Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 4D baby scan?
A 4D scan is an ultrasound examination that allows you to see the face and features of your unborn baby moving 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 ultrasound machine enables the image of your baby to 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. We practice the A.L.A.R.A principle, which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, meaning that the ultrasound settings are very low, but it is still possible to achieve incredible images. In addition, we follow the scanner settings recommended by BMUS, British Medical Ultrasound Society.
We recommend that you follow this link to help you to make an informed decision.
Will my obstetric scan detect any abnormalities?
If a problem is detected by one of our sonographers, they do have a duty of care to discuss these findings with you in a sensitive manner. If necessary, we will advise that you contact your primary caregiver so that a follow up scan can be made through them. All mothers should attend their routine hospital scan(s) and not use a scan at Numi Scan as an alternative to an anomoly scan.
At what stage of my pregnancy is it best to have a 3D/4D scan?
For best results we advise having your bonding scan done between 27 and 32 weeks. However, 4D baby scans can be performed from 13 weeks and early 2D scans from 8 weeks. In order to make sure you can get an appointment at the optimum time you should therefore aim to book around 4 weeks in advance if possible.
When is the best time to have a baby scan if I am having twins?
Twins tend to have less space around them so we usually advise having a 3D/4D scan slightly earlier than usual, at around 19 weeks - 22 weeks.
Can I bring my family and friends along with me to watch my scan?
Absolutely! This is YOUR experience and we encourage you to invite your loved ones along to enjoy the wonderful bonding experience with you (especially since numbers are usually restricted during routine hospital scans). We can comfortably sit 4 in the scanning room in both our Stansted baby scan facility and our North London baby scan centre, and we do have a large wall mounted screen so everyone should be able to see but please be a little reasonable with numbers.
Is the baby scan always successful?
There are some factors that can affect the success of your scan, the most common being your baby's position. Baby's have a mind of their own and sometimes do not want to smile for the camera. However, in this case we will ask you to take a gentle stroll and come back free of charge to see if baby has changed position.
A high BMI can also affect the quality of the images as can reduced amniotic fluid.
The amount of room baby has to move around will also affect the success of your baby scan. If you are having your scan at, for example, 34 weeks, it may be more difficult to get images of baby.
Rescans
Sometimes baby is lying in such a position that it is impossible to obtain good images. We'll try all the tricks that we know to attempt to get baby into a better position, however if we are still unable to get any images during your appointment time then we do offer one free rescan usually within one to two weeks following your first appointment.
Our free rescan is offered on the understanding that you acknowledge that we are unable to guarantee that baby's position will be ideal during your rescan.
(Free rescans do not hold a monetary value and are not transferable.)
How do I pay?
We accept debit and all major credit cards as well as cash. There is no extra charge for using your debit card, however a credit card payment does carry a 1.5% fee of the total amount payable.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
We understand that you may be running a couple of minutes late, however anyone that arrives later than 10 mins for their appointment may not be able to be seen by our sonographer and you may have to rebook your appointment. There may also be a 50% charge as this will be classed as a missed appointment. (This is at the managements discretion.)
This is to make it fair on people who have appointments booked in for the rest of the day, in order to ensure that their appointments run on time.
Minimum age
18 years
