Peekaboo - 3D Baby Scanning
When is the best time to have a scan?
We can safely scan you at any time from 7 weeks until full term.
However, as you approach full term and there is less space in your womb, a lot will depend on your baby’s position. It may be that you will not see your baby’s face in full. We would not recommend a scan at a very late stage, particularly if the baby’s head is engaged.
At different times in your pregnancy we can see different aspects of your baby’s development:
From 7 weeks we can confirm your pregnancy and give you your dates
From 16 weeks we can confirm the sex of your baby. This is 97% accurate.
The best time for a 4D scan is between 27 and 31 weeks. At this stage the baby is growing but still has space to move around.
If you are expecting twins (or triplets...) we advise you book your scan for around 26 weeks as two babies will take up more space in your womb and later on they will not be able to move around so much.
If you do not wish to know your babies sex we can make sure to avoid revealing this when carrying out the scan.
Please contact us by phone on 01534 499557 or email us to book your scan.
Can I bring family or friends to see the scan?
Yes of course you can.
We have seating for up to 5 guests and they will get a good view of your baby on our large, wall mounted, flat screen TV. Please let us know if you would like to have more guests, we will do our best to accommodate them.
You can bring children as long as they have a responsible adult (apart from you) with them.
What happens when I come for a scan?
When you first arrive we will give you a consent form to complete and confirm the scan package that you have requested.
When we are ready we will take you, and any family or friends that you want to join you, to the scan room.
In the scan room we have a couch for you to lie on where we perform the scan. You can watch the images produced by the scan on our large, wall mounted, flat screen TV.
When you are ready we will apply an odourless, colourless gel to your bump. This helps with the conduction of the ultrasound waves into your body. The technician will then move a small tool known as a transducer over your bump. The transducer sends ultrasound waves down into body and then measures the waves as they are reflected back into it. The software builds up an image from these echoes.
We start by showing you how the baby is lying and if you have asked to know the baby’s sex we will show you that as well. We will then try and get the best images of your baby for you to take away with you; if necessary we will wait for the baby to turn to a good position. You can also hear the baby’s heartbeat.
At the end of the scanning session we will upload all images to a pc in the waiting room. Here you can take your time in selecting which images you want to take home. We also offer a range of framing options for your chosen images and you can also order extra images or key rings with your new baby’s image.
If you have any questions during your visit, don’t hesitate to ask one of the Passion team. We will be happy to answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question and can’t find the answer here, please ask us. We want you to feel happy and comfortable about your scan and have an experience that you will treasure along with the images that you can take away with you.
Is it safe for the baby and mother?
The Passion health team have technicians that have been trained to use GE certified technology.
The ultrasound procedure is safer than other diagnostic techniques. It is non-invasive, painless, does not involve radiation and you avoid any risk from bleeding, infection or allergic reactions to any chemicals used in other diagnostic testing.
Ultrasound scanning has been used as a diagnostic technique in hospitals for over 30 years and has never been found to cause any problems.
What is an Ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, uses high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the body. The technique was first developed in World War II in submarines and is based on the system used by bats for hunting. The sound waves are transmitted into you and reflect differently off different parts of your body or your baby. These echoes are recorded and interpreted by the software to create the images shown.
What kind of machines do you use?
All our 3d and 4d scans are taken using a top of the range ultrasound machine that makes sure you safely get the best possible images of your baby. The same machine is in use in obstetric units and maternity wards all over the country.
2D, 3D, 4D....what does it mean?
2D is a 2 dimensional image, just like a standard photograph.
3D is a 3 dimensional image which seems to come out of the page or screen. It is built up by the software by taking images at different angles (and you don’t need special glasses to see it).
4D is a moving 3 dimensional image or video of your baby, the fourth dimension is time. You can watch your baby move around in real time. 2 and 3D images are given to you on a CD, you can download the image files and use them however you wish. The 4D sonograph is recorded onto a DVD which can be played at home on your DVD player or computer.
I don’t want to know the sex of my baby – can this be avoided?
Yes we will be very careful that we don’t reveal any details that you don’t want to see! Please let us know when you book the scan. I do want to know the sex of my baby – can you tell me?
Yes of course, as long as you are more than 16 weeks pregnant we should be able to tell the sex of your baby by simply looking!
How long does it take?
Depending on the package that you have chosen it can take from an hour to one and one half hours. This gives us time to get the best images and you the time to make your selection of the images that you want to take home with you.
What happens if you can’t get a good image?
Sometimes your baby is just in the wrong position and will not move or appears to be camera shy and insists on keeping their face covered. We will take our time and try and get you the best images.
If you are in the later stages of your pregnancy or if there is a lack of fluid in the womb we might also find it difficult to get a really good image.
If you are not happy with the images obtained we will be happy to schedule another session to try again – this time free of charge.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you do need to book and you can make your booking as far in advance as you would like.
Weekends and evenings are always busy so if you need to have your scan out of normal working hours you really do need to book as early as possible.
When is the best time to have a scan?
If you want to have a 4D scan, it is best to book for sometime between 27 to 31 weeks. This will give you the best images of your baby’s face.
If you want to know the sex of your baby you can book a scan any time after 16 weeks.
If you want to date your pregnancy we can do this accurately any time after 12 weeks.
Can I bring family or friends to the scan?
Yes of course. We are happy to have family come, to see your baby, however currently we have to restrict this to two additional people in the scan room, but if you wish to bring more people please let us know and we will see what we can arrange.
You can also bring children to see the scan but they must be accompanied by another responsible adult as we do not have the facilities to keep them entertained.
Can I book for a scan or do I need a medical referral?
Yes you can book your own scan. The 3D or 4D ultrasound scan is aimed at meeting your wish to see your baby; here at Passion we do not offer any medical or diagnostic procedures.
If you do need a diagnostic scan we ask that you contact your doctor or midwife at the Jersey General Hospital.
What happens if you spot a problem with my baby?
If we see anything which causes us concern we will advise you to speak to your assigned midwife at the Jersey General Hospital.
Can I have a scan if I already know there are issues with my pregnancy?
Yes, if you want to see your baby then we are only too happy to help you.
Are there any preparations I need to make? This depends on when you are having your scan.
If you are having a scan early in your pregnancy, less than 17 weeks, it helps us to see your baby if you drink something like a glass of water before you come for your scan. This is not necessary for scans after 17 weeks.
In fact, apart from turning up and being ready to enjoy the experience, there is nothing you need to do.
What if I am having twins? Well obviously there is less space in your womb when you have more than one baby, so scans taken later in your pregnancy may not give such a good image.
We advise to you book your scan before 26 weeks.
No matter how many babies you are having, we charge the same price for the scan.
