FAQS
- What if I want a scan but I don’t want to know the gender – or want to find out later?
If you do not wish to know the gender of your baby, we will do our very best not to disclose this during the scan.
If you are having a “gender reveal” we can put the gender in a sealed envelope for you.
- Do I need a full bladder?
​
If you are coming for an Early Scan and you are under 15 weeks, then yes, you will need a full bladder. If you are attending the clinic for a Gender scan or a 4D scan, then you do NOT need a full bladder.
- What is the difference between 3D, 4D and HD-Live?
​
A 2D ultrasound is the standard procedure used during obstetric ultrasound. It is used to produce 2 dimensional images of what is happening inside yours and baby's body. The ultrasound used to make the 4D/HD-Live images is the same as used in the black and white images you see in the hospital. The difference is we use a 3D probe, and the machines software processes the images differently to make a 4D image. 4D is a moving 3D image, the live scan that you see on the screen is called 4D, and the still images are 3D. HD Live is another version of 4D providing clearer pictures. Again it is simply a moving 3D image.
​
- When is the best time to have a 3D/4D scan?
A 4D scan can be done at any time in your pregnancy from 16 weeks. For the best results we advise at having your scan done between 24 and 31 weeks and particularly weeks 26-29, though scans outside of this range can still give fantastic results.
​
​
- What factors can affect my scan?
​
The quality of the images can be affected by a few different factors. The position that baby is in at the time of the scan can affect the images we can obtain. If baby isn’t in the right position we will ask you to move around to try to get baby to move position. Your placenta can also affect the scan if your baby’s face is touching it, once again we would ask you to move around to try to get baby to move if this is the case. BMI of mum can also affect the images that we can obtain, this is because ultrasound uses sound waves that have to travel through the tissue, the higher the amount of tissue the further they have to travel, therefore the less clear the image will be.
​
- What should I bring with me?
You do not need to bring anything with you. If you are coming for an Early Pregnancy Scan, all you will need is a full bladder. We do not need to see any hospital notes.
​
​
​
- Can I use this scan in place of a hospital scan?
No. Mini Me 4D offers you the scan with the understanding that you are receiving the appropriate ante-natal care and have attended your hospital scans. Under no circumstances should a Mini Me 4D scan be used in place of your hospital ultrasound screening scan.
​
- Will my scan detect any abnormalities?
Mini Me 4D is a non-diagnostic and non-medical scan clinic. All mothers should attend their routine hospital scans. However, should we detect a problem, we will, with your permission, refer you to the relevant department within the NHS.