You can make your booking as far in advance as you would like. We can then arrange a suitable time for you to come along. It is usually best to have your 4D/HD scan around 27-31 weeks gestation if you want to see babys features and check babies growth; however we can offer 4D/HD packages from any time after 16 weeks. We offer a diagnostic sexing scan from 16 weeks We offer a diagnostic dating scan from 7 weeks to accurately date your pregnancy in 2D (black and white). Give us a ring on 01744 610417

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 accomodate 5 chairs; bring all the family if you want to we don’t mind at all, we believe this should be a family experience!

Expect to be with us for around half an hour. This is to ensure we get the best footage of your baby and check babys well-being, and after the scan you can take your time choosing your pictures. In some cases if baby is being a bit naughty, this may take longer.

We do our very best to get the best images we can. Each baby will scan differently, and we do everything we can to get the very best images possible. Baby is boss! Sometimes baby can look away from us, or put their hands and feet up in front of their face. If we are not happy with the images or footage we have obtained for you, then we are happy to rebook you free of charge for another attempt.

We use a Voluson E8 expert ultrasound machine, a top of the range ultrasound machine for obtaining 2D, 3D, 4D and HD images of your baby. In our opinion it is the best machine on the market for obstetric ultrasound scanning. Only the best will do for us.

The ultrasound used to make the 4D/HD images is the same as that used in the 2D black and white you see in the hospital. We use a special probe, and the machines software processes the images differently to make a 4D image. 4D is simply a moving 3D image, the live scan that you see on the screen is called 4D, the still images we print out are 3D. HD is another version of 4D. Again it is simply a moving 3D image. We use a special probe, and the machines software does the rest.

We have found that the best time to have an HD scan is from 27 weeks onwards when we can see baby in more detail and see the features clearer. HD is amazing technology, it makes babes features seen even more life-like, giving baby a more natural skin tone and smoothing babes features, giving more depth to the lips and eyes.

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?

Of course you can if you want to, it is your baby and if you want to see him/her then we have the technology to show you. We offer a free 4D scan for those with an antental diagnosis of a cleft lip or palate. You can obtain more information by visiting www.clapa.com

Usually it is very easy to see what sex your baby is after 16 weeks gestation. We perform sexing scans from 16 weeks. All sexing scans are 99.99% accurate.

Again this is not a problem – most of the scan is spent looking at the baby’s face, we can stay away from the bottom area but can sometimes show you the hands and feet as well. Just let us know your wishes and we will hide the gender for you!

If you are having an early scan (less than 16 weeks) then it helps if your bladder is not completely empty before your scan. We ask that you have 1 large glass of fluid an hour before your appointment If you are having a scan after 16 weeks a full bladder is not needed, as this may inhibit your enjoyment; we want you to feel comfortable throughout your meeting with your baby.

Yes. But as you know they get quite cozy in your womb and cuddle up to each other so the best time to have a look at them is before 26 weeks gestation. We do not charge extra for scanning twins