4D FAQ

 

 

topAre 4D Baby Scans safe?

Yes. The 4D scanning process employs the same ultrasound technology used in normal 2D pregnancy scanning. The difference is that powerful computing within the ultrasound machine enables the image of your baby be viewed in three dimensions.
Therefore 4D scanning is just as safe as the 2D process by which millions of babies have been scanned over the past 30 years.

 

 

topHow much is a 4D Baby Scan?

Your 4D scan appointment comprises two costs. The professional operation of the ultrasound machine and the media items that you take away.
You can purchase your scan and add media items separately - prices are here, or choose one of our packages for simplicity and a saving over individual items.

 

 

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 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy (20 - 30 weeks for twins). Before 24 weeks your baby will look quite skeletal and frightening. After 32 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 designer 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?

Yes. However most parents come to us for the edited DVD.
We can also 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 a substantial sum.
This would make your 4D Scan DVD very, very expensive.
You can always choose not to listen to the 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 as many still images as the number of prints that you have requested.
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 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 24 - 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 24 - 32 weeks however parents 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 4 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 file takes around an hour to compress and the Raw Video file at least an hour, depending on how long you were scanned for. You may relax in our Patient Lounge or we can mail the media to you.

 

 

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

No. Because your baby will have been scanned 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 we recommend that you choose a Fetal Growth Scan and Report along with your 4D Scan (included in all our packages) so that the health and well being of your baby can be checked.

 

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.