BY DR DARRYL MAXWELL CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIAN & GYNAECOLOGIST
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Download our handy
4D Did You Know? sheet
here.
What are 4D Scans?
4D Baby Scans allow you to see the face and features of your unborn baby in 3 dimensions and in colour. The 4th dimension is time, so you actually see your baby moving and getting up to all sorts of wonderful activities in the womb.
Are 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 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.
How much is a 4D Baby Scan?
Your 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.
When is the best time for a 4D scan?
The best time for a 4D scan is between 24 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. 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.
How 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!
Can 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.
How 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.
Can I have an unedited DVD?
Yes, if you really want to. (most parents come to us for the edited DVD)
We can also supply the raw unedited 4D scan footage as a Mov or Avi file on a DVD-ROM disc so you can edit it yourself.
With our unique DVD authoring process we can even add the unedited video file to your edited DVD Video disc should you decide to edit the moving images at a later date.
Can I have my own choice of music on my DVD?
No. Unless you have written and performed the music yourself.
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.
How 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.
At what stage in my pregnancy can I have a 4D scan?
The best baby pictures are generally obtained between 24 and 34 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 - 34 weeks however parents should be aware you may not obtain the baby pictures you might be hoping for.
How 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.
Can a 4D Scan identify Down Syndrome or other anomalies?
No. Your baby will have been scanned for anomalies at the 12 and 20 Week Scans and it is highly unlikely you or the operator will see any problems during a 4D Scan.
We strongly recommend that you order a Fetal Growth Scan and Report with your 4D Scan (included in all our packages) so that we can check on the health and well being of your baby.
Have we answered all your questions?
If not please feel free to call our 4D Information Line 0871 200 1490.