Please note:
A ‘3D image’ is how we describe a still 3D image of your baby
A ‘4D image’ is one that involves movement
At The Hendon Clinic we take great pride in providing an experience to remember as well as exquisite 3D/4D images of your baby to take home.
The ultrasound scans provided by 3D/4D technology are best taken between the 24th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, and the absolute optimum time is 26 – 29 weeks. The reason we would not encourage you to take 3D/4D images before 24 weeks is because the 3D/4D image will not present with the classic chubby-cheeked image which most mothers wish to see. After 32 weeks, most babies’ faces cannot be captured on the 3D/4D software with the clarity you would like. You should allow 45 minutes for your scan.
Your 3D/4D Baby Portrait scan will be performed by Penny Capes, a senior radiographer with a wealth of experience in ultrasound scanning, specially trained to get the best images possible from your 3D/4D ultrasound scan. She will use 2D ultrasound scanning techniques (familiar from routine hospital ultrasound scans) to determine your baby’s presentation and well-being, then she will switch to 3D/4D technology when your baby is in the perfect position for 3D/4D images. You will not be required to have a full bladder when attending The Hendon Clinic for a 3D/4D Baby Portrait Scan. We allow a 45-minute appointment for each 3D/4D Baby Portrait Scan, allowing you to enjoy the experience of bonding with your baby. We have two additional monitors in the scanning room for clear viewing for everyone - so you may bring family and friends to enjoy the experience. We have packages to suit all requirements and budgets.
In some cases your baby will not be a good position for images of the quality we wish to attain. In this case, you will be offered some hot chocolate or tea to stimulate the baby’s movement. You may be asked to take a walk outside if the weather’s fine - or inside if it’s not - after which we will resume scanning. If the images we obtain have not yet reached the high standard we wish to provide, you will be invited back at a time convenient to you for a second portrait session.
Be assured that there is no medical evidence that this type of 3D/4D imaging is harmful to you in your pregnancy, or to your unborn baby. However, we request you be aware that the 3D/4D ultrasound Portrait Scans Penny provides at The Hendon Clinic are neither medical nor diagnostic, and in the unfortunate event that the sonographer finds any unexpected problem during the course of your ultrasound scan, you are expected to take those findings to your own health care professionals, to whom all details will be provided at your discretion. We can also provide referrals to our team of specialist consultants who are able to provide you with any advice you may need.
You will be required to sign a disclaimer before your 3D/4D or 2D Ultrasound Scanning Session to confirm that you have understood the conditions of your visit to our scanning clinic.
At The Hendon Clinic, we use a brand new, top-of-the range Voluson Expert 730. This is considered to be the finest ultrasound machine with the best 3D/4D software. We are sure you will be amazed by the clarity of the images obtained. If you want to find out more about the technology involved, you can look at the Voluson website, which gives lots of interesting info about obstetric scanning:
http://www.gehealthcare.com/usen/ultrasound/genimg/products/voluson730/index.html
Many of our clients have raised concerns about the safety of ultrasound scanning, and the general results of the debate are that there is no evidence of any harmful effects if the scan is performed by an experienced radiographer. The following academic article may interest those cautious expectant parents:
http://www.ncrponline.org/Publications/Reports/Misc_PDFs/Ultrasound%20Summary--NCRP.pdf
And for those who love to read, here’s some more information about pregnancy and tests:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/having_a_baby/pregnancy_tests.shtml
