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15 Nov 2016

4D Scans on Groupon: Are They Good Value for Money?

3d/4d ultrasound
We all love a bargain, and if you're interested in booking a 4D baby scan and getting a breathtaking glimpse of your unborn baby's face, you may be tempted to visit a deals / vouchers website like Groupon or Wowcher to see what discounts are currently available online. Groupon in particular seems to be perpetually flooded with dirt-cheap 4D ultrasound packages, with providers sometimes cutting their prices by 50% or even more in the hope of filling up more scan slots.
 
However, before you book a discounted 4D scan through a Groupon or Wowcher deal, here are some things you should take into consideration:

Many of the scan providers on Groupon are fairly new companies.

Offering a heavily-discounted scan package through a website like Groupon is a popular way for new scan providers with no established market presence to 'get the word out', as it were. An eye-catching offer can be a good way to get people talking about your company, and the hope is that customers who get the cut-price package will come back later for a full-price scan and/or recommend the clinic to their friends and family members in future.
 
The problem for customers, however, is that brand new companies have no track record by which to judge them. Established scan providers tend to have lots of reviews online, but when you go to a recently-opened ultrasound clinic that's using Groupon and Wowcher to drive that initial burst of bookings, you may not have any way of knowing whether they are able to provide a safe, satisfactory scanning experience using the right methods and equipment. This could mean that the sonographer is unable to capture good-quality footage of your baby, and in the worst cases, it could even put you / your baby in danger (e.g. from electric shocks).

Scan time may be very limited, and you may not be offered a re-scan.

We've found that many providers who sell their scan packages for reduced prices compensate for this by packing as many scan slots into the day as possible. This means that each customer's scan period must be rigidly adhered to and that's not always conducive to a satisfactory scan experience. For example, if the company has allotted 10 minutes for your 4D scan and the sonographer finds upon commencing the scan that your baby is facing the wrong way, you may not have time to go for a walk and try again because this would cause you to overrun your 10-minute window and cut into the next customer's appointment.
 
When this happens, most companies would offer a re-scan on a different date, but the fine print on Groupon offers often includes a stipulation like this:
 
"If satisfactory imagery cannot be obtained, no re-scan will be offered."
 
This means that you would have to pay full price for another appointment if your first, discounted appointment did not yield satisfactory scan footage / photos.

Why choose First Encounters?

Here at First Encounters Ultrasound, we never run offers through websites like Groupon or Wowcher - all of our scan packages are priced as seen here. However, we believe that we provide an experience that's far superior to any you'll get through those websites. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
  • All of our scans are performed by qualified, experienced medical professionals.

  • We only use certified safe equipment from GE Healthcare.

  • Our appointment slots always include time for multiple scan attempts.

  • We always offer a complimentary re-scan if satisfactory imagery cannot be obtained on your first scan date.

  • Our reputation is second to none - just look at the reviews on our Facebook page!
Book Your Scan Package >                                                  Contact Us If You Have Any Questions >
 
08 Sep 2016

HDlive Baby Scans: Reviews from Our Customers

3d/4d ultrasound
HD Live Scans

We now offer HDlive baby scans at both of our ultrasound clinics, so whether you visit us in Cardiff or in Bristol, you can be sure that your 3D/4D scan will yield exceptionally high-quality imagery!


To give you an idea of just how magical the HDlive experience can be, we thought we'd share a few of the comments that we've received from expectant parents who have tried it for themselves. All of the quotes below are from real people who really attended a 3D/4D scan at a First Encounters clinic and reviewed the experience online, either on our Facebook page or here on our website.
  • Joannah, a lady who recently visited our Cardiff clinic, describes her 4D scan as "an amazing, magical experience", complimenting the welcome she received from our staff before adding that "to see our little baby girl's face was an experience beyond words".

  • "Seeing my granddaughter was an emotional and wonderful experience," says Svonne, a grandmother-to-be who recently attended a scan at our Bristol clinic. Her review goes on to praise the crispness and clarity afforded by our HDlive scanning technology: "The detailing was just so wonderful - I've come away knowing more about what she looks like, and even more excited to meet her!"

  • As Emily - another of our Bristol customers - recently found out, some unborn babies demand a little patience before striking the perfect pose for our sonographer. However, we're all about perseverance here at First Encounters, and we always do our best to get a good shot...even when the star of the show is feeling camera-shy! "Our baby was being cheeky and hiding its face," says Emily in her review, "but the staff were very patient and got some great pictures."

  • A woman named Gail left the following review on our Facebook page after accompanying a pregnant friend of hers to an appointment at our Cardiff branch: "I went with my friend to her scan and it was amazing - we could see everything very clearly. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of having a 4D scan, plus the Heartbeat Bears are amazing!" 
Huge thanks to all the customers who take the time to review their First Encounters experience online - you can view loads more customer comments on our Reviews page. Alternatively, if these testimonials have you itching to see your own child in crisp HDlive footage, please click here to browse our available scan packages.
08 Jul 2016

10 Reasons to Choose First Encounters Ultrasound

3d/4d ultrasound

First Encounters Ultrasound

As demand for 4D ultrasound scans increases, we're seeing more and more new people entering the field and offering to provide baby scan experiences at competitive prices. Sadly, the quality of the service provided varies hugely from one company to the next, and it's heartbreaking when expectant parents pay for a private scan and end up with low-grade images that are barely even worth sharing.

Here at First Encounters, we strive to deliver the best possible service to our customers. We firmly believe that we're head and shoulders above most scan providers operating in the UK today - here are 10 reasons why:

 

1. We conform to the highest industry standards.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates healthcare and - in particular - diagnostic and screening activities in England. Even though we are based in Wales, not England, it is our policy to ensure that our scans conform to the very highest industry standards. So if you visit our ultrasound clinic in Cardiff, you will find that every part of your scan experience reflects the standards enforced by the CQC in England (since the equivalent Welsh body, Health Inspectorate Wales, does not currently regulate diagnostic and screening activities in Wales).

 

2. We employ licensed sonographers who are qualified and experienced.

All of our sonographers are registered with the Health Professionals Council, the regulator for health professionals throughout the UK. In order to achieve HPC-registered status, one must meet the Council's standards for training, behaviour, health/hygiene, and professional skills. Many of the 4D ultrasound scan packages currently flooding the market are NOT carried out by registered healthcare professionals, which could mean that potential complications with your pregnancy go undetected.

 

3. We use advanced GE Healthcare equipment with HDlive technology.

Our scans are carried out using GE Voluson E6 ultrasound machines with genuine HDlive technology. GE Healthcare are the #1 manufacturer for the baby scan sector, and their equipment is championed by legitimate scan clinics across the globe.

 

4. Our equipment is certified safe for purpose.

Every piece of machinery we use to carry out our customers' baby scans is inspected, tested, and certified safe for purpose. Many scan providers, sadly, do not meet this standard, using uncertified and potentially unsafe equipment that puts both mother and baby at risk.

 

5. We are accomplished in both diagnostic and souvenir imaging.

Our sonographers specialise in diagnostic ultrasound scanning, meaning that they are qualified to carry out your souvenir scan AND assess the health and growth of your unborn child.

 

6. We provide printed pregnancy reports with every scan.

Everyone who attends a scan at the First Encounters ultrasound clinic also receives a First Encounters pregnancy report. This is a detailed document containing all the information we gather during your scan, such as gestation age, estimated due date, various measurements, and the position of your baby inside the womb.

 

7. All of our employees are trusted, caring professionals.

We've already described the qualifications and accreditations that our sonographers hold, but just as important is the friendly, caring approach taken by everyone here at First Encounters, from our administrative staff to the sonographers themselves. We do everything we can to make each customer feel totally welcome and completely at ease when they come for their scan.

 

8. Our scans are carried out in a relaxed, spacious clinic environment.

As mentioned above, we're committed to ensuring that expectant parents feel relaxed and at ease in our clinics. Our clinics are comfortable and modern, with enough space to accommodate everyone who might attend. We also maintain very high standards of hygiene and safety within our clinics.

 

9. Children, family and friends are always welcome.

Each scanning room has space for up to 6 guests. You are more than welcome to bring anyone you wish, including friends, relatives, and even young children who are eager to say hello to the newest member of the family!

 

10. We offer a comprehensive and competitive range of scan packages.

Unlike many providers who simply offer a single 'one-size-fits-all' scan package, we have a range of different packages to choose from. The best package for you will depend on the type of images you wish to capture, how far along you are, and the souvenirs you want to take home after the scan. Click here to compare the available options.

 

Still not convinced? Take a look at our Reviews page, or look at what our customers have been saying about us on Facebook!

16 Nov 2015

3D/4D Scan Quality: Can We Guarantee a Good Picture?

3d/4d ultrasound
If you've had a look at our Images & Videos section, you may be wondering if the examples on that page really are representative of the quality and the clarity you'll see on the screen when you come in for a 4D scan of your own. Will we be able to depict your unborn baby with that same level of detail?

3D Baby Scan

The short answer is yes, for the vast majority of scans we perform. However, 4D ultrasound scans are not an exact science, and with each and every pregnancy being so very different, the achievable results can vary for each client, thus making it very difficult to provide an airtight guarantee when it comes to the quality of the imagery we aim to capture during our 3D/4D scans. That said, we will always endeavour to obtain the very best result achievable, working with you to encourage your baby into the best possible position; however, whilst a change of position can, in most cases, be achieved with the aid of sugar stimulation, there are other factors that may affect image quality and resolution.

All ultrasound scans obtain images via the reflection of sound waves, which penetrate from the probe placed on your belly through to your baby and back again. The image then displayed is the result of this reflection. Whilst we at First Encounters Ultrasound use the latest, most advanced ultrasound technology (effectively enabling an element of image manipulation), image quality and resolution can unfortunately be impaired if the sound waves have more distance to travel, thus creating a weaker reflection and a lower-resolution image.

In some cases, a high BMI can lead to a less than perfect result; however, our own experience has also identified that, in cases of a high BMI, clearer images can be achieved when the scan is performed slightly later (between 29 and 30 weeks gestation). This is because the baby sometimes moves closer to the stomach wall, thus creating a shorter distance for the reflected sound waves to cover, resulting in a better image resolution.

The key points to remember when planning your 4D experience are as follows:
  • Your baby will require room for movement.
  • Your baby will need to be surrounded by plenty of fluid to assist the projection of imagery
In order to achieve the best possible results, we always recommend between 25 and 29 weeks as the optimum time for a 3D/4D scan. However, in the event that your baby is uncooperative on the day, a complimentary rescan will be offered on an alternative day (where appropriate, and subject to terms and conditions).

All of this being said, we'd like to say once again that unsatisfactory scans are very few and far between. The vast majority of women who come to us leave absolutely thrilled with the results of their 4D scan - if you'd like to book a scan of your own, please click here to compare the packages we offer. Alternatively, if you have any other questions to ask, feel free to give us a call on 02920 732671.
14 Aug 2015

Are 4D Scans Safe?

3d/4d ultrasound
4D scans
 
We get asked a lot of questions here at First Encounters Ultrasound, but perhaps the most common query of all concerns the safety of the scans that we provide. Many expectant parents feel slightly apprehensive about the idea of undergoing an ultrasound scan for fear that it will have a detrimental effect on the mother and/or her unborn baby.
 
The good news is that, in 30 years of study and research, ultrasound has not been found to cause any harm whatsoever to mother or baby. As the name suggests, ultrasound technology relies on sound waves, which are perfectly safe at the intensity used for the purposes of pregnancy scanning.
 
Ultrasound scans are now the norm throughout the UK; even if you don't visit the First Encounters clinic for a private scan, you will likely undergo two NHS ultrasound scans over the course of your pregnancy to check on your baby's development.
 

But what about 4D scans?

Most of the parents who enquire about the safety of our scans are referring specifically to our 4D scan packages; that is, the scans that capture 3D footage like this:
 
 
A lot of people assume that 4D scans must use a higher intensity than standard 2D scans, if not a different type of technology altogether. Many of the parents-to-be that we encounter have already received one ultrasound scan by the time we speak to them, and even some of these people are concerned about the side effects of our 4D scanning equipment.
 
If you are harbouring any such concerns yourself, allow us to put your mind at ease: 4D ultrasound scans have been shown to be completely safe for both mother and baby. Our 4D probe operates at the same intensity as our 2D scanning equipment, emitting sound waves into the body and creating an image based on the echoes it hears. The technology actually has a lot in common with radar!
 
Ultrasound scans do not expose you or your baby to radiation and they are generally painless. The only side effects you may experience is a small amount of discomfort as we run the probe over your skin or insert it into your body. 
 
None of the ultrasound scans we offer have been shown to have any harmful effect on human beings, so when you and your unborn child pay us a visit, you can rest assured that our service is not putting either of you in any danger whatsoever.
26 Jun 2015

When is the Best Time to Have a 4D Scan?

3d/4d ultrasound

The best time for a 4D ultrasound scan is around 27 weeks gestation. While 4D scans are available from 24 to 32 weeks, we recommend having the scan at 26-29 weeks in case your baby is growing slower or faster than average.

4d baby scan

Expectant parents often ask us how long they should wait before coming in for a 4D ultrasound scan. Obviously, if the scan is carried out too early, the foetus will not have developed far enough to give a satisfactory image, but waiting until the final weeks of your pregnancy isn't a very good idea either.

Many people believe that they must wait until at least 30 weeks to book an ultrasound session, but this - if you'll pardon the pun - is a misconception. Here at First Encounters Ultrasound, we offer 4D scans from 24 weeks to 32 weeks; however, we recommend 26-29 weeks as the optimum time for a 4D scan, as this allows us to accommodate babies who are developing at a slower or faster rate than average. It would be a shame if you visited our clinic at the start of your 24th week, only to find that your baby isn't quite ready for the camera yet!

So, to answer your question: the best time to have a 4D baby scan is around 27 weeks. However, this does not mean that a satisfactory image cannot be captured later on; every pregnancy is different, of course, but we are almost always able to achieve great results up to 32 weeks.

Upon request, we can also determine the gender of your baby during your 4D scan, making the experience all the more memorable. Add a gender reveal confetti shooter to your scan package for a truly spectacular gender reveal with friends and family!

 

Why can't I have a 4D scan after 32 weeks?

As mentioned above, the cut-off point for our 4D scan packages is 32 weeks. You may be wondering why this is the case - surely the image would be even 'better' if we waited until the baby was completely developed?

The reason is quite simple: there's only a limited amount of space in your womb, and our sonographers are able to achieve better results when there's still some room left.

The main aim of a 4D scan is to capture an image of your baby's face, and we can only do that if he or she is facing the camera (probe) when the scan takes place. If, when you arrive at our clinic, your baby is facing your back, he/she will need room to turn around - otherwise, we're stuck looking at the back of baby's head!

As your child grows, they leave less and less room for moving around, which means that the chances of turning become quite slim after the 32-week point. Furthermore, fluid levels reduce as the pregnancy develops, which will further impede the projection of imagery and also your baby's movement within the womb.

 

Is there any way to encourage movement?

Want to keep your baby moving on the day of your scan? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Sugar stimulation is a good way to promote movement in utero. Eating a bar of chocolate and/or having a fizzy drink about 20 minutes before your scan will give your baby a burst of hyperactivity!

  • We recommend having a full bladder when you come in for your 4D scan; if your baby's head is pointed downwards, he or she may decide to play hide-and-seek by burying it in your pelvic area. An inflated bladder helps to prevent this from happening, lifting your baby into a better position for the camera.

  • If you come in for your scan and your baby is feeling camera-shy, we will recommend that you take a brief walk to get things moving in there.

If all else fails and we are unable to get a good picture of your unborn child, we will be more than happy to offer you a complementary re-scan visit on another date.

Click below to browse our scan packages and book your 4D ultrasound session online!

Browse Our Scan Packages >

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Cardiff Gate Business Park,
Cardiff CF23 8AB
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