Want to find out the gender of your unborn child? No problem! When it comes to gender scans, our sonographers are vastly experienced and highly skilled - we can accurately predict sex from 16 weeks gestation
However, there's a decision that you'll need to make before you visit the First Encounters clinic: which of our baby gender scan packages best suits your needs? Here's a quick guide to our gender confirmation scans:
2D wellbeing scan with gender confirmation // 16-32 weeks
Includes:
- Diagnostic ultrasound scan
- Wellbeing observation report
- Gender reveal scratch card
- photocloud™ digital download of all 2D scan imagery
Book now >
2D growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan with gender confirmation // 16-32 weeks
Includes:
- Diagnostic ultrasound scan
- growthAssure Report
- Gender reveal scratch card
- photocloud™ digital download of all 2D scan imagery
Book now >
Still not sure which of our gender scan packages will suit you best? Give us a call on 02920 732671 or contact us online to discuss your options with a member of the First Encounters team!
Read More: Should I Find Out the Sex of My Baby?
If you're pregnant and you've recently booked a reassurance scan, you may well be wondering what to expect on the day. Conversely, perhaps you're still trying to decide what kind of ultrasound package is right for you, in which case you may wish to learn more about the reassurance scan and what this option has to offer. Either way, the First Encounters team are here to help!
One important thing to bear in mind is that a reassurance scan is not a substitute for the standard 20 week anomaly scan that's offered by the NHS. Instead, your reassurance scan will complement the results of the NHS appointment, giving you more information and further reassurance that your baby is developing normally without aiming to reach the same level of diagnostic detail.
The main aim of a reassurance scan is to check on the progression of your pregnancy and identify the general health, growth, and wellbeing of your unborn baby. It can be carried out at any point during your pregnancy starting from 14 weeks gestation.
Your reassurance scan will reveal the following information:
- Growth measurements (including head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length). This information allows us to plot your baby's growth onto our average growth chart, which will tell us if your baby is developing faster or slower than average. Our ultrasound machine can also use these measurements to calculate foetal weight.
- Fluid levels will be observed - these are crucial to the wellbeing of your baby and to the safe progression of your pregnancy, so if we notice that your levels are markedly above or below the set protocol, we will use the four-quadrant technique to collect additional data that will help your NHS doctor to carry out a diagnostic evaluation.
- An audible heartbeat trace will be carried out during your reassurance scan, allowing you to hear your baby's heartbeat and helping our sonographer to ensure that the foetus is healthy.
- We will also look to identify the baby's position and the placental site to make sure everything is in the right place.
Want to book a reassurance scan?
reAssure™ is our
standard 2D reassurance scan here at First Encounters Ultrasound. However, a reassurance scan is included in all of our ultrasound packages (with the exception of pureGender™ and
taster4D™), so the information listed above will almost always be collected as part of your First Encounters experience.
Many people aren't quite sure of the difference between a 2D scan and a 3D/4D scan. We offer both options here at First Encounters - today, we're going to explain each option in detail, helping you to select the ultrasound scan package that suits you best.
4D Scans
A 4D ultrasound scan - such as our
4DGrowth&Wellbeing™ package - allows you to see what your baby really looks like via detailed three-dimensional footage. Some clinics offer '3D scans', which give still images of your baby; here at First Encounters, we specialise in 4D ultrasound, which allows you to see your baby moving around in real time. 3D scans produce photographs; 4D scans produce video footage.
Here are some further details about our 4D scans:
- 3D/4D ultrasound technology renders an image from the surface of your baby's skin for unparalleled detail
- Scan footage is projected onto a large plasma television screen, allowing you and your guests to watch
- Our 4D scans are popular among expectant mothers who have already received their dating and anomaly scans, and who now wish to take a closer look at the baby that's growing inside them. Our 4D scans make fantastic baby bonding experiences, giving you a detailed glimpse into your baby's world and bringing you a little bit closer to the child you're about to bring into the world.
- Some of our 4D scan packages (e.g. 4DGrowth&Wellbeing™) include complimentary baby sexing; others allow you to find out the sex upon request. However, gender confirmation is always done via a 2D ultrasound scan, even if your package includes 3D/4D imaging.
- After your 4D scan, you will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of lovely souvenirs that can be shared with friends and relatives. These range from printed photographs and DVDs to key rings, fridge magnets, and our adorable Heartbeat Teddies (featuring your unborn baby's heartbeat!)
2D Scans
2D ultrasound scans don't offer the same level of detail as our 4D packages - you won't really be able to see your baby's face, for example - but they still allow our sonographers to get all the important information about your child. Options like our
Growth&Wellbeing™ package are designed to reassure you about your baby's growth and wellbeing; other 2D scan packages can even tell you whether your unborn baby is a boy or a girl!
Here's a little more information on our 2D baby scans:
- A 2D ultrasound scan produces a black-and-white image that show's your baby's skeletal make-up and allows the sonographer to identify any potential anomalies. As previously mentioned, this two-dimensional view is also ideal for gender confirmation, but please check if this is available with your chosen scan.
- While a 2D scan doesn't afford the same level of detail and bonding as a full 4D package, you and your guests will still be able to watch the scan on our plasma screen TV and purchase a variety of cute souvenirs after the appointment.
Still not sure which scan is right for you?
'What sex is my baby?' is a question that we hear from a lot of expectant parents, but not everyone is interested in hearing the answer to that question - in fact, many of the people who come to us a for a pregnancy scan specifically ask not to be told their unborn baby's gender.
The Find Out or Wait? debate is one that's caused a lot of arguments. Many people can't imagine why anyone would want to delay the big reveal; others can't imagine why anyone would want to spoil the surprise ahead of time. Sometimes, even the parents themselves can't agree - one will want to find out right away, while the other will want to wait until the birth date!
Then, of course, there are the people on the fence. If you're reading this blog post, you may well be one of them. The question on your mind isn't 'What sex is my baby?' but 'Should I find out the sex of my baby?'
Today, we're going to help you decide. Here are some of the most common arguments for and against finding out:
- For: You'll be able to pick a name sooner! Finding out your baby's sex instantly allows you to eliminate 50% of the names you're considering. You won't have to worry about choosing between 'Lily' and 'Ivy' if you already know that you're having a boy!
- Against: You'll ruin the surprise! Finding out whether you're the parent of a boy or a girl is one of the biggest and best surprises you'll ever experience, and many people (including the author of this Huffington Post article) say that the surprise is all the better when you find out in the delivery room.
- For: You get to tell all your friends and relatives! Your nearest and dearest are sure to be itching for updates on your pregnancy, and they'll be thrilled if they can find out the baby's gender ahead of the birth. You can even give them our Gender Reveal Cards to make it even more exciting!
- Against: You'll end up with loads of pink/blue stuff! You may be able to resist the temptation to buy loads of colour-coded, gender-specific products for your baby after finding out the results of your gender scan, but that doesn't mean your friends and family won't do it for you. If you want to avoid the 'sports for boys/princesses for girls' stereotypes, leaving the gender unknown can be a good way to do so.
- For: You won't be disappointed on the day! If you have your heart set on a specific sex for your unborn baby, it may be a good idea to find out in advance - that way, if it's not the gender you were hoping for, you'll have time to get over your disappointment and get excited all over again for the boy/girl that you're actually having!
- Against: You won't be disappointed on the day anyway! The aforementioned Huffington article points out that, even if you were hoping for one gender or the other, that won't matter on the big day - any disappointment will be washed away by the excitement and joy of becoming a parent!
- For: You'll feel closer to your baby! Many expectant parents find that knowing the gender helps them to feel closer to their baby during the pregnancy. After all, it's easier to visualise your future child when you know whether that child is a boy or a girl.
- Against: The sonographer might get it wrong! The 'wait and see' camp love to make this point, and it's true that no gender scan is 100% infallible. That said, our sonographers can accurately identify the gender in the vast majority of cases, and if the baby's position makes it difficult for us to know for sure, we'll tell you so - we never just guess! Furthermore, we will show you the evidence for our decision on a large plasma screen during your appointment, so you won't just have to take our word for it.
Whether you want to find out your baby's gender or not, we at First Encounters Ultrasound are the people to call for your pregnancy scan. Note that gender is always depicted using traditional 2D ultrasound technology (even when a gender scan is included as part of one of our 4D packages); since gender is not visible on a 4D scan, you are not obliged to find out the gender if you get a 4D ultrasound session.
If you do want to find out your baby's gender, we have a variety of options to choose from. Gender can be ascertained from 16 weeks (we do not recommend booking a gender scan before the 16-week mark, as this greatly reduces the accuracy of the results). The cut-off point for a gender scan is 34 weeks maximum; after this point, a gender scan cannot be performed due to the size of your baby.
Browse our Scan Packages now to book your gender scan with First Encounters Ultrasound. If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call on 02920 732671.
An expectant mother in the UK usually receives at least two ultrasound scans over the course of her pregnancy. The first is a 'dating' scan that gives her an approximate idea of when her baby will be born; the second is used to check for anomalies in the unborn child.
Given that these hospital scans are offered at no charge, you may wonder why so many people also choose to pay for private scans with companies like us. What, exactly, do we offer that the free scans don't?
We're glad you asked! Here are 5 reasons to book a private ultrasound scan with
First Encounters:
1) 3D/4D technology. Your hospital scans will be carried out using standard 2D ultrasound equipment, which is perfectly adequate for checking on the health of your baby but not ideal if you want to take a closer look at what he or she looks like! Our clinics are equipped with the latest 3D/4D ultrasound equipment, giving you the opportunity to glimpse into your baby's world and see ahead of time which parent the unborn child most resembles.
2) Gender confirmation. Depending on the hospital you visit, you may not have the option of finding out your baby's sex during your standard scans (some hospitals refuse to discuss the gender of unborn babies as a matter of policy). However, we at First Encounters are more than happy to help you find out whether baby is a girl or a boy, and - as an added bonus - you'll be able to keep your friends and relatives guessing with the help of our cute Gender Reveal Cards.3) Photos and DVDs. Many hospitals do not provide take-home pictures of the babies they scan, and those that do will often charge extra for this service. All First Encounters scan packages include at least 2 photographs as part of the price, and several also include DVD recordings of your scan footage.
4) Comfortable, spacious clinics. Let's face it: hospitals aren't always the nicest places to be, and if you're planning to bring guests along to your ultrasound scan, you may prefer to bring them to a spacious, relaxed environment that will allow them to feel comfortable while they wait to meet your baby. We have clinics in
Bristol and
Cardiff, and both are designed to give everyone present the best possible experience on the day of your scan.
5) Souvenirs! Finally, we offer a range of fantastic
souvenirs that no hospital will ever provide. You can get your unborn baby's picture on a key ring or fridge magnet; you can get a printed report that serves as a permanent record of your scan and its findings; you can even get your baby's heartbeat recorded onto one of our adorable Heartbeat Bears!
Convinced? Click here to book your First Encounters Ultrasound scan, or call 02920 732671 to speak with our customer service team!
Once your pregnancy has reached the second trimester, you may want to find out whether your unborn child is a boy or a girl. There was a time when expectant parents simply had to wait until the big day to discover the gender of their new arrival, but modern technology makes it possible to learn the sex of a baby months before he or she is delivered.
If you want to know whether to expect a little girl or a baby boy, First Encounters Ultrasound offer the following gender scan packages:
2D sexing scan, 18-26 weeks, includes 2 black and white photographs
2D sexing/reassurance/growth/wellbeing scan, 16-32 weeks, includes 4 black and white photographs
2D sexing/reassurance/growth scan and 4D bonding scan, 20-32 weeks, includes 4 colour photographs
Gender confirmation is also offered alongside many of our other ultrasound packages - simply advise your sonographer if you wish to learn the sex of your baby, and they will be happy to tell you.Gender Confirmation - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I find out the sex of my baby?
A: Not everyone wants to know their baby's gender ahead of time, and you may prefer to keep it as a surprise, but many expectant parents request gender confirmation to help them decide on a name, decorate the nursery, pick out clothing, and so forth. Others simply find that knowing the gender helps them to feel closer to their baby - it's easier to picture your future child when you know whether they're going to be male or female!
Q: Do ultrasound scans ever get the gender wrong?
A: No sexing scan is 100% infallible, and the opinion of your sonographer should not be taken as an airtight guarantee that your child will turn out to be the gender specified. However, we will point out that - should you visit our clinic to find out the sex of your baby - your scan will be carried out by a fully-qualified obstetric ultrasound specialist with extensive knowledge and experience. They will give you their professional opinion regarding your baby's gender, and this will almost always turn out to be correct.
Q: How soon can I find out my baby's sex?
A: Your baby's sexual organs won't be visible on an ultrasound until roughly the 14-week mark, and even then it can be difficult to accurately judge his or her gender. We recommend waiting until you are 16 weeks pregnant to undergo a gender confirmation scan.
Q: Can I have a 4D bonding scan without finding out my baby's gender?
A: Of course! We appreciate that some people don't want to know the sex ahead of time, and so our sonographers will not reveal anything unless you specifically ask them to do so. Feel free to give us a call on 02920 732671 to tell us exactly what you want from your scan - we'll be more than happy to recommend a package that suits your needs.
