What will I see?
3D/4D baby scans provide you with the opportunity to get to know and see your baby in a way that isn’t possible during the earlier stages of your pregnancy. With 3D/4D ultrasound technology, we will be able to check in on your baby by evaluating their real time movements, all the while, strengthening your bond as a parent by providing you with an amazingly detailed look at your baby’s face, eyes, nose and mouth. In 3D/4D, you may even catch your little one sucking their thumb.
At 24 weeks your baby is approx 8 ½ inches and their features become more prominent at this stage of pregnancy due to rapid weight gain in preparation for birth.
Using 4D baby scan medical imaging software we are able to blend thousands of 3D images to create a video of your child from within the womb, this is the time when you may get to see your child smiling, waving or sucking on their thumb. It will also be a time at which you should be able to see in great detail, the facial features of your baby.
Our 3D/4D scan is not an anomaly scan but we will be able to identify the presence of cleft palate or umbilical cord around the fetal neck. We will also check the fetal heart rate as well as fetal presentation.
When can I get a
3D/4D Scan ?
We recommend having a 3D/4D Baby Scan between 24 weeks and 33 weeks gestation as babies’ facial features become more apparent.
We regularly obtain amazing 3D/4D images up to 36 weeks gestation but babies begin shifting for birth around this stage of pregnancy which can make obtaining images slightly harder and if a repeat is needed there is a very slim chance of us obtaining images at 37/38 weeks gestation.
If you are unsure of your gestational age, click on the Due Date Calculator link below:
What are the
benefits?
We believe that 3D/4D baby scans can help both parents develop an early bond with their baby, similarities of facial features between parents and child can generally be seen from 24 weeks pregnant.
The 3D/4D ultrasound imaging method allows you to see your baby like never before. You’ll see your baby’s facial features and even video of him/her moving. You might even catch them sucking their thumb, waving or smiling.
Please visit us on our Facebook or Instagram pages to see some amazing 3D scan images we’ve captured at UltraScan and some before-and-after comparisons between the 3D imaging of the baby and a photo of them after they’re born – it’s pretty magical!
3D/4D are not included in standard maternity hospital practices. Why miss an opportunity to get to see your baby smiling for the first time?
Our 3D/4D scan is not an anomaly scan but we will be able to identify the presence of cleft palate or umbilical cord around the fetal neck. We will also check the fetal heart rate as well as fetal presentation.
What can I expect on
the day?
When you arrive at UltraScan you will be greeted by one of our amazing receptionists.
Our receptionist will give you a short form to fill out to collect some basic information like your name, contact details and date of birth.
For that extra special touch you can upgrade your 3D/4D scan package to include our Heartbeat Teddy Bears before your scan.
Once your form is complete, your sonographer will call you into the scan room to begin your ultrasound scan which will last approximately 15 minutes.
Our scan rooms are equipped with large medical-grade LED screens & surround sound to allow you to see and hear your babies heartbeat at your scan.
After your scan you can select your favourite scan images from our touchscreen displays and have them printed on our professional grade photo printer and emailed or sent via Whatsapp to allow to immediately share with family and friends.
Each client will be allowed 3 guests per appointment (including children).
What does a 3D/4D
Scan include?
- 3D Baby scan images & 4D videos sent to your WhatsApp or email
- 5 glossy black & white small scan photo prints
- 2 scan photos professionally printed 6”x4”
- A chance to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
- Check your Due Date
ADD ONS
HEARTBEAT TEDDY
|
Available on all of our scan packages. Just let us know on the day of your scan and we’ll record your little one’s heartbeat for you to take home and snuggle.
Only €35.
FAQ
HOW MUCH IS A 3D/4D BABY SCAN?
A 3D/4D baby scan with UltraScan Ireland costs €130. Twins cost €180. See above for details of what is included in this price.
HOW LONG DOES THE 3D/4D BABY SCAN TAKE?
On average most scans are 15 minutes, early scans are typically shorter due to babies size. Please allow 30 minutes on the day for the full experience from start to finish.
WHAT IF I AM LATE FOR MY SCAN?
Clients should try to arrive 5 minutes before appointments to fill out forms. We are extremely busy and unfortunately, if someone misses their allotted time we will not be able to see them and you will have to rebook a new appointment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A 3D/4D BABY SCAN?
The 3D/4D ultrasound imaging method allows you to see your baby like never before. You’ll see your baby’s facial features and even a video of him/her moving. You might even catch them sucking their thumb, waving or smiling.
Please visit us on our Facebook or Instagram pages to see some of the amazing 3D scan images we’ve captured at UltraScan and some before-and-after comparisons between the 3D imaging of the baby and a photo of them after they’re born – it’s pretty magical!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE A 3D/4D BABY SCAN?
Generally, from 24 weeks pregnant onwards there is sufficient fat under the skin to allow facial features to be seen.
At 33-36 weeks gestation the baby will often begin to shift in preparation for birth and it can become more difficult to obtain clear ultrasound images.
WHAT IF I CAN’T SEE ANYTHING DURING MY SCAN?
How much you see of your baby during the 3D/4D ultrasound will really depend on the way the baby is positioned. If your baby is facing outwards and there is sufficient fluid surrounding their little face, then you will be in luck.
If at the beginning of the scan your baby is facing away from the transducer, our sonographer may suggest you have a cold drink, talk to your baby or gently massage your abdomen.
These strategies may help to encourage your baby to move into another position and allow us to get the clear images you were hoping for.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY SCAN?
With UltraScan you can have your images and videos sent to you via Whatsapp or email. This enables you to share them easily and download them for safekeeping.
You will receive 5 glossy small photo prints and your two favourite scan pictures professionally printed in 6”x4” photos.
CAN I BRING ANYONE WITH ME?
We are currently allowing 3 guests to attend appointments with each client (including children).
CAN I BUY A GIFT VOUCHER?
Yes, you can purchase an UltraScan gift voucher by calling us on (01) 429 5710. This makes a great gift for any mother-to-be.
CAN I HAVE A 3D/4D SCAN AFTER 33 WEEKS?
Yes but from 33-36 weeks gestation the baby will often begin to shift in preparation for birth and it can become more difficult to obtain clear ultrasound images.
Our policy is to allow clients to return for a complimentary repeat 3D/4D scan if the baby is not in an optimal position on first attempt but once over 33 weeks gestation the probability of the baby moving to an optimal position is greatly reduced for the repeat appointment.
We have obtained excellent images right up to 36 weeks gestation but this cannot be guaranteed and we have a no refund policy and would be entirely at client’s discretion to book after 33 weeks gestation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2D AND 3D?
Having a 3D ultrasound scan is a very similar process to having a 2D ultrasound. Although the procedures are similar, there are different levels of technology used to produce our 3D scan images. During a 3D scan, thousands of still images of your baby are taken at once through sound waves. They are then translated by medical software into 3-dimensional images which are almost as clear as a real-life photograph once the baby is in optimal position and clients are sufficiently hydrated in the days leading up to their scan.