We've included some commonly asked questions on this page to help you find out more information on how our baby scanning works.

If you'd like clarification on anything or wish to discuss things in more detail, then don't hesitate to get in touch. Call us on 01242 300810 or email info@earlylife.co.uk

You are sure to have your routine scans done through your GP or Midwife with your local NHS Trust. Early Life scans do not replace your NHS routine scans, they should be considered as well as. Early Life scans are there to enable you & your partner to be able to have access to ultrasound services between your routine scans to either confirm pregnancy viability as an early scan, check the gender of your baby prior to your 20 week scan (or after if baby hides) or to check that you baby is growing normally amongst other checks and get head start in the bonding process with your baby.

3D images are still images and 4D images are animated, (so the fourth dimension is time). Early Life Ultrasound Centre also have HD Live 3D/4D technology that offer a more realistic images and depth perception

For the best images of your baby we recommend that you arrange an appointment for between 24 weeks and 34 weeks but of course it is entirely up to you when you wish to see your baby. If you are having an early pregnancy scan then we advise that you need to be at least 7 weeks.

Not always. There are some factors that can affect the success of your baby scan, the most common being the position of your baby but mum's build or a high BMI can also affect the quality of the ultrasound images. If this happens we will ask you to get up, walk about perhaps have a drink to encourage your baby to move. In some cases when we can't see what we need to, it would be appropriate to offer you another appointment free of charge.

Yes it can. The success of your baby scan will depend on the amount of room your baby has to move around and we recommend coming before 26 weeks to ensure we have every chance. If you are having twins you should consider having the 3D scan at around 24 – 26 weeks. There are no extra charges for twins, although we would ask if you could let us know if you are expecting twins so that we can allow extra time.

Yes, although it is optional and only possible if your baby is in the right position. It is also not a guaranteed determination of your baby's sex

Ultrasound technology has been available for the last 50 years. It uses sound waves NOT radiation to produce an image of your baby and has not been found to be harmful. All Sonographers adhere to the ALARA Principle that is part of Sonographer training which stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

For further information please visit : www.gov.uk/government/publications/ultrasound-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-the-impact-of-exposure/ultrasound-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-impact-of-exposure

We would like you to arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out consent forms etc . The scan time will be determined by the package or scan type that you choose and will include time for processing or typing reports ready for you to take home.

You may bring up to up to 5 guests seated. We are not able to currently accept more poeple than this. Children are most welcome (included in the permitted numbers) but it may be handy if they are accompanied by an adult so as not to loose valuable scanning time.

It is quite important to have a full bladder when attending early scans. It is also helpful for some checks during later trimester appointments. Most people need to drink a couple of pints of clear fluid, although you know your body best and if you only need a pint, then that should suffice.

A deposit payment of £20-£30.00 (depending on which package you choose) is requested when booking your appointment with the remainder payable by invoice the day before your appointment. The invoices will be emailed to you along with any forms that you need to complete. We request a 48 hour cancellation period if you wish to cancel. If an appointment is cancelled after 48 hour you deposit will become non-refundable.

Yes definitely.  It is important that you attend all your hospital appointments. The different stages of pregnancy offer different information and your local NHS Trust complete the 12 and 20 week scan for specific reasons. 

Should an unexpected abnormality be noticed you will be referred to your midwife or GP. If you are undergoing any screening tests with us and we need to make a referral, then we will need to ensure that it is to a specific department at your local hospital. This is normally discussed with you during your consultation.

If your question have not been answered within our FAQ section feel free to drop us an email at info@earlylife.co.uk where a member of staff will be able to help you.