Ultrasound FAQs

2D ultrasound is the traditional and original method of viewing a baby’s organs and skeletal features. This method has been used by the NHS for many years to check prenatal progress. 3D ultrasound uses more advanced technology to provide views of the surface imagery of your baby in great detail, capturing what is now referred to as 3D photographic imagery and 4D real-time moving imagery using the same frequency sound waves as traditional 2D ultrasound.

We offer elective 2D, 3D and 4D prenatal ultrasound scans to provide reassurance and a positive bonding experience for the mother, father and family members with the unborn baby. We feel that realistic 3D/4D images provide a connection between the parents and baby that can be beneficial to the whole family. We make no claims that the provision of 3D/4D imagery should be used in the assessment of abnormalities, and such scans should compliment, not replace those detailed 2D diagnostic examinations provided within the NHS.

Extensive studies over 30 years have found that ultrasound has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is now normal throughout the UK. 3D/4D scans use exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound as conventional 2D scanning. 3D and 4D ultrasound both utilize sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image. 3D and 4D ultrasound will be similar to a conventional 2D scan in terms of exposure.

For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects to humans.

First Encounters Ultrasound performs 3D/4D scans between 24 to 32 weeks gestation. However, for optimum results we recommend coming for a scan at 25 to 29 weeks, when your baby is more developed yet still has room for movement and plenty of fluid to project imagery.

Due to the sensitive nature of baby scans and potential unexpected findings, we strongly encourage you to consider the purpose of your chosen scan and the appropriate nature of guests in attendance in particular children attending the examination room. We have re-designed our clinic to provide a purpose built private viewing room to accommodate additional guests from which we can appropriately control what is displayed and observed. Our guest policy now permits up to four guests to accompany you into the examination room including ‘where appropriate’ closely supervised children; with a further five additional guests including children (supervised under the age of 16 years) permitted into the private viewing room where they can view your scan on a large screen with audio. (Max 9 Guests across two rooms).

All of our 3D/4D scans are carried out using the GE Voluson E6, featuring genuine HDLive technology. GE Healthcare are the world’s leading providers of baby scan equipment, and the Voluson E6 reliably captures detailed, high-quality images.

Each scan is performed by one of our expert ultrasound practitioners, all of whom are registered health care professionals qualified in sonography and experienced in obstetric ultrasound. All of our staff are highly qualified practitioners who have worked for many years in the NHS and the private sector.

It is preferable to wear a comfortable, loose-fitting two-piece outfit on the day of your scan. We recommend consuming a sugary fizzy drink and a chocolate bar approximately 20 minutes prior to your appointment to assist with baby's movement; we also request that you arrive with a full bladder for all the scan options we provide.

There are no other general instructions for all ultrasound examinations. Different examinations require different preparations and we will give you the relevant instructions for your specific scan when you make your appointment.

An ultrasound examination is a painless procedure and there are no after-effects.

How the examination is performed depends on what scan is required. Most ultrasound examinations are performed with the sonographer passing the transducer or probe over the area of interest and in contact with the skin. The patient is usually asked to lie on an examination bed, and a clear water-soluble gel is applied to the skin. This helps the transducer to slide easily across the skin, and it gets rid of air trapped on the skin (which the sound waves cannot pass through).

The ultrasound practitioner then presses the transducer against the skin and moves it to see the area of interest. Images of the area are seen instantaneously on the television monitor. The ultrasound practitioner can explain the images displayed on the monitor to you, and you may ask questions during the scan.

Your sonographer may ask you to take deep breaths in or move into different positions to obtain the best possible images.

The position of your baby during the scan may be such that gender determination and satisfactory 3D/4D imagery are difficult to achieve. On these occasions, the sonographer may ask you to take a gentle stroll to encourage movement of your baby before recommencing your scan. In the event that your baby is still camera shy, you will be offered a complimentary re-scan visit on an alternate date (T&Cs apply).

On the extremely rare occasions when we are unable to obtain the required imagery even after a complimentary re-scan, the sonographer provides a professional opinion as to whether the desired result would be achievable through further scanning. We trust that at such time you will appreciate we will have made every effort to achieve the desired result (notwithstanding issues beyond our control), and as such any further elected scan would be chargeable.

It helps if your bladder is as full as possible. It is not always essential if you are having a scan after 24 weeks, although even then a full bladder can sometimes assist when the baby is low-lying.

Yes. However, as you may know, twins can get quite cosy in your womb and cuddle up to each other, so if you are considering a 3D/4D scan, the best time would be between 22 and 26 weeks gestation. A multiple pregnancy surcharge does apply due to the additional scanning time required.

Baby is boss! We always do everything we can to get the very best images possible, but each baby will scan differently depending on its gestational age, its position, the amount of fluid present, and the mother's condition.

Sometimes, if the baby is persistently facing downwards (i.e. towards your spine) or if the hands and feet are covering the face, it may be difficult to achieve facial imagery, and if this happens we may ask you to take a gentle stroll in order to get your baby moving. If this does not have the desired result, and if we are not happy with the images or footage we have obtained for you, then we will book a complimentary rescan on an alternative date.

We make no promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our clinic, or that we can always meet everyone's expectations; however, we promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby can be seen.

Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services.

We have packages to fit just about anyone's budget. Please refer to our Scan Packages page for more information on available packages.

A £25 deposit is payable at time of booking. The remaining cost is payable 48 hours in advance of your appointment using the secure link in your confirmation email.

Yes, our clinic location has ample free parking to accommodate both you and your guests.