Baby scan

If you're pregnant and you're looking for great deals on private baby scans, we at First Encounters Ultrasound have several offers that may appeal to you. All of these pregnancy scans are performed by qualified sonographers at our warm and welcoming ultrasound clinic in Cardiff.

Our current baby scan offers are listed below—we often update this page with new deals and discounts, so be sure to check back regularly!

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how early can you have a pregnancy scan
 

In the UK, the NHS will typically offer you two pregnancy scans as part of your pregnancy care: one in early pregnancy (between 11 and 14 weeks) and another between 18 and 21 weeks. If you wish to arrange a scan much sooner than this, the earliest you can book a pregnancy scan is from 7 weeks onwards. However, these scans are conducted by private ultrasound clinics rather than the NHS.

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If you or your partner are embarking on the journey into pregnancy, you may have already come across the term “sonography”.

A vital part of the process, the sonography test – also known as an ultrasound scan – helps monitor the development of both the uterus and the foetus during pregnancy, ensuring mother and baby are healthy.

From a parental perspective, the resulting images also provide expecting mums and dads the opportunity to see their unborn child for the very first time.

At First Encounters, we know how momentous this can be and offer a variety of scan options to make your first encounter with your child as memorable as possible.

Read on to find out how…

 

what is sonography,what does a sonographer do

 

What’s the difference between sonogram and ultrasound?

The textbook definition of sonography refers to it as the high-frequency sound technique used to create internal images of the body for analysis and diagnosis. However, in discussing sonography in the context of pregnancy, it can become a little confusing.

The confusion stems from the fact that US terminology often differs from the lingo used in the UK. As such, a Google search that returns sonography pages from both sides of the Atlantic can often include a mixed bag of British terms and Americanisms.

For Brits, the terms “baby scan” and “ultrasound image” are commonly used in place of the US word “sonogram”. So, if you come across the term “sonogram” in your online journey, chances are it’s in reference to the ultrasound image.

 

What does a sonographer do?

Also known as an ultrasound technician, a sonographer is the medical professional who operates the ultrasound equipment. It’s this person who will conduct the scan and produce the images of your unborn baby.

During a pregnancy scan, the sonographer directs high-frequency sound waves to the relevant area using the ultrasound equipment, manoeuvring the probe over the womb to provide the images of the unborn baby.

 

Sonography at First Encounters

At First Encounters, our sonography staff are highly trained professionals and conduct countless scans over the course of a working week. As a result, they are well-versed in the art of ultrasound scanning.

What’s more, we use the very latest ultrasound technology to provide you with state-of-the-art visual of your baby’s development, offering a wide selection of 2D scans, as well as 3D and even 4D experiences, using cutting-edge HD Live technology.

Our sonography techniques are designed to be minimally invasive with comfort and relaxation a key part of the service. We believe that these are moments to be cherished forever and pride ourselves in helping you create memories that will last a lifetime.

The revolutionary equipment available at First Encounters is truly second to none with an environment to match. For an ultrasound experience like no other, First Encounters is undoubtedly top of the list.

 

For more information on sonography and our ultrasound scans, why not drop us a line? Call today on 02920 732671 or get in touch online using the button below.

Contact Us

who to bring to ultrasound

Whether it’s your first ultrasound, gender reveal or 4D scan appointment, deciding who to bring along to your ultrasound scans can be difficult. Many women are torn between keeping their ultrasound scans a private, intimate affair by bringing only a select few, and sharing their special moments with all of their nearest and dearest.

Unfortunately, some hospitals have strict policies on the number of people you can bring to your ultrasound scans, and some don’t allow children into the room either.

But here at First Encounters, we offer space for you and up to 10 guests (including children) to attend your ultrasound scan

Your Significant Other

Ok, this one may seem like a bit of a no brainer, but it goes without saying that your significant other should take top priority when it comes to deciding who to bring to your ultrasound.

Significant others can sometimes feel a little left out during your pregnancy. After all, you’re the one carrying the baby and feeling the full effects of pregnancy while they take a more supportive, secondary role.

Having your significant other by your side for your ultrasound scans (when possible), will give them the opportunity to see and hear how the baby is progressing, making them feel much more involved in your pregnancy.

Taking Children to Your Ultrasound

If the baby on board already has a sibling or two waiting to meet them, its likely that you’ll want to share this wonderful experience with them and make them feel involved in your pregnancy too.  

It can be hard for young children, especially, to grasp the idea that ‘mummy is having a baby ‘. Having baby’s siblings involved in your pregnancy helps them understand what’s happening and, more often than not, it sparks excitement about the arrival of their baby brother or sister. That’s why your children are more than welcome to attend your First Encounter’s ultrasound scan.

We know that it can be difficult to find childcare, and in circumstances where children can’t attend ultrasound scans, significant others and other family members can be forced to miss your ultrasound as they take on the role of baby sitter. We definitely don’t want that to be the case for you here!

Bring the Grandparents!

Whether you want to bring baby’s grandparents or your own grandparents along to your ultrasound, getting the older generations involved in your scans can be an unbelievably touching experience. Grandparents are often just as excited as you are to meet their new grand or great-grandchildren, so it’s worth giving them a thought when choosing who to invite.

With up to 10 guest spots available at First Encounters, you can invite your parents, your grandparents, your significant other and even a cousin along to share the special experience with you, if you like. We think that, particularly if you’re having a 4D scan, bringing guests in the room to meet your baby will be an unforgettable experience.

Book an Ultrasound Scan Now!

If you have any questions or if you’d like to book your scan over the phone, call us on 02920 732671.

4D scan of a baby in the womb

At the First Encounters Ultrasound clinic in Cardiff, the price of a 4D scan is £149.

We get asked all sorts of questions here at First Encounters, but the most common question of all has nothing to do with how our scans work. Rather, it's related to the cost of our 4D ultrasound scan.

Many people think that 3D/4D scans will be too expensive for them, but most are pleasantly surprised when they see our price list!

4D footage is amazing if you want to bond with your baby. For example, we were able to capture footage of this adorable little baby cracking a smile!

Our 4D Ultrasound Price

We offer a 4DGrowth&Wellbeing™ scan for expectant mothers between 24 and 32 weeks that costs £149. This scan uses Advanced HDlive 3D/4D imaging to obtain growth measurements and perform wellbeing observational checks on your baby. We also offer complimentary baby sexing with this scan if your baby is in a conducive position. This 4D scan package includes a digital foetal assessment report, 6 x glossy colour photos and a complimentary video clip, plus digital downloads of all scan imagery from photocloud™.

If you want to take home a few extra gifts for the family, you may choose to purchase any of the additional baby scan souvenirs we offer in addition to those included in your package. Optional souvenirs include:

  • Additional glossy photos
  • Fridge magnets
  • Key rings
  • Heartbeat teddy bears
  • Gender reveal confetti cannons

Contact us now for more information about our 4D scan packages, or use the link below to browse all scans and book online.

View All Scan Packages

MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

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 GenderGrowth&Wellbeing™ scan (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.