What Happens at First Glimpse
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All scans will be performed by fully qualified, highly experienced ultrasound practitioners

3D/4D scans
A 4D ultrasound scan shows your baby in moving 3 dimensions. It is usually performed to enhance parental bonding and provide valuable reassurance. The best time to perform a 4D scan is between 24 and 32 weeks gestation. At this stage in pregnancy the baby's face, hands, feet and limbs can be best seen. On occasions the baby may not be lying in the optimum position and you will be asked to go for a walk or on rare occasions a re-scan will be offered at no extra cost.

Early Pregnancy Scan (7-12 weeks)
To confirm baby is alive usually when Mum has bleeding or pain. The scan carefully examines the pregnancy to assess for any bleeding and confirm babies heart beat present.

Dating Scan (9-20 weeks)
To confirm the correct number of weeks gestation, confirm a fetal heart beat and exclude multiple pregnancy.

Nuchal Fold Scan (11-13 weeks)
To screen for Downs Syndrome by examining the baby and measuring fluid at back of the neck. This test also requires blood test at 10-11 weeks before the scan.

Anatomy Scan (18 -20 weeks)
To carefully examine all baby organs to ensure normal development and exclude the presence of abnormality although not all abnormalities are not possible to detect on scan. Assessmant is also made of placental position and volume of fluid around the baby. Occasionally the scan needs repeated because it is not possible to examine baby completely.

Fetal Growth / Wellbeing Scans ( 26 weeks and onwards)
To assess the baby's growth and activity. Measurements of the baby are taken to confirm a normal growth rate. Growth and wellbeing scans are usually undertaken together. Baby wellbeing is checked by assessing baby activity, the amount of water around the baby, and blood flow through babies cord. These all indicate if the baby is healthy.

Fetal sexing scan
This is a 2D black and white scan which is best performed after your 18-20 week anatomy scan.

NB: Fetal sexing can be performed at your 4D scan, but only if requested