FAQs
​If your question isn't answered below please feel free to contact us to ask any questions.
Do I Need A Full Bladder?
Yes, for the Early scans, its best to drink at least 1 litre of water 30-40mins before your appointment time. For the other scans it doesn't need to be full but also not empty, so drink as normal before you come and go to the toilet after the scan. If you drink your water on arrival, for your Early scan, you will need to wait about 20-30 mins for it to reach your bladder before the scan can start.
How Many People Can I Bring?
You are able to bring up to five people with you for your scan including children who we welcome (we have some toys they can play with during the scan too).
Is It Safe?
4D scans are no different to conventional 2D scanning in that they use sound waves to look inside the body. The images are collected by the ultrasound machine and then processed by the computer to give a three dimensional image. There has been much research over the years into ultrasound scanning but there is no evidence or reports of adverse effects on the baby or mother. We follow BMUS guidelines and follow the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably possible). All scans are undertaken by Ultrasound Advanced Practitioners who have extensive Obstetric scanning experience. All our sonographers work within the guidelines for the safe use of ultrasound equipment laid down by the British Medical Ultrasound Society
Do I Have To Pay A Deposit?
When you book your scan online, it will ask for a deposit of £20 per booking.
You pay the remaining balance when you come on the day. The deposit is refundable if the appointment is cancelled 24 hours before the appointment time. The reason we take a deposit is because of No Shows, this is where someone books an appointment and fails to show, as the appointment could of been booked to someone else.
When Can I Find Out The Gender?
We perform gender scans from 16 weeks gestation.
Are Your Gender Scans Accurate?
We currently have an accuracy rate of 99.9%.
Can I Leave Feedback?
We would love to hear your feedback whether it be positive or negative, its the only way we can improve. So you can either email us (info@lovebabyscans.co.uk), leave feedback on our Facebook page or fill in one of our feedback books while you are with us (in the waiting room after your scan).
Do You Do The Colour Change Lights?
We do have the colour change light if you are finding out the gender in the scan room. If you are having a gender reveal we can write down the gender for you and give it to you in a sealed envelope. We stock gender reveal cannons and balloons (but not the helium) If you want a Heart sound Bear, which is gender specific, we ask you choose which bear before the scan and then put it in a box so you don't know which one it is, until after your reveal.
Do You Check Everything Is OK With The Baby?
We aren't doing an anomaly scan, so we don't do the anomaly checks. We only employ trained sonographers to do our scans and if they see something they feel needs to be checked then they will do a letter of referral for you to take back to your GP. However, when we see people, for early scans its far too soon to see if there are any anomalies, at 8 weeks they haven't even started to grow their arms and legs yet. With the gender scans, from 16 weeks, things are much smaller than at the 20 week scan so we are less likely to pick anything up and we spend most of the scan time looking to get the gender correct and getting good pictures for you.
Do You Charge Extra For Twins?
No we don't charge extra for twins, however we don't always get good pictures of both babies during the 4D scan as one tends to obscure the other. The best time for twins in 4D is 23-26 weeks.
Can I Bring Children With Me?
Yes, absolutely!! We welcome children to come along with you for your scan. We have some toys in the room that they are more than welcome to play with during the scan.
Can I Hear Babies Heartbeat?
Due to recommendations and our guidelines, we now use the Umbilical Cord to hear the sounds of baby's heart for the recording of the HeartSound Bears, over 16 weeks. If you would like to hear this please ask during the scan. The sonographer will always show you the Heartsound so you can see it during the scan.
Can I record the scan?
You cannot record the scan to your phone however you can facetime family who can't attend with you.
We save cineloops throughout the scan, which are little video recordings. These are all automatically transferred to the mobile phone you choose as part of the scan package.
What Is 4D Ultrasound And What Is The Difference Between 4D and HD?
4D ultrasound has been available since 2005, adding the fourth dimension, time, to a 3D image. 4D Ultrasound takes multiple 2-dimensional images, creates a 3-dimensional image and then adds the element of time to the process. This results in 3D live action images of your unborn child. HD takes that 4D image and enhances it, it changes the colour to a more realistic pink and we have the ability to highlight certain areas of the face, a good 4D image will give you a really good HD image.
Do I Need A Doctors Referral To Have a 4D Scan?
No you don't, because 4D scans are self-initiated, non medical scans so you do not need a referral from your midwife or GP.
When Is The Best Time For A 4D Or HD Scan?
26-28 weeks is usually the best time as the baby is still relatively small and there is plenty of water around the baby, so the sonographer will be able to obtain the best pictures. However, we can perform 4D/HD scans from 24 weeks - 30 weeks, often with good results. If your placenta is anterior you would need to come a bit earlier 25-27 weeks. If you are having twins then 23-25 weeks is best, we can't always get good images of both babies as one usually obscures the other.
Early scans can be booked after your first positive pregnancy test. You need to be 6 weeks for the scan, so you can work that out by booking for 6 weeks after the1st day of your last period.
Gender Scans are best booked after your NHS 12 week dating scan, as the NHS will give you a due date, which we work from.
4D and HD scans are best booked after your 20 week scan.
When Is The Best Time To Book My Scan?
Should I Bring Anything With Me To My Scan?
Bring a drink and a snack in case you have to have a walk or are with us a little while. We do have a vending machine where you can buy snacks too.
How Long Does It Take?
The scans usually take up to 10 mins but it really depends on baby as to how long you will be with us. If baby is in a good position and we get the images then you are usually with us about 30 mins in total, however if baby is being shy then be prepared to be with us for longer.
Can You Always Get Good Images?
With the 4D scans we can often get really lovely face images. However, if the baby has an arm in front of the face or is resting against the wall of the uterus, it can be difficult to get a good image. The chance of getting a good images increases around 26 weeks as there is plenty of amniotic fluid around the baby, and the tissue between the skin and bones of the flesh has started to fill out.
What Happens If I Don't Get Get Good Images?
We will do everything possible to get you great images on the day, however if your baby is not in a good position initially we will send you for a walk, we may repeat this a couple of times. Often this works and we then achieve good images. If we still are unable to achieve the images we would like then we will offer you a free rescan on another day.
Do I Still Need To Attend My Hospital Scans?
Yes, you must still attend your NHS antenatal care and you should attend all hospital and midwife appointments as normal.
What If An Unexpected Abnormality Is Found?
We do not perform diagnostic scans therefore we are not looking for abnormalities during the scan, however if we see anything which is a cause for concern we will refer you appropriately through our NHS pathway.
What Packages Are Available And What Is The Cost?
Please see our Services page for details and costs.
How Do I Pay?
You pay a deposit on booking and then you pay the balance after the scan. This is paid using card/ tap and go.
When Do I Get My Images?
All your scan images will be transferred to your given mobile number on the day of your scan. We will give you a password in order for you to access them. You will also be given some black and white prints too.
How Do I Book An Appointment?
You can book via the website by clicking on the services tab. You can call 01473 875145 or you can email us with any questions: info@lovebabyscans.co.uk