Everything you need to know
Frequently Asked
Questions
We want you to feel completely relaxed and prepared for your scan. Here you'll find answers to our most common questions
Before You Visit
How can I prepare for my appointment? To help you get the best experience possible, we recommend wearing a comfortable two-piece outfit so your tummy is easy to access during your scan. If you're attending for an Early Pregnancy Scan or Gender Scan, we'll ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. We recommend drinking around four glasses of water before your appointment. For later scans, a sugary fizzy drink around an hour beforehand can sometimes encourage your baby to move, although every baby is different!
What should I bring with me? Just yourself! If you're under 18, you'll need to attend with a parent or legal guardian, who will complete the consent form with you on arrival.
Can I bring family and friends? Absolutely! Pregnancy is such a special time, and we love welcoming your family and friends to share the experience with you. We have seating for three guests, but you're welcome to bring more along if you wish. Children are always welcome too—we simply ask that they remain supervised throughout your appointment.
Do I need to be over 18? You don't need to be over 18 to have a scan with us. Clients aged 16 or 17 are very welcome but must attend with a parent or legal guardian, who will sign the consent form on arrival. Unfortunately, we cannot offer scans to anyone under the age of 16.
Can children come to my scan? Yes! We love meeting big brothers, big sisters and little visitors. We just ask that children remain with an adult at all times so everyone can enjoy the experience safely.
Do you have parking? Yes! Free parking is available directly behind our clinic but if that is full, feel free to park in the gym car park next to it. If you do use the gym car park, when you arrive, simply register your vehicle using the tablet at reception before your appointment.
During Your Scan
What's the difference between 2D, 3D, 4D and 5D scans? 2D is the traditional black-and-white scan used throughout your NHS pregnancy care to assess your baby's development. 3D creates a still, three-dimensional image of your baby's features, allowing you to see their little face in much more detail. 4D brings those 3D images to life in real time, so you may even catch your baby yawning, smiling, stretching or sucking their thumb. 5D uses enhanced imaging technology to produce an even clearer, more detailed image with improved lighting and definition.
What happens if baby isn't in the best position? Babies definitely like to keep us on our toes! If your baby is facing the wrong way or hiding behind the placenta or cord, we'll always do everything we can to encourage them to move. We may ask you to have a little walk, change position or come back later for a complimentary rescan if needed. Our aim is always to give you the very best images possible.
Do you offer complimentary rescans? We know babies don't always cooperate—and that's all part of the fun! If your little one isn't in the best position for us to capture the images you've been hoping for, our sonographer may recommend a complimentary rescan on selected scan packages. This is decided on the day and is at the discretion of your sonographer, taking into account your baby's position and the type of scan you've booked. We'll always do everything we can to help your baby move first, and if we feel another visit would give you a much better experience, we'll let you know.
What happens if you notice something unexpected? We're a non-diagnostic pregnancy scan clinic, which means we don't perform medical examinations or diagnose abnormalities. However, if our sonographer notices anything that they feel should be reviewed further, they'll explain everything sensitively and advise you on the next steps. If appropriate, you'll be referred to your midwife or local maternity assessment unit for further care. Your wellbeing—and your baby's—is always our priority.
How long does my appointment last? Appointments (time in our scan room) are 10 minutes long, unless you are having twins, then its double the time. We've carefully designed each package to allow plenty of time for your scan, photographs and to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
When will I receive my photos? You'll receive your printed scan photo during your appointment, so you can take them home the very same day. We then email all of your images at the end of our working day.
Can I use my phone to record the scan? Of course! We know you'll want to remember every moment. You're welcome to take photographs and videos during your appointment unless your sonographer advises otherwise.
Will I definitely find out my baby's gender? Our gender scans are 99% accurate when performed from the appropriate stage of pregnancy. Occasionally, if your baby isn't in the right position, we may not be able to confirm their gender during your appointment. If that happens, we will ask you to go for a walk to get baby moving. On the very rare occasion baby still isn’t playing we'll arrange a complimentary rescan so we can try again.
Do you offer complimentary rescans? We know babies don't always cooperate—and that's all part of the fun! If your little one isn't in the best position for us to capture the images you've been hoping for, our sonographer may recommend a complimentary rescan on selected scan packages. This is decided on the day and is at the discretion of your sonographer, taking into account your baby's position and the type of scan you've booked. We'll always do everything we can to help your baby move first, and if we feel another visit would give you a much better experience, we'll let you know.
Still have a Question?
Our friendly team are always happy to help!
