4D Baby Scan Questions

What is Inner-Vision?

Inner-Vision has been set up to offer 3D/4D ultrasound scans of your unborn baby. The philosophy of Inner-Vision is to provide a unique experience for you and your family in a relaxed and professional environment. Fully allowing time for you to bond with your baby.

What are 4d ultrasound baby scans?

This new ultrasound technique allows us to produce 3D images of your baby and display them on the screen. The 4D technique allows us to update the image in real time and allow you to see your baby, moving in 3D. Sometimes facial expressions, swallowing or even blinking can be seen - look at our gallery section and follow the links to see other images. Is ultrasound safe?

In over 30 years of clinical practice and many hundreds of research papers, ultrasound has not been linked to any adverse side effects.

How long is the scan appointment?

Usually sessions last approximately 45 minutes. In that time we aim to show you as much of the baby as we can. We will record the scan and take images, taking the time to explain and guide you through what you can see on the screen.

Who can I bring along?

Anyone you want to, as long as there no more than three other adults in the scan room at any one time. Children are more than welcome, but once inside our premises they must be supervised at all times. At Inner-Vision we realize this is a magical time for you and your family and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Are 4D baby scans always a success?

Unfortunately sometimes babies don't do what you want them to and if they are face down we may be unable to get very good images. We may ask you to walk for a while or perhaps have a drink and wait to see if baby moves, we will scan you again after 30 minutes. If baby is still in an awkward position we will book you a further appointment to suit your requirements at no extra charge and we will provide you with an image taken during the session.

When do I book my 4D baby scan appointment?

The best time for an Inner-Vision scan is around the 26-32 week gestation as the baby is big enough to see clearly, but not too big to scan.

Who works at Inner-Vision 4D?

The staff in the scan room are qualified sonographers and midwives who have worked extensively in the NHS and are either registered to practice with the NMC or the HPC (Nursing and Midwifery Council or the Health Professions Council). We believe that your questions can be answered better by our staff by providing a broad range of obstetric experience.

Do I still need to go to the hospital?

Most certainly, Inner-Vision is not a replacement for hospital checks, appointments or scan and we do not offer advice on the management of your pregnancy or future care, that is decided at your local hospital.
Can the scan detect any unexpected abnormalities with the baby?
The machine that we use for the scan is a medical ultrasound machine. We use the same ultrasound techniques (2d black and white) as you have in the hospital to position for the 3d scan and the staff who do the scans are fully trained ultrasonographers.

We do not perform a detailed anatomy scan, this will have been done at your local hospital around the 20 weeks stage, however, if during the scan the sonographers detects an abnormality or has cause for concern we will inform you and with your permission liaise with your midwife or doctor and pass on our observations.

Our staff are sonographers and midwives and are able to offer you a supportive environment for you to discuss any issues raised by the scan.

Can you tell the sex of the baby?

In most cases it will be possible to tell the sex of the baby with an accuracy of 95%, sometimes it will not be possible. If you want to know the sex we will tell you if we can see, we do not routinely look for this and will avoid showing you if that is your wish.
What do I need to bring with me?
All you need bring are you handheld pregnancy notes, oh and anyone you want to share the experience. We need the notes to calculate your gestation and contact details for your midwife or doctor if necessary.

Do I need a full bladder?

No, at this late gestation baby is big enough to be seen without having to 'fill up'.

How do I book my 4D scan?

Ring our appointments on 0870 766 1577, we are open seven days a week 9.00am to 6.00 pm, however we aim to be as flexible as possible - just ask.

What do I get and how do I pay?

Please see the separate section on Packages.