Help & Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about 4D scanning, visiting our Mansfield clinic, and the Scan Baby experience.
What is the difference between a 2D and a 4D scan?
4D scanning is the best opportunity to really see and bond with your baby before it is born. We use advanced imaging technology to turn a conventional ultrasound into a real 3D image of your baby, which you can see in real time (4D). You'll see baby moving around your womb, giving you a glimpse of your baby's personality as well as their face.
As part of your NHS treatment, you will receive ultrasound scans during your pregnancy at 12 weeks and 20 weeks. From the NHS point of view, these are purely diagnostic scans to ensure your baby is developing correctly. From the parents' point of view, they hold far more emotional significance; they are the moment you are able to see your baby for the first time.
However, the scanning equipment used by the NHS is designed only for diagnostic purposes. You can only see a 2D cross-section of your baby, including their bone structure and maybe a faint outline of their features.
Our equipment performs all the same diagnostic functions, as well as a gender confirmation scan if you wish. Advanced 3D imaging software creates light, shadow and realistic skin tones so you can see an incredibly detailed 3D image of your baby. Because it all happens in real time, where you watch your baby move, yawn, suck their thumb and sometimes even smile, it is known as a 4D scan.
Is 4D scanning safe?
Yes, 4D scanning is considered to be perfectly safe.
3D and 4D scanning use the same ultrasound technology that hospitals use during normal diagnostic scans; the technology simply includes more advanced imaging software, which creates the 3D image.
There is no current evidence of any biological risk to mother and foetus associated with obstetric ultrasound scans. Despite this, we take the safety of you and your baby very seriously and see no need to take any unnecessary risks.
We have adopted the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Possible) principle, with equipment set to the lowest possible settings, whilst imposing a maximum amount of time we will expose your baby to the ultrasound. Even our longest scans will not last for more than 20 minutes.
We follow BMUS (British Medical Ultrasound Society) guidelines for the safe use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
Information from Public Health England · National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Is a chaperone available?
Absolutely! If you would like one of our experienced chaperones to attend your appointment with you, please let our friendly team know. Wherever possible, please let us know ahead of your appointment. However, you can request this service at any time.
Are you accredited?
Scan Baby is registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission). The CQC make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care.
This means that we have been rigorously tested and screened to ensure that all of our Sonographers and staff are fully qualified, that our working practices are safe and that we provide a service of exceptional quality.
What equipment do you use?
Whereas many clinics will use older generation, refurbished scanners, Scan Baby use the most up to date technology.
It is the absolute top of its class for 4D baby scanning and diagnostic ultrasound. It encompasses cutting edge technologies, like an Echo-enriched Beamformer and 3T Traducer Technology to capture flawless 2D, 3D and 4D images in stunning high definition.
You will be amazed at the difference in quality of even the 2D images, compared with what you might get at your 20 week NHS scan.
What is iLive?
Scan Baby uses the most up to date technology for 4D baby scanning and diagnostic ultrasound, encompassing cutting edge technologies to capture flawless 2D, 3D and 4D images in stunning high definition.
Our software ensures the best quality images for 3D and 4D scans. We are confident that using this cutting-edge technology is the only way to get the very best images of your baby before it is born.
Is ultrasound dangerous?
In short, no! Extensive research and studies have not shown any evidence that ultrasound, when performed by trained professionals following established guidelines, causes harm to the mother or baby.
Ultrasound technology has been used in pregnancy for many years and is considered a safe and valuable tool for monitoring fetal development and ensuring the well-being of both the expectant mother and the unborn child.
Twins / Multiples
If you're pregnant with twins or a multiple pregnancy, a £20 surcharge is applicable to extend the time of your appointment to allow for us to scan multiple pregnancies.
Please select the twin packages when booking online or call our office and we can arrange this for you.
Can I bring family / children?
Our guest policy is Mum to be plus up to 6 guests (adult or children).
We welcome family, friends and children to share your experience. We have a large scan room with 3 screens inside.
What can I do before my scan?
To ensure the best scan experience, follow these tips:
- Stay hydrated: Early and gender scans require a full bladder. For 4D and bonding scans, a full bladder is not required however you still need to be well hydrated in the run up to your scan.
- Bond with your bump: Take time daily to relax, gently massage your belly, and enjoy soothing music.
- Pre-scan sugary snack: Sometimes babies can have their legs closed or be in a difficult position. Having something sugary before your scan can sometimes help them to wiggle into a better position. Please only do what you are comfortable with.
- Arrive early: Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your appointment time. If you are more than 5 minutes late, we may not be able to scan you and you would need to book a new appointment.
When is the best time for my scan?
Early Scans — Available from 6 weeks. From 6 up to 8 weeks, a transvaginal (internal) scan may be required. If you did not want an internal scan, we recommend booking from 8+ weeks.
Gender Scans — Available from 16 weeks.
4D Scans — Available from 24 weeks up to 32 weeks. Recommended time frame is between 27–29 weeks. For twin pregnancies, we recommend attending earlier (around 26 weeks).
Bonding Scans — Available from 16 weeks up to 38 weeks. Although 4D is included, it is only a short preview. If you are looking for a more 4D focused scan, please book one of our 4D scan packages.
Rescan policy
We want everyone to enjoy their experience with us. Factors that can affect image quality include baby facing towards your back, umbilical cord or hands in front of baby's face, high BMI, and scar tissue.
Early Scans: If you are less than 6 weeks and the scan is inconclusive, a rescan will be advised at a reduced price of £35 (deposit of £20 to book, £15 to pay on the day).
Gender Scans: If you are 15 weeks or over and we cannot confirm the gender, a free rescan will be offered. If you attend before 15 weeks, you will not be entitled to a free rescan.
4D / VIP 4D Scans: If we are unable to obtain 4D images and you are within 24–32 weeks, a rescan may be offered. If you attend before 24 weeks or over 32 weeks, you will not be entitled to a free rescan.
Bonding Scans: No rescans will be offered for the bonding scan.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations can be made on your booking confirmation email or by giving us a call on 01623 272 662. As per our terms and conditions upon booking, deposits are non-refundable.
We require 48 hours notice to reschedule appointments. To reschedule, please use your booking confirmation email or call us and we can help.
Scanning age limit?
Yes, you need to be over the age of 18 to have a scan with Scan Baby. As a CQC regulated provider we adhere to recommendations and are only able to scan over 18s.
What happens if my baby is in the wrong position during the scan?
If baby is playing hide and seek, we will always work with you to try to get them in the right position for the best images. If this isn't possible, we may be able to offer you a free rescan. See our rescan policy for more information.
What is the Scan Baby Experience?
The Scan Baby Experience is an immersive technology-driven experience designed to provide expectant parents with a unique opportunity to bond with their unborn baby. It goes beyond traditional 2D and 3D ultrasounds, offering a more detailed and lifelike glimpse into the womb.
- Real-Time 4D Imaging: See your baby moving, kicking, and even facial expressions as they happen.
- High-Quality Imaging: Remarkable clarity of your baby's features.
- Gender Reveal: Many parents use this as an opportunity to find out the gender of their baby.
- Family-Friendly: Designed to accommodate family and friends.
- Memorable Keepsakes: Digital images and videos you can cherish.
What can I expect during my visit?
Before your scan
When you contact us to book your appointment we will confirm some details, like how far along your pregnancy you are.
We recommend that you eat 1–2 hrs before the scan. Complimentary drinks are available whilst you wait. Ensure you remain well hydrated throughout your pregnancy, but especially for 5 days before your scan. For scans at under 20 weeks, a full bladder is helpful.
Please bring your antenatal record book if you have been given it. Aim to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
On the day
- Paperwork — We will ask for your antenatal records and a short consent form.
- Getting comfortable — Our Sonographer will explain the process and make you and your guests feel comfortable.
- Wellbeing scan — All packages start with a basic wellbeing scan checking development, position and heartbeat.
- Gender confirmation and 2D photos — Taken if you wish.
- Making sure the baby is ready — We may send you for a walk or try again on another day if needed.
- The Scan Baby Experience — Stunning 4D imaging and optional photos and video depending on your package.
- Choosing your images — Our team will select the best images to print and talk you through any extras.
Is the scan always successful?
We only hire qualified and experienced Sonographers who will do their very best to obtain great images for you. However, certain factors like the position of the placenta, a camera-shy baby, or Mum's BMI can make it unavoidably difficult to obtain the perfect picture.
In these cases, we will not simply settle for a bad picture. We might send you for a walk around the clinic or offer you a drink to wake the baby up. If this doesn't work, we can invite you back for another appointment at no extra cost (limited to one extra appointment per customer, at the Sonographer's discretion).
What if you discover an anomaly?
Your scan with us is a social scan only and finding anomalies is not the primary purpose. If an anomaly is later found that was not originally spotted during your scan with us, we cannot be held responsible.
However, we include a wellbeing scan with every appointment. We will check certain vital signs such as the baby's position, movement, heartbeat and sometimes measurements.
If we do discover anything that concerns us, our Sonographers are very experienced and will advise you about the next steps. We will provide you with a scan report and a plan of where and what to do next before you leave.