Yes. My UltraBaby is a complementary service, which works alongside the NHS.

The best time for a 4D scan is between 25 to 32weeks. The baby at this stage is big but still has enough room to move around.

3D/4D scans rely on several factors, including: size and position of the baby, amount of fluid around the baby and/or excess maternal abdominal fat. If the baby is not in an ideal position, we will ask you to take short walk or move around to encourage the baby to move. If baby's position does not improve, a further appointment will be offered at no extra cost.

If the baby/ies do not co-operate on the day of the scan, after a minimum of 2 attempts, you will be invited back at no extra cost. Patients are advised that they will be charged in full for the package on the first day but will not be charged for any rescan dates following. Any additional keepsakes will be charged separately upon purchase.

If after numerous attempts we are still unable to provide the 3D/4D package requested, we will endeavour to downscale the package to a basic package – with the agreement of the patient. However, if we are unable to obtain any 3D/4D imagery, patient will be downscaled to a 2D package, minimum being a Reassurance scan. A refund will be issued for the difference by cheque to the patient.

Unlike single babies, multiple babies can be far more difficult to obtain 3D/4D imagery, as commonly; at least one of the babies will be in a difficult position. It is recommended to perform 3D/4D earlier on in the pregnancy to obtain the best imagery of both babies. If we are unable to perform 3D/4D, patient will be downscaled to a package accordingly and/or the basic reassurance scan.

All of our sonographers are accredited by the Fetal Medicine Foundation and most have or are currently working within the NHS.

At My UltraBaby we recognise the importance of the unique bonding experience, especially with 3D/4D. We are happy for family and friends to attend, however due to limitations in space and seating, we are able to accommodate up to 5 people.

You are not required to have a full bladder however; you are required to have some fluid so as to ensure that the baby is in a good position.

Please bring your pregnancy notes and contact details of your health professional - GP/midwife. If you are having a 4D scan and wish to add music to the DVD, please bring 10 to 15mins pre-recorded music on CD format.

Please note, the 3D/4D scan is not a diagnostic procedure and does not replace any of your NHS scans. During your appointment a general well-being check is performed on the baby however, we recommend you attend your 20 week anomaly scan prior to your 3D/4D scan. In an event of any abnormality being detected, we will discuss this with you and, with your permission with your health practitioner.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to detect what is going on within the body, comprising primarily of a transducer, monitor and computer. The transducer emits sound into the body at different wavelengths, which is then read and interpreted by the computer, ultimately creating an image on the monitor. 2D ultrasound simply provides a 2-dimensional image in black and white, allowing views of internal organs, including those of the developing foetus. 3D/4D ultrasound provides a 3 or 4-dimensional image in colour (sepia) of only the surface. Any movement of the foetus is described as the 4-dimensional image and provides the real time moving image.

Simple answer is, no. Ultrasound technology has primarily been around for over 30years and is believed to be a very safe method to look at and monitor a developing foetus. Research has proven 3D/4D scans are believed to provide the additional psychological and other health benefits for both parents and child. The GE Voluson 730 is a highly recognised technological machine, utilised by leading obstetric and gynaecological clinics across the world. If you do have any concern, please consult your GP or midwife or speak to our sonographers about the safety of ultrasound.

We offer early pregnancy scans from 5 weeks. A gestation sac should be seen but a heartbeat may not always be guaranteed, especially if you are very early. Patients can be re-booked for a Reassurance scan at a later date to confirm the heartbeat.

Our guidance is to drink approximately 1 litre of water, at least 20 mins prior to the scan, however, we advise you drink as much as you can tolerate and to not make yourself uncomfortable.

No. Each scan is dependent on each individual's examination. This will be discussed with you by the sonographer before proceeding with the internal examination, along-with signed consent given by yourself.

We request you allow a minimum of 45mins. Depending on what package you want, we request a minimum of 15 to 30mins on the actual scan, however further time will be required on completion of registration forms, waiting time, etc.

We advise all our customers to let their GP or midwife know of their intention to have a scan with us. On arrival at My UltraBaby we will ask you to fill out a registration form, where your GP/midwife details will be requested. If from the scan there shows a need to contact or share any information regarding you or your baby, you are responsible for providing the My UltraBaby Assessment report, which is completed at the time of your scan by our sonographer, to your GP/Midwife.

Yes. We have a small play area for children.

My UltraBaby will be paid directly by the patient. Any claims made are between the insurance company and patient and is based on the decision of the insurance company. My UltraBaby would advise to check with your insurance company first, to avoid disappointment.

NT is an accredited screening process performed from 11 to 13⁺⁶ weeks of pregnancy. The fluid area behind the fetal neck is measured using ultrasound. The blood is measured for 2 naturally occurring hormones by the Fetal Medicine Centre's laboratory. These blood results, combined with the ultrasound measurements determine the risk factor.

In accordance with NICE regulations, NT screening is initially the most accurate form of identifying Down's syndrome babies. There are no age restrictions to being screened. It is a personal choice, and is available to everyone.

At My UltraBaby NT scans follow the standard NHS protocols and guidelines. The Nuchal Translucency measurements (NT), Crown Rump Length (CRL), Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) are measured. Your approximate weight and height are requested. Additional information is also requested, i.e. smoking throughout pregnancy and confirmation of natural/IVF pregnancy - these are requested to process the risk factor on the FMF software. No chromosomal markers are examined.

At My UltraBaby, we assure 90 to 95% accuracy with the combined ultrasound & blood screening, (80% accuracy with only an ultrasound) – therefore, not all pregnancies with Down's syndrome may be detected. The NT screening, determines your risk factor of carrying a Down's syndrome baby or other similar types of chromosome abnormalities.

If your results indicate an increased risk of carrying a Down's baby - this means your NT results, combined with blood results and your age, gave an approximate 1 in 250 or higher chance that your baby is a Down's baby.

My UltraBaby will advise you to discuss your results and options with your GP &/or midwife. If you wish, My UltraBaby can provide you with details of where you can receive further follow-up tests, like CVS (Chorionic Villous Sampling) or Amniocentesis. Such follow-up tests will help determine the certainty of your pregnancy being affected by Down's.

In such incidences, we will charge you for a dating scan.

We will request that you move around and re-attempt scanning you, a maximum of 3 times. Should this prove to be unsuccessful, we will invite you back at no extra charge.

At My UltraBaby, we are pleased to offer patients rescans at no extra cost. We value the importance of the bonding experience for our patients and their families and due to circumstances beyond anyone's control on the day of the scan, images may not always be obtainable - hence, we have made it our policy to invite patients back at no extra charge. Patients will only be charged however on the first scan date in full for the package requested and will only be charged hereafter for any additional keepsakes purchased. Should the package requested not be fulfilled, the difference will be calculated and refunded accordingly in cheque to the patient by a senior member of staff present on the day.

Early Pregnancy - as advised, the heartbeat may not always be detected due to the early gestation. Patients will therefore be charged for a reassurance scan should they request to confirm a heartbeat at a later date.

Please note: A patient maybe charged for a rescan if at time of booking they were advised that they were too early and was recommended to attend at a later date and/or gestation. This will be at the discretion of a senior member of staff.

Although we can perform the scan from 16weeks, for your assurance and accuracy of the sex, we recommend a minimum of 17weeks. Please be advised, our sonographers will not disclose the sex unless they themselves are absolutely sure.