Frequently asked questions

You can book your scan appointment as far in advance as you like. We recommend having your 4D/HD scan between 27-31 weeks to see your baby's features and check their growth. However, we offer 4D/HD packages from 14 weeks onwards. We also provide gender scans from 14 weeks and early dating scans from 6 weeks to accurately date your pregnancy. Call us at 01744 610417 to schedule your appointment.

Yes. Ultrasound is a form of imaging which does not need to be requested by a doctor or midwife. All our scans are medically diagnostic and all are performed by state registered Sonographers.

You can bring whoever you want to share your wonderful experience with you. Our spacious scan room can comfortably accommodate 4 chairs; bring all the family if you want to we don’t mind at all, we believe this should be a family experience!

The length of your appointment varies by scan type. Our dating scans take about 5-10 minutes, while other scans range from 10-20 minutes depending on the package. For 4D scans, expect to spend around 30 minutes with us, including time for paperwork and picture selection. If your baby is a bit shy, it might take a little longer.

In trained hands it is yes! We are all qualified, experienced state registered UK trained Sonographers. Make sure your sonographer has a UK ultrasound qualification, and is not just registered in the UK. Overseas trained sonographers do not have the same high quality of training that we have here in the UK. UK ultrasound training is seen as the best in the world. Your 3D/4D/HD scan uses the same type of ultrasound as your 2D routine hospital scan. The power or intensity DOES NOT change when moving from 2D to 3D/4D/HD. It is the machine software that simply processes the information in a different way. The GE Voluson E8 expert is used by many hospitals and ultrasonographers and is as safe as any other ultrasound machine used by a professional who has a recognized qualification in ultrasound scanning. Ultrasound technology has been the subject of many clinical trials over the last 40 years and has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. It is just the same type of machine used in your maternity hospital to perform all the regular diagnostic examinations of your baby. At Take A Peek we are able to provide counselling or offer guidance if signs of a fetal abnormality are unexpectedly revealed. The scans we perform are not souvenir scans, on every scan, where possible, diagnostic assessment is made of the fetal heart, stomach, kidneys and bladder. Subjective assessment is made of the AFI which is an indicator of fetal growth and well-being. We also measure baby on your scan. EFSUMB Clinical Safety Statement for Diagnostic Ultrasound states that ultrasound examinations should be performed only by competent personnel who are trained and updated in ultrasound safety matters. All Take A Peek Sonographers are compliant in ultrasound safety matters. For more information on ultrasound safety go to http://www.bmus.org/policies-guides/pg-safety05.asp or go to the Health Protection Agency website below http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/Radiation/HPAResponseStatementsOnRadiationTopics/USultrasoundresponse/ What if a Problem is detected?

Absolutely, you can still have a scan if your baby has a known condition. We offer a free 4D scan for those with an antenatal diagnosis of a cleft lip or palate. For more information, visit [www.clapa.com](http://www.clapa.com).

Yes, we can determine your baby's gender from 14 weeks, depending on their position. Our gender scans are 99.99% accurate.

For early scans (less than 16 weeks), it's helpful if your bladder isn't completely empty. We recommend drinking a large glass of fluid an hour before your appointment. For scans after 16 weeks, a full bladder isn't necessary, as we want you to be comfortable during your visit.