Ultrasound Scans

03 Jan 2019

Private Baby Scans vs. NHS Scans

Lauren ultrasound scans

Given that pregnant women in the UK receive two (and, in some cases, more than two) free ultrasound scans on the NHS, some people may be a little unsure as to what private scan providers like First Encounters bring to the table. How do private baby scans differ from their government-funded counterparts? Is a hospital scan still necessary if you're planning to undergo a private scan anyway?

Well, first of all, we'd like to make one thing perfectly clear: our scans are not intended to replace the dating and anomaly scans offered by the NHS. Under no circumstances do we recommend getting a private scan instead of a standard hospital scan. Instead, services like ours are intended to complement the crucial NHS scans, allowing you to monitor the vital signs across a longer period and enhancing the pregnancy experience for you and those closest to you.

Monitoring your pregnancy

Here are some examples of the data that our sonographers will record when you come in for your private scan:

Growth measurements
Weight measurements
Baby position
Placenta position
Fluid levels (low fluid levels can be dangerous and may lead to early delivery)

Your NHS scans will provide you with a lot of information and spot any problems that present themselves at the time, but augmenting your basic scans with an additional private scan allows you to monitor your baby's growth across a broader period. This means that we can not only give you continued peace of mind but also catch any problems that develop after your hospital scans.

Enhancing your experience

While pregnancy can be a very stressful experience, it is also a time of great joy and excitement, both for the expectant parent(s) and for their nearest and dearest. This is the side of pregnancy that First Encounters aims to enhance - here are some of the ways in which we do it:

Comfortable, modern clinics with state-of-the-art equipment
Space for up to 6 guests to observe your scan in our comfortable viewing area
4D scan packages that let you glimpse your baby's world in incredible detail
A range of gender scan options (note that some NHS hospitals do not offer gender confirmation)
A wide variety of souvenirs to choose from, including our adorable Heartbeat Teddy & Confetti Shooters

These are the things that set our scans apart from standard hospital scans (and, indeed, from those available in other private clinics). While the NHS dating and anomaly scans are still a crucial part of ensuring that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible, undergoing a private baby scan is a different - and hopefully far more enjoyable - experience altogether.

Browse Our Scan Packages > or Get In Touch For More Info >

11 Sep 2018

Can I Have a 3D or 4D Ultrasound Scan at 16 Weeks?

Lauren ultrasound scans

3D scan at 16 weeks

3D and 4D ultrasound scans provide an exciting opportunity to get a clearer look at your baby and many parents-to-be simply can't wait to book one in. If you’re hoping to see your little one in 4D soon, here’s everything you need to know before you book.

Can I book a 4D scan at 16 weeks?

Unfortunately, at just 16 weeks gestation, your baby isn't big enough to be seen clearly via a 3D/4D scan. The best time to get a good view of your baby in this way is between 24 and 32 weeks.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of 2D scans available from 16 weeks and even earlier, so you can still check up on your little one and take home lots of lovely black and white images in the meantime.

How do 3D & 4D scans differ from 2D scans?

2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound scans all use sound waves to generate an image of your baby. But unlike 2D scans, 3D and 4D scans are able to capture three-dimensional images of your baby. A 3D scan is a still image and a 4D scan captures a video showing your baby moving around inside the womb.

3D and 4D scans aren’t typically available to mums until around 24 weeks because time needs to be allowed for your baby to grow and gain some weight. If you have a 3D or 4D scan earlier in your pregnancy, you might be disappointed by the results because your baby’s facial features won’t be fully developed yet.

2D baby scan

What can I expect from a 2D ultrasound scan at 16 weeks?

At 16 weeks, a 2D ultrasound scan can tell you lots about your baby. The sonographer will be able to check on your baby's size and overall wellbeing.

Here at First Encounters, we offer a brilliant range of 2D scans at 16 weeks gestation, including:

All scans are performed by trained sonographers in a comfortable and welcoming clinic environment. For more information, click on a scan or click the button below to book a scan.

Book a 2D Scan

What can I expect from a 4D Bonding & Reassurance scan at First Encounters?

Once you've reached 24-32 weeks gestation, you can book one of our incredible 4d scans. You and up to six guests can watch your unborn baby in motion. All of our 4D scans are displayed onto a large HD LED screen in our spacious scanning room while we capture stunning 3D photographs for you to keep.

After your scan, we will provide a digital copy of the images and videos we captured, so you can share them with friends and family.

If you want to find out what else is included in our 4D Bonding & Reassurance Scans, then please visit our website to find out more information and book yours today.

Book a 3D/4D Scan Contact First Encounters

12 Jul 2018

Growth Scan at 32 Weeks from First Encounters

Ryan ultrasound scans

32 week ultrasound scan

It is very common for expectant mothers to have a growth scan at around 32 weeks gestation, in order to make sure the baby is developing as normal.

In this blog post we'll answer some common questions about the 32-week growth scan, such as why it is needed, what happens during the scan, and what can the results tell you.

Why have a growth scan at 32 weeks?

The main goal of the 32-week pregnancy scan is to check that your baby is developing and growing as expected. Hospitals may recommend a scan at 32 weeks if they suspect too much amniotic fluid, or you can book a scan for your own reassurance.

The results of your growth scan will tell you:

The position of your baby in the womb
If your baby is smaller or larger than expected

What to expect from your 32-week growth scan

Your growth scan will be conducted in the exact same way as all your other pregnancy scans, with gel on your stomach and an ultrasound transducer device that allows you to see an image of your baby.

Our trained and qualified sonographer will be able to...

Evaluate the volume of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby
Measure your baby's head, abdomen and femur
Measure the blood flow around your baby's body

What does the 32-week growth scan tell you?

The 32-week growth scan looks at your baby's wellbeing by measuring their biophysical profile. During the scan, the sonographer will be looking to see if your baby:

Opens and closes their hands
Stretches and flexes
Moves their arms and legs frequently
Makes breathing movements

During your growth scan, the sonographer will be able to see if your baby is smaller than expected for their gestational age, possibly due to a lack of nutrition through the placenta or restricted levels of oxygen.

The 32-week scan can also reveal if your baby is larger than expected. While this is usually not a medical concern, you may need to get tested for gestational diabetes if your unborn child is significantly larger than normal. This involves measuring the levels of glucose in your blood - high levels could result in birthing complications and enhance the likelihood of induced labour or a caesarean.

In regards to the position of your baby, your 32-week growth scan will show whether the baby is head down (normal position), feet first (breech position) or laying sideways (transverse position). Your doctor may advise you to have an ECV (external cephalic version) if your baby is in the breech position. This is a completely safe procedure whereby a surgeon pushes down and around on your abdomen in order to turn your baby into a normal head-down position for birth.

Book your 32-week growth scan now!

The following growth scans are available at 32 weeks:

Growth&Wellbeing™
2D growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan (16 - 40 weeks)

GenderGrowth&Wellbeing™
2D growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan with gender confirmation (16 - 32 weeks)

4DGrowth&Wellbeing™
2D growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan with 4D bonding experience (24 - 32 weeks)

All of these scans are delivered at the First Encounters Ultrasound clinic in Cardiff. You may invite up to four guests to join you in the examination room, with five more guests in a separate viewing room (nine guests total, not including the mum-to-be).

If you have specific questions regarding any of our ultrasound scan packages, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team members are always happy to help.

Browse Scan Packages

22 Nov 2016

What Type of Baby Scan Should I Get?

Warren ultrasound scans

We offer a wide selection of scan packages here at First Encounters, and we realise that first-time visitors to our website may be a little uncertain as to which baby scan is right for them. We want to make sure that you have the best possible experience when you visit the First Encounters clinic, and so we'd like to take a moment to explain the difference between each of our scan options.

Broadly speaking, our scan packages can be grouped into 3 different categories. These are as follows:

🤰 Reassurance Scans

These scans inspect your baby's growth and development, giving you extra peace of mind during your pregnancy.

Ensure that your pregnancy is viable
Check the health of your unborn baby
Spot any concerns or complications

Our Reassurance Scan Packages:

EarlyReassure™ (7-13 weeks, £89)

2D viability, dating and reassurance scan. Includes digital foetal assessment report and digital download of all 2D scan imagery.

Date&Wellbeing™ (14 - 16 weeks, £89)

2D dating, reassurance and wellbeing scan. Includes digital foetal assessment report and digital download of all 2D scan imagery.

WellbeingAssure™ (16-32 weeks, £79)

2D wellbeing observation scan. Includes digital foetal assessment report and digital download of all 2D scan imagery.

Growth&Wellbeing™ (16-40 weeks, £89)

2D growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan. Includes digital foetal assessment report and digital download of all 2D scan imagery.

Growth&Presentation™ (33-40 weeks, £89)

2D growth, reassurance and presentation scan. Includes growthAssure™ report (including Doppler blood flow) and digital download of all 2D scan imagery.

♀ Gender Scans

Find out whether you're having a boy or a girl!

Learn your baby's gender
99.99% accurate
Available from 16 weeks

Our Gender Scan Packages:

Gender&Wellbeing™ (16-32 weeks, £79)

2D wellbeing and baby sexing scan. Includes digital foetal assessment report, a gender reveal scratch card and digital download of all 2D scan imagery. If you wish, gender can be kept secret to reveal at a later date.

GenderGrowth&Wellbeing™ (16-32 weeks, £89)

2D growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan with complimentary baby sexing. Includes digital foetal assessment report, a gender reveal scratch card and digital download of all 2D scan imagery. If you wish, gender can be kept secret to reveal at a later date.

We also offer SneakPeek® Baby Gender DNA Tests. This is a blood test that can tell you whether you're having a boy or a girl from as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy.

👶 4D Bonding & Reassurance Scans

A detailed look into your baby's world - see your unborn child in detailed 4D vision!

State-of-the-art HDlive technology provides the ultimate bonding experience
Take home a range of optional souvenirs

Our 4D Scan Packages:

4DWellbeingAssure™ (24-32 weeks, £109)

Wellbeing observation scan with 4D imaging. Gender confirmation optional. Includes digital foetal assessment report and digital download of all 2D, 3D and 4D imagery.

4DGrowth&Wellbeing™ (24-32 weeks, £129)

Growth, reassurance and wellbeing scan with complimentary HDlive 4D imaging. Gender confirmation optional. Includes digital foetal assessment report and digital download of all 2D, 3D and 4D imagery.

Click here to book your First Encounters scan, or get in touch if you need any more information!

All scan packages and prices correct at time of writing. Last updated 19 July 2023.

15 Sep 2016

Meet Your Baby in Detailed HDlive Vision!

Warren ultrasound scans

In the past, expectant parents weren't able to meet their baby until he or she was born. But thanks to the miracles of modern ultrasound technology, mums- and dads-to-be no longer have to wait that long!

Of course, ultrasound scans have been with us for over half a century, but the images captured during 'traditional' ultrasound scans - while useful for diagnostic purposes - don't give a particularly good impression of what the baby actually looks like. However, more recent breakthroughs have allowed us to get a good, clear look at an unborn baby's face, and thanks to the latest HDlive technology from GE Healthcare, we at First Encounters are able to offer an truly unparalleled level of detail to parents who are keen to sneak a peek at their 'bun in the oven'.

This image was captured using a GE Voluson E6 with HDlive technology. As of July 2016, all of our 3D/4D scans are conducted using a Voluson E6.

Click here to compare our packages and book your baby scan online, or read on to find out what you can expect when you meet your baby at our clinic!

What to expect from your First Encounters scan

We have two ultrasound clinics: one in Cardiff, and another in Bristol. Both have ample parking available for customer use, so don't worry about finding a space!

Once you've arrived, we'll welcome you into our spacious, modern clinic and show you to one of our comfortable scanning rooms (all of which have room for up to six guests - everyone is welcome, including young children!).

One of our scanning rooms.

Our sonographer will make sure you're comfortable and feeling at ease before commencing the scan. The scan itself will take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the package you've selected. With any luck, we'll be able to get a great look at your baby on the first attempt, but if they're feeling camera shy we may ask you take a gentle stroll in order to get them moving.

During the scan, you'll see your baby in crisp HDlive vision - you should be able to tell which parent they most resemble, and you may even be lucky enough to see them smiling or waving back at you from the plasma screen!#

After your scan, you can collect all of the gifts and souvenirs included in your chosen scan package, as well as any others that you've decided to add on (click here to view what we have to offer).

Ready to meet your baby? Book your scan online now, or contact us if you have any further questions!

11 Aug 2016

Home Baby Scans & Doppler Heart Monitors: What You Need to Know

Warren ultrasound scans

You may have heard - or read - about the 'Doppler' heart monitors that are currently very popular among expectant parents. Dopplers are small handheld devices that use ultrasound technology to monitor your unborn baby's heartbeat, ostensibly giving you an easy way to hear your child's heartbeat in the comfort of your own home.

It's easy to imagine why these devices have become so popular. They are relatively cheap to purchase, and when they work, they enable you to hear the heartbeat (a very moving experience for many parents-in-waiting) without having to visit a hospital or a private ultrasound clinic.

But there's one problem with Dopplers that we've come across time and again: they sometimes fail to find a heartbeat. Unborn babies tend to move around and change position a lot (especially prior to 30 weeks gestation), and this means that it is often very difficult to find the right spot. And even if you do find the right spot, there's still no guarantee that you'll hear anything - our highly-trained sonographers occasionally struggle to pick up an audible heartbeat, and that's with a visual representation of the baby on-screen.

When a Doppler fails to deliver an audible heartbeat, it can understandably be a source of panic for the mother. In the majority of cases, the foetus turns out to be absolutely fine, but getting stressed and rushing to the hospital is neither healthy nor a particularly enjoyable experience when you're pregnant!

This isn't to say that Doppler monitors should necessarily be avoided. They have provided many heartwarming moments for expectant parents, and in some cases, they can be a great source of reassurance. However, they can also have the opposite effect, breeding panic when in reality the unborn baby is perfectly healthy. Please bear this in mind before using a Doppler, and remember that these handheld home devices are no substitute for a full ultrasound scan carried out by a registered health professional.

We have seen a few scan providers who do offer home visits, but these really are best avoided, for the following reasons:

Portable scanning equipment is generally inferior to the state-of-the-art machinery found in the best ultrasound clinics
Plugging equipment into an unprotected power source may result in electric shock to the mother / baby
As explained here, regulated scan providers in England are not allowed to perform home scans as regulation only extends to a clinic environment

As much as we'd like to offer our clients the full First Encounters experience in the comfort of their own homes, there are simply too many obstacles - we wouldn't be able to deliver the professional, high-quality service that's available in our clinics.

Click here to see details of our ultrasound clinics in Cardiff and Bristol, or visit our Scan Packages page to browse the baby scan packages we offer.

Private Baby Scans vs. NHS Scans

Monitoring your pregnancy

Enhancing your experience

Can I Have a 3D or 4D Ultrasound Scan at 16 Weeks?

Can I book a 4D scan at 16 weeks?

How do 3D & 4D scans differ from 2D scans?

What can I expect from a 2D ultrasound scan at 16 weeks?

What can I expect from a 4D Bonding & Reassurance scan at First Encounters?

Growth Scan at 32 Weeks from First Encounters

Why have a growth scan at 32 weeks?

What to expect from your 32-week growth scan

What does the 32-week growth scan tell you?

Book your 32-week growth scan now!

What Type of Baby Scan Should I Get?