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What are the differences between normal hospital scans and 3D/4D ultrasound scans?
How safe is ultrasound?
Who works at Peek a Boo?
How long is the scan appointment?
Who can I bring along?
How many weeks are best for scanning?
Are scans always successful?
Do I still need to go for my hospital scans?
Could the scan detect unexpected abnormalities with my baby?
Can you tell the sex of the baby?
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Do I need to have a full bladder?
How do I book an appointment?
Why is Hydration so important when Pregnant?
VASA PRAEVIA; Rare but important condition.
What are the differences between normal hospital scans and 3D/4D ultrasound scans?
Normal hospital scans generate a 2D (flat), black and white image of your baby in the womb. Using the latest in ultrasound scanning technology, our Volusion 730 allows us to produce colour 3D images of your baby and show them on our 50 inch plasma screen. The 4D capacity of the machine allows us translate this image into 4D real time, allowing parents to view there unborn child moving in 3D. With this technology the babies facial expressions can be seen and sometimes even a smile or thumb sucking.
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How safe is ultrasound?
Over the past 30 years of clinical practice and research, ultrasound has not been found to pose any adverse effect to the pregnancy or baby.
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Who works at Peek a Boo?
All Peek a Boos staff are qualified healthcare professionals registered with the HPC (Health Professions Council). Our scanning team all work in local NHS hospitals and are fully accredited in ultrasound clinical practice. Peek a boo takes pride in investing in the education of its staff. Making sure all our sonographers attend regular courses to remain up to date with the most current ultrasound advancements and practices.
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How long is the scan appointment?
This depends on the type of package you chose but usually appointments last no more than 30 minutes in duration which includes rendering the images. During this time we will not be continually scanning, as our sonographers will intermit to talk you through what you can see on the screen. In each scan we aim to show you as much of the baby as we can in both 3D stills and 4D real time. If you have chosen a package that includes a DVD, we will record your scan during your appointment to create a keepsake of the day for you to take home
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Who can I bring along?
Anyone you would like, however we can only permit three other adults in the scan room at any one time. Children are more than welcome too, as long as they are supervised at all times once inside the premises. At Peek a Boo we will do our best to accommodate all your needs as we recognise that bonding involves the whole family, which is why our ultrasound machine is connected to a 50 inch plasma screen so your guests can view your scan in comfort. Disabled access is also available; please inform one of our booking team of any requirements prior to your scan.
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How many weeks are best for scanning?
The most ideal time for scanning is between 26-32 weeks gestation as the baby is the perfect size to gain a more varied array of images.
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Are scans always successful?
Sometimes babies lay in poor positions such as if they are face down or towards the spine which can make gaining clear images or sex determination very difficult. If this happens may ask you to have a brief walk or a sweet drink to see if baby repositions. If successful we will rescan you that day, however If baby is still in an awkward position we may ask if you would prefer to be rebooked for another day at your convenience at no extra charge and we will provide you with any images we may have been able to achieve during the session. Please bear in mind that if you are approaching full term (33 weeks plus) imaging and sex determination become considerably more difficult as the baby is larger and beginning to move into the birthing position. It is for this reason that we advise mothers at this gestation to choose our '33 Weeks Plus Package', which consists of a short scan to see if images are obtainable (Please see the packages page or contact one of our operators for further details)
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Do I still need to go for my hospital scans?
Absolutely, Peek a Boo scans are designed to be used for pleasure in conjunction with your standard hospital scans and not as an alternative. Our baby scans are non-diagnostic which is where we differ from your hospital appointments. The 2D hospital scans offered by your obstetrician are specifically designed to monitor and manage your pregnancy and should never be replaced by 4D pleasure scanning.
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Could the scan detect unexpected abnormalities with my baby?
Peek a Boos Volusion 730 is a medical ultrasound machine, using the same 2D techniques as your hospital scans to position for 3D/4D scanning. As Peek a Boo scans are non-diagnostic, we don't carry out the detailed anatomy and measurement scans you will receive on your standard hospital ultrasounds (at around 20 weeks gestation). However in the rare event that an abnormality is detected by the sonographers we will pass on our observations to your midwife or obstetrician with your permission.
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Can you tell the sex of the baby?
Depending on your chosen package, sex determination may be included in the price of your scan or as an added extra. In either case, if requested, we will attempt to determine the sex of your baby with 95% accuracy. Sometimes due to babies position this isn't always possible or if you would rather keep it a surprise we can avoid the area altogether.
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Do I need to bring anything with me?
Any previous hospital scans or handheld pregnancy notes, as we need these to calculate your gestation and also for the contact details of your midwife or obstetrician. Apart from that the only other thing you need to bring is anyone you wish to share your scan with.
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Do I need to have a full bladder?
Not at all, our ultrasound machine can scan without a full bladder
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How do I book an appointment?
Ring one of our operators on 0870 919 6842 between the hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday to Saturday to arrange an appointment or discuss packages. Alternatively you can book or ask questions through the 'Contact Us' section of our website. We aim to be as flexible as possible offering daytime, evening and weekend appointments (Saturday and Sunday) so please- Just ask.
Why is Hydration so important when Pregnant?
To ensure the protection of the devloping baby in your womb. Please read our further details on hydration.
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