Ultrasound – The inside Story
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Feeling confused by all the different scans on offer? If you’re
pregnant for the first time the answer is probably yes....
But even if
you’ve been through it all before, you may be surprised at how things
have progressed since your last pregnancy.
The past few years have been revolutionary in the world of ultrasound. Want to see your baby close up and watch her smiling and moving her fingers? No problem. Like the idea of a DVD to take home with you? That’s ok too! Dating scans, gender scans, 2D, 3D or even 4D scans are some of the types of ultrasounds now available. They all offer parents an exciting view into the world of their unborn baby.
What is an ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound scans produce an image of your baby using high-frequency sound waves. These waves are transmitted through an instrument known as a transducer, which is passed over your abdomen and uterus, bouncing back off you baby to be analysed by a computer in the scanner. This in turn provides an image of your baby on the screen.
Are they safe?
Ultrasound scans have been in use for over 30 years and the technique has not been proven to cause any harm to either mother or baby.
3D and 4D Scans - What are they?
In conventional 2D scanning, the ultrasound image is made up of two slices. Only one slice can be seen at any one time, so the flat picture you see doesn’t really look like a baby. 3D scans use a volume of echoes which are stored digitally and shaded to produce lifelike pictures. 4D means that the pictures can be seen to move in real time, so if your baby moves his arm, you see him moving his arm.
Are they better than 2D scans?
The main advantage of 3D scans is that you get a clearer image, particularly of the face, arms, legs, fingers and toes. It’s also possible to see the baby yawn, smile blink and even suck their thumb.
3D scans give the parents the chance to see what their baby looks like and enjoy them. It’s a strong bonding experience, for the father in particular – much more so than 2D scans.
Only 2D scans are available on the NHS, as 3D scans are more costly and offer few diagnostic advantages.
The BabyScan Experience
The BabyScan
studio has been designed to provide a non-clinical, relaxed and un-hurried environment for your scan. The scanned images are shown on a large LCD screen for your comfort, and family members and friends are welcome to attend with you.
Unfortunately there may be occasions where your baby is not in the optimum position for your scan. At BabyScan
we believe that if you pay for a 4D scan you get a 4D scan, which is why we offer the BabyScan
guarantee. If we are unable to obtain a satisfactory result at your initial appointment we will offer you another appointment at no additional cost.
We offer a range of ultrasound scans including gender scans, dating scans, reassurance scans alongside our selection of 3D/4D packages with colour gloss prints on high quality photo-paper, a CD of printable images and DVD recordings of your scan, from as little as ₤60.00.
At BabyScan we can, due to the high level of experience of our staff, provide accurate sexing scans from 16 weeks. 3D/4D scans can be performed from 24 weeks, although the very best quality images are usually achieved between 26 and 29 weeks.
Regardless of which package you chose, the highly qualified and experienced sonographers and staff at BabyScan
will ensure your ultrasound scanning experience is one to be cherished.
For more information visit : www.4dbabyscan.co.uk
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