2D, 4D & HD LIVE Private Baby Scans in St Helens From 6 Weeks Early Gender Scans From 13 Weeks

Yes, we do.

2D is the black and white scan used in the hospital. The ultrasound used to make the 4D/HD-Live images is the same as that used in the 2D black and white you see in the hospital. We use a special probe, and the machines software processes the images differently to make a 4D image. 4D is simply a moving 3D image, during a 4D Scan we use both 3 & 4D, the live scan that you see on the screen is called 4D, and the still images we print out are 3D. The 4D may be purchased on a DVD ( please notify us prior to your scan if you would like one of these) HD (high definition) is another version of 4D providing clearer pictures. Again it is simply a moving 3D image. HD (high definition) is an upgraded version of 3/4D that shows you your baby in a clearer picture

A 3/4D scan can be done at any time in your pregnancy from 13 weeks. For the best results we advise having your scan done between 26 and 31 weeks. Although scans outside of this range can still give fantastic results, this is dependent on the position of the baby and the placenta, the amount of fluid and the size of baby at the time of the scan. Take a look at our gallery for some examples. For twins and multiple pregnancies we recommend you come when you are at no more than 26 weeks. Other factors that may affect the quality of the 3D/4D images are BMI of mummy – this is because ultrasound uses sound waves that have to travel through the tissue, the higher the amount of tissue the further they have to travel, therefore the less clearer the image will be. If your placenta is anterior (at the front) we recommend you try and come before 29 weeks to avoid disappointment. If you are past this stage we are happy for you to pop in for us to have a look if we think we will be able to get images of your baby.

We want this to be a fantastic experience for you so don’t be shy to ask questions. If you don’t want to know tell us, the ultrasound scanner will base the majority of your scan around the facial features so it is not possible for you to see the sex at all.

Hello Baby uses the latest, and top of the range, Voluson E8 Ultrasound scanner from GE.

Yes, children of all ages are welcome to come along to your scan. This is a family event, and everyone can be involved. We understand that children often get restless, and with this is mind, we have a children’s waiting area where they can play with toys or watch DVDs. All children MUST be supervised at all times by an adult – unfortunately members of staff are unable to supervise children.

This is a joyous occasion and we know that hospitals are strict on who can and can’t come in and see your baby. We have seating for 6 people but if family and friends don’t mind standing we can accommodate them. We have the room for up to 10 people comfortably, but we’ve managed to squeeze 20 guests in our scan room previously.

No. We can scan twins/multiple pregnancies within the scan time that you choose however, please consider, that twins/multiple pregnancies tend to be quite close together and therefore more difficult to scan. And they may not both/all be facing upwards also so it takes time to get pictures of both/all faces.

We would recommend that you take our 30 minute scan if you’re carrying more than one baby during your pregnancy but this, of course, is up to you.

Hello Baby provides non diagnostic, non medical scans purely for keep sake purposes – we do not perform any medical checks, therefore it is vital that you attend your NHS appointments and scans.

At hello baby we do not check for fetal abnormalities, the scans we offer are completely non-medical and non diagnostic – they are for keepsake purposes only.

A Hello Baby Scan is a non-medical non-diagnostic or screening scan. We do not provide anomaly reports and all mothers should attend their routine hospital scan(s).

There is currently no evidence to suggest that ultrasound scans are harmful. Ultrasound during pregnancy is widely accepted as safe for both mother and baby. We scan within the guidelines set out by BMUS (The British Medical Ultrasound Society) and do not scan for longer than is necessary. Our ultrasound machine is used in accordance with the manufacturers safety guidelines. For further information please see the advice from the Health Protection Agency on their website.

It is perfectly normal for parents to be concerned about any risks that ultrasound scanning may pose for the fetus. Parents should be well informed about both the risks and benefits of ultrasound scanning before making any decision to carry out a scan, both at our boutique and at hospital.

The following links will provide you with lots of useful information to help you feel comfortable in making a decision to book your scan with us:

HPA guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ultrasound-and-infrasound-health-effects

British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) https://www.bmus.org/

BMUS statement regarding ultrasound safety https://www.bmus.org/

BMUS statement regarding public safety https://www.bmus.org/

We understand that you may be running a couple of minutes late, however anyone that arrives later than 10 mins for their appointment may not be able to be seen by our ultrasound scanner and you may have to rebook your appointment. There may also be a 50% charge as this will be classed as a missed appointment. (This is at the management’s discretion.) This is to make it fair on people who have appointments booked in for the rest of the day, in order to ensure that their appointments run on time.

We perform gender scans from 13 weeks, our gender scans are 99% accurate.

Five (quintets), however, it is recommended you book a 30min appointment for scans with 2 or more babies as it can be more time consuming to find a clear picture of each baby.

We recommend to come before 29 weeks (please note this is only a guide, everybody is different). Anterior means the placenta is at the front, therefore the sound waves will have to go through this before it reaches the baby. As the baby gets bigger, there becomes less room, which causes the babies face to snuggle into the placenta more. If you are past this stage we are happy to try and scan you – if we are unable to get any images in 4D you will just be charged for 2D scan.

Yes, to have a scan you will need to be 16 years old and over. Please note if you are between the ages of 16 and 18 you must attend with a parent or guardian. We will ask to sign a consent form with your scan. ID must be provided i.e passport, birth certificate or drivers license.

We allow 15 minutes for each appointment, however we can sometimes run over in the case of a baby being in the incorrect position. We ask for all of our clients to be understanding in the event of an appointment running over the allotted time. Please note it is a 15 minute appointment, not 15 minute scan, this is to allow time should your baby be in a wrong position and we need to ask you to go for a walk and/or fizzy drink.

No, all £10 deposits are non-refundable. If you have paid in full on the website, please contact us directly for a refund on the scan. However £10 will be deducted as an equivalent of the deposit.

Unfortunately, you are not permitted to take any photographs or videos during your scan. If you would like your scan recorded you can purchase a DVD please advise us prior to your scan.

Before 20 weeks, yes you do. If you are 20 weeks or more it is not necessary.

Although there are always factors that affect whether we’re able to successfully carry out the scan, if you follow these simple tips, then it will greatly improve the results:

Relax! Baby can feel your tension, and won’t want to move about.

If you are less than 20 weeks please drink at least 2 litres of water, if you are 20 weeks plus please have an empty bladder.

Keep active. If you’re driving for a while, make sure you walk around a little before your scan to help get baby moving a little.

Try having a fizzy drink and/or a bar of chocolate 10 minutes prior to visit to try and get baby moving.

We advise a lucozade half hour before you come to help baby be active. If we find baby is in the wrong position at the first attempt we will then ask you to either go for a walk or bounce on our pregnancy ball and we may scan another lady whilst you are doing this.

If on your return to the scan room baby is still not in the right position we will book you a rescan free of charge within 7 days.

There are no known risks from the sound waves used in an ultrasound scan. Unlike some other scans, such as CT scans, ultrasound scans don’t involve exposure to radiation.

External and internal ultrasound scans don’t have any side effects and are generally painless, although you may experience some discomfort as the probe is pressed over your skin

Ref NHS.co.uk 2021