Most pregnant women (and their partners) can't wait to meet their baby and see what they look like, and ultrasound scans are the next best thing. http://www.ultrasound-direct.com/

1. 4D Scans: Your questions answered
CAPTION: Here's looking at you, baby - in 4D
Most pregnant women (and their partners) can't wait to meet their baby and
see what they look like, and ultrasound scans are the next best thing. Of
course ultrasound scans are only done for sound medical reasons - but it's a
special moment when you see your baby moving on a screen for the first time.
Antenatal ultrasound techniques have come a long way in the last few years,
and private companies are now able to offer 4D ultrasound scans - a 3D
moving picture of your baby in the womb in real time. Parents say the images
are incredibly clear and help them feel closer to their babies, but they also get
a close-up view of vital internal organs too, which can help, quell fears about
their baby's health.
Here are some FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS about 4D scans:
Q: Why do I need a 4D scan? Aren't 3D scans good enough?
A: 4D scans aren't essential -they're just the most advanced ultrasound scans
currently available and will give you a very detailed close-up view of your baby.
You'll see your baby's heart beating as it happens and its movements - sucking
her thumb or yawning, for instance. Your sonographer will be able to rotate
the image of your baby and their features won't be as flat as they look in
standard 2D scans.

2. Your sonographer will be able to carry out all the measurements and checks
that they'd do in a standard ultrasound scan, so you'll get a good overall
snapshot of your baby's health and wellbeing. They'll be able to use
measurements to estimate your baby's due date, measure their growth and
check the function of the placenta. If a problem is detected - and this is only in
a minority of cases - you will be offered counselling and follow-up
immediately.
You may also be able to distinguish facial features such as their nose or shape
of their mouth. You can also find out the sex of your baby (although this is
obviously optional - it's not assumed all parents want to know!).
A 4D scan is an exciting experience and one you're able to share with family
and friends as 4D DVD recordings are now available to take home. Parents say
siblings particularly enjoy the recordings, and the clearer images of a 4D
recording give them a much more life-like picture of what their new brother or
sister will look like. These recordings will also be a unique record of your baby's
nine months in your womb. One day your child might like to watch the film
itself.
• 4D scans are available from private ultrasound companies including
Ultrasound Direct
Q: I'm 12 weeks pregnant -when can I have a 4D scan?
A: 4D ultrasound scans are performed between 24 and 32 weeks in single
pregnancies and between 20 and 26 weeks for multiple pregnancies, as a
rough guideline.
Private ultrasound companies offer different packages but consultations are
usually 30-40 minutes long. All reputable ultrasound providers will emphasise
to you that the primary purpose of the scan is for medical purposes and not
just for having a close-up look at your baby's face.

3. Q: Are 4D Ultrasound scans safe?
A: Ultrasound scans are nothing new in antenatal care - they have been
around for decades and so far no ill effects have been found in scientific
studies. This is despite the fact that they've been used to check the babies of
millions of women worldwide - which is extremely reassuring and should give
you peace of mind.
Check your provider of 4D baby scans also conforms with current published
guidelines for thermal exposure times and mechanical index values - so you
can be reassured they are safe for you and your baby. Companies who provide
4D ultrasound in the UK are inspected by the Care Quality Commission, and all
staff should be ultrasound healthcare professionals specifically qualified and
experienced to work in antenatal care.
Q: Are 4D ultrasound scans more expensive?
A: You can expect to pay between around £120 and £200 for a 30-40 minute
scan as a rough guide. This will usually include a 4D DVD recording and a 3D
souvenir photograph. Ultrasound Direct for example has packages from £119
for a 30-minute 4D growth scan.
Q: Where can I watch a 4D scan?
A: Thanks to file-sharing websites and YouTube - there are now hundreds and
thousands of 4D scans of babies available to watch on the internet - they may
belong to complete strangers but they give you a good idea of the amazing
clarity of images you can expect, and just how popular 4D scans have become.
Watch one here: http://www.ultrasound-direct.com/babybond-pregnancy-
scans/baby-scan-picture-gallery/