4D FAQ

 

 

topDo I need to be referred by my Doctor/Midwife/Obstetrician?

No. A referral isn't necessary for a 4D Baby Scan. All our packages include a Fetal Growth Scan and Report that can be passed on to your GP/Obstetrician or Midwife.

 

 

topWhen is the best time for a 4D scan?

The best time for a 4D scan is between 22 and 34 weeks of pregnancy (18 - 30 weeks for twins). Before 22 weeks your baby will look quite skeletal and frightening. After 34 weeks there is often not enough amniotic fluid around your baby for us to be able to produce a clear 3D image.

 

 

topDo I need to have any medical scans done before my 4D scan?

Yes. You should have had your 20 week Anomaly Scan before having a 4D Baby Scan. If you have missed your 20 week scan we will perform this first (at additional cost) to confirm that all is well before proceeding to the 4D images.

 

 

topHow long does a 4D scan take?

Our 4D Scan bookings are 30 minutes long (for single babies) but you should allow at least an hour just in case your baby isn't in an ideal position. Babies do not always pose for 4D Baby Scans.

 

 

topCan I bring family and/or friends?

Yes. Sharing the 4D Scan experience is one of the most wonderful moments of your pregnancy, so we have seating for 4 extra family or friends in our scanning suite.

 

 

topWho will perform my 4D scan?

A fully qualified and accredited sonographer from The London Ultrasound Centre.

 

 

topWill I see my baby's gender in 4D?

No. Gender Identification Scans are performed with conventional 2D Ultrasound.
During your 4D Scan our operator can avoid all areas likely to show the baby's gender if you don't want to know.

 

 

topHow long is the Cocoon4D Edited DVD?

Around 9 minutes.
During your 30 minute appointment you will be scanned for a minimum of 20 minutes. From that 20 minutes around 10 - 11 minutes of recognisable 4D Baby images will be produced. We edit out all the 2D scan images and leave you with only the very best 4D images from your scan.
For more information on our exclusive edited DVD please click here.

 

 

topCan I have an unedited DVD?

Sorry not any more. We did run a trial period offering the unedited 4D scans and over 75% of patients chose our edited DVD.
However we can supply the raw unedited 4D scan footage as a .mov QuickTime file on a DVD-ROM disc so you can edit it yourself.
With our unique DVD authoring process we are able add the unedited video file on to your edited DVD Video disc should you decide to edit the moving images at a later date.

 

 

topCan I have my own choice of music on my DVD?

No, sorry. To use commercial music we would have to obtain permission from the artist and pay them lots of money.
This would make your 4D Scan DVD very, very expensive.
You can always choose not to listen to our specially composed music by selecting the sound of baby's heartbeat on your DVD menu.

 

 

topHow many JPEG files will I get?

During your 4D Baby Scan the operator will capture at least 10 still images of your baby.
If you have also ordered a DVD they will try to get as much 4D Scan footage needed to produce a Cocoon4D DVD. Keeping a balance between these two can be difficult depending on your baby's cooperation so we cannot guarantee an exact number.
If you prefer still images to the moving images choosing a package without a DVD will normally yield more JPEG files.

 

 

topAt what stage in my pregnancy can I have a 4D scan?

We suggest a 4D Baby scan can be done between 22 - 32 weeks, however the best baby pictures are generally around 28 to 30 weeks gestation.
Later in pregnancy can produce beautiful images but the risk that the baby may not be in a suitable position is greater.
Any earlier and your baby will look 'skeletal' and often quite scary.
We are willing to scan outside the suggested range of 22 - 32 weeks however you should be aware you may not obtain the baby pictures you might be hoping for.

 

 

topHow long in advance should I book?

Most parents like to wait until after their 20 Week Anomaly Scan before they book their 4D Baby Scan, giving at least 2 weeks advance booking.
However our 4D Scans are very popular so to avoid disappointment and allow maximum choice of appointments you should book as soon as possible.

 

 

topHow long will I have to wait for my package?

Your unique Cocoon4D edited DVD takes around 30 minutes to process. The iPod/iPhone/iPad files takes around an hour to compress and the Raw Video file at least an hour, or longer - depending on how long you were scanned for. You may relax in our Patient Lounge or we can post the media to you.

 

 

topCan a 4D Scan identify Down Syndrome or other anomalies?

No. During a 4D Scan the operator is trying to obtain the best pictures for you, not looking for abnormalities. Because your baby will have been screened for anomalies at the 12 and 20 Week Scans it is highly unlikely you or the operator will see any problems during a 4D Scan.

However all our packages include a Fetal Growth Scan and Report along with your 4D Scan so that the health and well being of your baby can be checked.

It is not possible to detect Down Syndrome by looking at a baby using a 4D Scan.

 

topWhat happens if my baby is in a poor position?

Should your baby be in a poor position to obtain clear 4D images the sonographer will first try a few techniques to obtain the best image. If these are unsuccessful you may be asked to return our Patient Lounge and walk around in an effort to encourage your baby to move. We may try to re-scan you several times during the remaining clinic opening hours. If there isn't spare time in the clinic schedule or if the clinic is closing we will ask you to re-book for another day. You will not be charged for additional scanning time on your second visit. If your 4D scan is successful on the second attempt the cost to you will be the same if your 4D scan were completed on the first appointment.

 

 

topMy baby has an identified abnormality, can I still have a 4D scan?

Yes. We have experience in performing 4D scans on babies with special problems in the past and understand the special importance a 4D scan may have for parents of these babies. We can help you by providing a pleaseant, lasting experience and quality keepsakes to memorialise your child.