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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

3D/4D Scans

22 replies

Holly290505 · 04/03/2005 09:07

We have booked a 4D scan for 2 weeks time (30 weeks) and are very excited at seeing a little face and hopefully finding out the sex this time! Its all getting so real

Anyone else had experience of one of these? Was it what you hoped?

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karryann · 04/03/2005 10:28

Hi, this is the first time I've posted here. I had a 4D scan 3 weeks ago, when I was 29weeks. It was excellent, my husband and I really enjoyed it. It was much more than we had expected. We could see the strong family likeness to our other children. Brilliant experience.
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Karen

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Expectantmum · 04/03/2005 10:45

Did you have to pay for this? I live in Kent and can't find anywhere to get this done, although have been told its really expensive.

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karryann · 04/03/2005 13:00

We did have to pay for it(£275), but worth every penny. We went to Babybond, in Ashford Middlesex. It was the closest place we could find.
Karen

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piffle · 04/03/2005 13:41

our geneticist mentioned this at dd's last appt, as amny of dd's syndrome features are facial it would detectable on a scan such as 3d/4d
We are not sure if it nhs yet, but apparently we can get it for a genetic reason...
sounds really fantastic!

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Holly290505 · 04/03/2005 17:04

We are going to a place called MUMS which is a private clinic near Birmingham. The scan plus video and photos is £180. Travelling from South Wales so hope its worthwhile - do you think there's a good chance of finding out the sex?

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Holly290505 · 04/03/2005 17:22

Expectant mum - if you type '4D Ultrasound' into Google a few places come up. Theres a place called Create Health on Harley street which is £275 and one called Babyview Barnsley (South Yorkshire) which is £225. Those ones and MUMs (£180) where we are going all have websites. HTH.

Will update on how it goes!!

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samwifewithkid · 05/03/2005 10:16

We went to Create Health on Harley Street and really enjoyed the experience. We had ours done at 25 wks, but I would recommend waiting a bit longer as they are still quite little at that stage! Our dd hide for a while and had to have a few poking sessions to get her to conform. It was amazing and I could see the likeness to our dd1. Can't wait to meet her now in 4 weeks time. They can sex them, we had the 3d/4d scan done at 12 wks too and the professor got the sex right even at that stage Well worth the money if you have it spare, technology like this will be the norm one day, but whilst it is still new it is amazing to see. Everyone was impressed with our photos, good talking piece at the mums and tots clubs, had the whole of the group looking (almost)

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shhhh · 26/03/2005 08:38

Holly, I know this may be a bit late as I know you have now been for the 3d/4d scan as we both post on the due in may board, but for other people who are thinking about the above scan I thought I would bump this. Dh & i went to "leeds screening centre" who are based outside of Leeds centre. Ours cost £190 which included the 2 scans, loads of printed pictures, loads of pictures on a CD and also a dvd or video to watch when at home.Scan lasted about 1hr.
The experience was amazing and one we would recommend and hopefully have again (With future babies). Regarding finding out the sex, yes this is possible as our baby's sex was again confirmed but I suppose this sometimes may not be possible like with the usual 2d scans. But saying that as it's in 3/4d I think it's much easier to sex the baby as it's more of a life like image.!! HTH to those of you who are thinking of having this scan.

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spagblog · 26/03/2005 08:54

I had a normal 3d scan with DS at babybond, but while we were there I asked cheekily if they could show me how the 4d scan machine worked. Luckily as the machine was still quite new to them they were happy to demonstrate.
Unfortunately the problem with 4d scans is that they need a large clear area of amniotic fluid in front of the baby's face.
DS spent the whole time during the 3d scan with his arms folded over his face and no amount of prodding or position changing would encourage him to move. Where as 3d ultrasound scans can zoom through skin and bone the 4d can't and we weren't able to see anymore than his arms and forehead! If I wasn't 29weeks at the time it may have been better.

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bambino1 · 26/03/2005 09:29

My friend had one of those done and it was absoulutly amazing. I wish I had had one done during my pregnancy. I will next time for sure.
She said it was an amazing experience and one you can share with everyone as you get the dvd.

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Holly290505 · 26/03/2005 15:00

Glad this has been bumped!

We had our scan at MUMS near Birmingham and it cost £180 - worth every penny! We finally found out that we are having a little girl and have named her Ruby Annabelle

Spagblog- we had similar problems in that I was 30 weeks and the baby was very squished a lot of the time. She also insisted on keeping her foot in her face for the first 10 minutes - so we went for a walk and thankfully she had moved when we got back (I was getting quite anxious at the thought of so much money for a photo of her foot!)

The photos from the second half of the scan are fantastic and I can't wait to see my little girl for real now! They also did all the measurements that they do at the hospital so we know everything is OK - and she weighs 3 1/2 pounds apparently! We also have a video and DVD. My parents are working in Australia and it has been fantastic to be able to send them pictures.

Anyway i would recommend this to anyone who can justify the cost but I would say try to go between 25-28 weeks!

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shhhh · 26/03/2005 18:23

Yeah, dh & I had our scan at 28 weeks and the pictures we got back were brilliant. Like Holly said, to see what baby looks like now makes you wonder what baby will look like in a few months time.! Our baby to also kept putting her hands over her face (This has been her position all throught the pregnancy!!) but due to her size it wasn't to bad as we still got some good pictures. We did eventually get her to move and the clear shot of her smiling and then sulking face is somethings words can't say !!! The dvd is nice as it's given us chance to show it to friends and family.
If anyone is thinking of this scan then don't worry if baby is in an awkward position on the day (Only find out at scan) as most places will book you another apmt for a later date at no extra cost.
I agree with the timing of the scan, it's best appreciated at around 24-29 weeks.

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mamadadawahwah · 27/03/2005 00:59

Having refused any scans during pregnancy, my midwives asked me why. I responded that no research has been done on ultrasound and the effects it has on babies. There is some "research" out there to suggest that repeated scans, "warm" up the baby's body and could adversely affect them, particularly girls and their ovaries.

I was ecstatic to be so wonderfully surprised to "see" my son for the first time when he was born. I do not understand the "rush" to see our babies. What has happened to the expectation and wonder of birth? Further, what do you do, if you see on a scan that there might be problems with a baby? 9 months of worrying?

I think the whole scanning thing is just part of an attempt to freak women out, that they have to submit their unborn children to scrutiny before they are born. Yes, i can understand wanting to see your baby in the womb, its exciting and wondrous. But until i knew that the scans were totally harmless, i for one would never do it. We submit to scans, usually five or more in pregnancy, and for what? Further the technicians who "read" the scans, often get it wrong.

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shhhh · 27/03/2005 11:23

mamadadawahwah dh & I have had numerous scans throughout our pregnancy. These started at 6 weeks and were 2 weekly until 20 weeks. Our consultant personally scanned us and advised us that there is NO evidence to show that scans could affect baby although as you point out there is no evidence to show that scans couldn't affect baby.
People agree to scans for different reasons. Ours being the fact that we have experienced 2 miscarriages (One of them missed) and scans were our way and the consultants way of checking baby was growing as baby should do and that all was ok with baby's heart. After 4 years of trying for a baby and at 33 weeks now we are so excited about our forthcoming baby and felt that we wanted to see what baby was like. This was our choice and something we are glad we did.
Miscarriage is a horendous thing to experience and something we wouldn't wish on anyone, only when you have been in that position can you appreciate someones need for any form of reassurance.
To answer your question about "finding something" at an initial scan, this would give prospective parents an opportunity to discuss their options and possible allow them time to help to prepare for baby's arrival however many months down the line.
Please note: Scans are called ultrasounds: Tell me how sounds can warm up a baby's tummy? The scan works when SOUNDS are reflected off the inside of your tummy to get an image. No heat is involved.

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piffle · 27/03/2005 11:41

that's an awfully worrying thought for someone like me who because of dd's genetic condition will be subjected to monthly then weekly then 3 weekly scan in any future pregnancy
as if I wasn't paranoid enough!

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hollybelle · 27/03/2005 11:55

Obviously it is personal choice whether you have extra scans or not.I am sonographer (not a technician) and I had lots of scans with both my children to no ill effect. Alot of research has been done about the safety aspects of ultrasound, heating effects are usually noted at alot higher frequencies than are used during a normal ultrasound scan. I don't personally do 3D/4D scans as I work for the NHS (Not enough time to fit in routine scans usually only 2 !!!) but obviously there is a market for private scans as the number of companies/services is ever increasing.

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tortoiseshell · 27/03/2005 12:42

A scan can show you all sorts of things that can be helpful though mamadadwahwah - for example, where the placenta is - in a case of placenta praevia this could be life saving. Or if you are having twins. When my mum was pregnant with me, the doctors couldn't decide if I was twins or not, because I moved around so fast, and they kept feeling two heads. So she had to have an X-Ray to find out - which really isn't very good. There are some conditions that can be treated in utero (although these are rare), and if you are prepared for a problem, then you can find out lots of info while you have time to, rather than it all being a shock when the baby comes, and you are run off your feet looking after the baby.

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micks05 · 10/04/2005 15:09

HI EVERYONE ON MUMSNET COULD ANYONE TELL ME
IF THERE IS ANYWERE IN LONDON THAT DO 3D OR 4D SCANS. AND ALSO DO YOU NO THE COST OF THESE SCANS
I HAVE MY FIRST SCAN AT ST MARYS IN CENTRAL LONDON
AND I WAS'NT IMPREESED WITH IT .I HAD A SCAN AT
16WEEKS I HAD TWO MINS WITH THE SONOGRAPHER THEN
SHE RUSHED OUT TO TAKE A PHONE CALL,WHEN SHE DID COME BACK SHE TURNED THE MACHINE OFF. THE INFORMATION THAT SHE DID GIVE WAS VERY LIMITED AND I DID'NT FIND OUT THE SEX OF THE BABY. I'VE FOUND A FEW CLINICS THAT DO GIVE THE SCANS BUT THERE ALL OUT OF LONDON

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micks05 · 10/04/2005 15:09

HI EVERYONE ON MUMSNET COULD ANYONE TELL ME
IF THERE IS ANYWERE IN LONDON THAT DO 3D OR 4D SCANS. AND ALSO DO YOU NO THE COST OF THESE SCANS
I HAVE MY FIRST SCAN AT ST MARYS IN CENTRAL LONDON
AND I WAS'NT IMPREESED WITH IT .I HAD A SCAN AT
16WEEKS I HAD TWO MINS WITH THE SONOGRAPHER THEN
SHE RUSHED OUT TO TAKE A PHONE CALL,WHEN SHE DID COME BACK SHE TURNED THE MACHINE OFF. THE INFORMATION THAT SHE DID GIVE WAS VERY LIMITED AND I DID'NT FIND OUT THE SEX OF THE BABY. I'VE FOUND A FEW CLINICS THAT DO GIVE THE SCANS BUT THERE ALL OUT OF LONDON

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shhhh · 11/04/2005 09:39

Looking at samwifewithkid's message at bottom of thread she went to harley street, isn't this in london? Being from the northwest i'm not sure but maybe do a "google" search for 3/4d scans etc and it will come back with a range of places that offer them. Prices vary, some are near £300 ours in Leeds cost £190. Perhaps go for a day away to somewhere in the country that does the scan (possibly cheaper), I know some mumsnetters have done this as you can make a day of it. HTH

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Holly290505 · 12/04/2005 17:20

Micks05 - this link has a comprehensive list of places you can go for a 3D/4D scan.

Obviously prices vary a lot and the ones in London are much more expensive than other places. HTH

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Holly290505 · 12/04/2005 17:22

Check each website for the seperate prices but they seem to vary from about £180 (which is what ours cost in MUMS) to £300.

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