positives, as these are screening tests therefore they do not determine positives or negatives. They offer likelihoods, from low to high.
NIPT is particularly recommended for those over 35 years of age, parents to be who have had a high probability result in their current or previous pregnancy, or a confirmed chromosomal condition in a previous pregnancy. It is for those who wish to avoid unnecessary invasive testing, which carries a risk of miscarriage.
A 3D/4D scan is ideally is performed between 26 – 32 weeks of pregnancy.
3D / 4D scans are most often done to satisfy curiosity of the family. There is no danger in doing them although it is better that they are not prolonged or repeated excessively.
The sonographer is the best and most qualified person to do this scan.
We offer morning, afternoon and evening appointments 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 short notice appointments can be easily arranged.
Yes. The baby needs to be co-operative. This may take up to 45 minutes. If the mother is overweight it may be particularly difficult. We may ask you to take a short walk and a sweetened drink to get the baby to move. Rarely we may need you to come back on another day. If the placenta is at the front this can also causes problems in getting good pictures.
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 also provide a USB stick with the full 3D/4D experience.
A wellbeing and growth scan can be done anytime.
The Birth Company
Alderley Edge Medical Centre,
Talbot Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7HR
Alderleyadmin@thebirthcompany.co.uk
Alderley Edge
| Mon | TBC |
| Tue | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wed | 12:30 - 16:30 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 14:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 14:00 |
| Sat | TBC |
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