Title - Risk reversal for 4d scans Tags - sapriskreversal 4dscan
”Why 4D Scans Are So Unpredictable” or “If I Paid for a 3d/4d Scan”
Here’s what I’d look for. Unfortunately, 4d scans is are unpredictable
The reason is that it’s hard to see your baby clearly if your placenta or the cord are in front of their face, if there’s minimal fluid around your baby’s face, if they’re in an awkward position, or if your BMI is higher than average.
To an extent, all of these things are outside of our control. But you don’t have to role the dice and hope everything falls into place at your scan.
Rather, there are 4 things you can control to stack the odds in your favour and make sure you have the best possible experience:
Scan timing
The first thing you can do to have the best possible experience is have a scan between 24 and 34 weeks.
Why?
Because any earlier and babies can look a little “skeletal.” This is normal for their stage of development but not the most picture-friendly!
After 24 weeks, your baby will start to grow more “padding”. Their cheeks look chubbier and their features become more defined.
Also, around this time your baby is usually still moving around and changing position frequently, which makes it more likely they’ll reveal their face on the scan!
After 34 weeks, your baby may start to move and settle down at the bottom of your pelvis, which makes it less likely they’ll change position during your scan.
Machine quality
Some private ultrasound provider’s use relatively old machines with out-of-date technology.
At Sneak-A-Peek, you’ll be a scanned on a top-of-the-range, 2019-model 4D ultrasound machine.
It took me three months of research to choose the GE Voluson S10 because I know how much of a difference the best machine can make to your experience.
The main reason I chose the S10 is that it features HDLiveTM—a new technology that lights up your baby’s face and makes them appear more life-like.
And since the machine was only manufactured in 2019, you’ll have the best and newest technology working in your favour.
Sonographer ability
Did you know there’s a shortage of qualified sonographer’s in the UK?
This is why the NHS is struggling to keep up with demand for ultrasound scans.
Private provider’s also struggle to recruit qualified and experienced sonographer’s.
Some manage to employ NHS sonographers part-time but other’s resort to in-house training.
Those trained in the private sector scan fewer women so they get less hands-on practice to develop their skills—which can affect the quality of your scan.
At Sneak-A-Peek Ultrasound, you’ll be scanned by me.
I’ve been scanning pregnant women for over 8 years for the NHS. And I’m registered with—and regulated by—the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Care Quality Commission (CQC).
All of which means you’ll have the best possible chance of seeing your baby clearly in 3D/4D.
Appointment time
Here is the problem with most 4D scans: they’re rushed.
Not only can this spoil what should be a magical experience…
It means that, unless your baby happens to be in the perfect position at the time of your scan, there’s not enough time to wait for them to move.