4D Scans – What to Expect at Your Appointment
Planning Your Visit for a 3D/4D Scan?
Are you preparing for your upcoming 3D/4D baby scan? We know this is an exciting moment for parents, and we want to ensure you feel confident and informed before your appointment. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about 3D/4D scans.
Whether you’re curious about the best time to book, how to prepare, or what you’ll see during the scan, we’re here to help. Our goal is to make your visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible, so you leave with a collection of beautiful images and wonderful memories. Read on to learn everything you need to know for a smooth and rewarding 4D scan experience!
What’s the difference between 3D, 4D & HDlive?
A 3D scan captures a detailed, still image of your baby, while a 4D scan brings those moments to life with moving images. For an even more enhanced experience, our HDlive scan utilises the latest in ultrasound technology to provide you with an incredibly clear and realistic view of your little one.
Below is a comparison between 4D & HDlive:
When can I visit for a 3D/4D scan?
We offer our 3D/4D scans from 24-34 weeks gestation.
When is the best time to come & do I need a full bladder?
We recommend the best time to come for a 4D scan is between 26–30 weeks, with the best weeks being 27-28. This is because baby will have started to lay down plenty of fat, making their features clearer which allows us to get some fantastic 3D/4D images.
If you have an anterior placenta, we would recommend booking slightly earlier around 24-28 weeks. This allows plenty of room to get baby moving if needed. This does not mean to say that we will be unable to obtain 4D images after this point, it can just make it a little more challenging for our sonographers.
*For multiple pregnancies we recommend 22-26 weeks as there is already less room in there for babies to move around!
What’s included?
The primary purpose of all our scans is the well-being of mum and baby. We always begin our 4D scans with a diagnostic check and you will take home a report. Our packages also include photo prints, digital images, and optional gender confirmation as standard. We have a range of 4D scan packages to suit you.
Selected clinics offer HDlive as an optional upgrade.
What if you can’t get good enough images of baby?
Our specialist sonographer is dedicated to capturing the best possible images of your baby and will make at least three attempts to achieve this. If your little one isn’t cooperating, we may ask you to take a short walk or enjoy a cold drink to help encourage movement, giving us a better chance to capture those precious moments.
When you arrive…
We recommend arriving at the clinic 10–15 minutes before your appointment to allow time for check-in. Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to fill out a section of your well-being report, which helps us gather a little more information about you. This includes details such as your name, date of birth, due date, and contact information.
Providing this information ensures our sonographer and team are fully informed and ready to provide you with the best possible care.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team—we’re here to help!
Your appointment…
Please drink plenty of water in the lead up to your appointment. Around 1-2 glasses an hour before should do. This can help the quality of your scan. Please bring any notes you have been given by your midwife or the hospital along to your appointment. This is to make sure our Sonographer is completely informed about you and your pregnancy.
First of all, the Sonographer will behind by checking on the well-being of baby in 2D. This includes assessing the spine, abdominal contents, brain, fluid level, placenta/baby position and visualising and listening to the heartbeat.
The information is fed-back to your personal scan assistant to be added to your well-being report.
We will then check the gender. If this is something you wouldn’t like, just let the team know.
The sonographer will then show you baby’s features in the 3D/4D view. If you’ve chosen HDlive as an upgrade, they will show you baby in this view too!
Please note that growth measurements and estimated weight aren’t included. Please get in touch with your local clinic, as this can be added to your package. Should you require any ongoing care following your scan with us, we have relationships with local NHS hospitals, should you need ongoing care. We will contact the hospital for you and make all arrangements, to ensure you receive optimum care going forwards.
