4D Growth & Wellbeing Scan | First Encounters Ultrasound

Detailed Description

The 4DGrowth&Wellbeing™ scan can be conducted between 24 and 32 weeks gestation (after your NHS anomaly scan). This reassurance scan focuses on the progressive development and wellbeing observations of your unborn baby combined with 3D/4D imaging.

During the scan your fully-qualified obstetric Sonographer will carry out growth measurements and weight calculations, establish placenta position and fluid volume, provide an audible heartbeat trace, and identify the position of your baby. All of this will be documented in the form of a Digital Feotal Assessment Report providing valuable information to share with your midwife. 3D/4D imagery will be obtained during the process of diagnostic evaluation using advanced HDlive imaging software.

Your 4D growth & wellbeing scan will be conducted using an abdominal ultrasound probe (external on the abdomen), and it is important to recognise that imagery obtained is derived from the reflection of sound waves passing through your abdomen creating the visual image. The level of diagnostic evaluation and visibility achievable can differ greatly between clients, especially in cases of a high BMI which can result in poor image resolution.

Please Note: The primary purpose of this 4D growth & wellbeing scan is to achieve an essential diagnostic evaluation of your unborn baby, during which we will use advanced 3D/4D HDlive imaging software to provide views of baby in an alternative perspective. Complimentary gender evaluation cannot be conducted in a secret format with this scan.

Digital Foetal Assessment Report confirms:

HC, AC & FL Measurements Calculating Gestation Age, Visual Heartbeat, Observed Movement, Placental Site, Amniotic Fluid Volume, Position of Baby & Optional Complimentary Gender Evaluation (*subject to baby's position & visibility)

Scan Time & Baby’s Safety

Your 4DGrowth&Wellbeing scan will last for approximately 10 minutes. As an ethical and regulated provider we comply with the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) guidelines, only scanning for as long as it necessitates to achieve the required diagnostic evaluation. Whilst we appreciate longer scan times promoted by other scan companies may seem appealing, the safety and wellbeing of your baby is paramount and should not be compromised.

Referral Procedure to NHS

In the event we identify matters of concern and it is considered a further detailed diagnostic assessment is required, a referral to your NHS GP/Midwife will be provided in accordance with our approved procedures. Referrals to NHS will only be provided when there is justified concern.

Complimentary Gender Evaluation

This is subject to your unborn baby's gestation age and their position at the time of the scan. No additional time will be taken to encourage your baby into a cooperative conducive position, and failure to achieve baby sexing does not constitute cause for rescan or refund. Gender evaluation cannot be conducted in a ‘secret’ format with this scan.

Advanced HDlive 4D Imaging

Advanced 3D/4D HDlive imaging software will be used to provide views of baby in an alternative perspective.

Re-Scan Guarantee

If on the day of your 4DGrowth&Wellbeing scan, your baby is in a position that makes quality imaging difficult to achieve, we will recommend that you take a short walk to encourage movement. If this fails to have the desired effect we will offer you one complimentary re-scan visit on another date (T&Cs apply). If in the sonographer’s professional opinion further scanning is unlikely to achieve the desired 4D imagery, you will be offered the opportunity to downgrade the scan to the Growth&Wellbeing™ scan with the difference in price refunded accordingly instead of the complimentary re-scan.

Multiple Pregnancy Surcharge

A multiple pregnancy will require further scan time in order to conduct the detailed assessment of multiple foetus and to obtain 4D imagery; as such we charge an additional £40 to account for the extended appointment time allocated. It is recommended that this scan is performed between 22-26 weeks gestation for optimum results.

Sonographers & Regulation

All ultrasound scans are performed by qualified and experienced obstetric Sonographers registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Guest Policy

Due to the sensitive nature of baby scans and potential unexpected findings, it is no-longer considered appropriate for multiple guests and children to be present in the same room during your examination. As a result we have re-designed our clinic to provide a purpose built private viewing room to accommodate additional guests from which we can appropriately control what is displayed and observed. One adult guest is permitted to accompany you into the examination room, with a maximum five additional guests including children (supervised under the age of 16 years) permitted into the private viewing room where they can view your scan on a large screen with audio. Whilst face coverings are no-longer a legal requirement, everyone's new normal is different; as such we ask that you respect any request to wear a face covering for team members who still feel nervous when working in close proximity, and we will also reciprocate at your request. Please be aware this guest policy is continually under review and is subject to change at short notice to comply with any Government restrictions imposed.

Advisory

The diagnostic evaluations obtained whilst conducting our growth and wellbeing scans provide valuable insight into baby’s continual development and wellbeing, designed to compliment but not replace your NHS Dating/NT (12-14wks) and Anomaly scans (20 wks). Whilst each scan type has a specific purpose, gestation age criteria and defined reporting protocols, our qualified Sonographers have an ethical obligation to highlight, report and refer matters of concern which may be outside the scope/protocols of the performed scan. In some circumstances further NHS evaluation and screening may be required; however the gestation age criteria for such evaluations will be determined by your NHS Antenatal provider.

Pre-scan preparation

Arrive with a full bladder as this will assist with magnification of scan imagery. Please do NOT empty bladder prior to scan. Sugar in the blood stream will assist with baby’s movement which can greatly assist 4D imaging and gender evaluation. Remove any belly piercings in advance of your appointment. We will need to expose your abdomen during the scan, as such please consider wearing a two piece outfit in order that we may respect your dignity.

Optimum Gestation Age

The best 4D imagery is obtained when baby has plenty of room for movement and when there is ample fluid to project imagery; as such we recommend 4D imaging scans are performed between 26-29 weeks for optimum results.

4DGrowth&Wellbeing™

4D Growth Scan – Overview:

Growth Measurements Include:

Wellbeing Observations Include:

Detailed Description

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