How does it differ from the usual hospital scan?

The hospital where you receive your antenatal care offer a 2D scan which is intended to provide the obstetricians with diagnostics information about the health of your baby.

A 3D scan however, has the dimension of depth, consequently giving superior and more realistic character to the image, and enabling parents to see what their baby looks like.A 3D/4D scan is optional and should not replace your hospital scan as it is not intended to provide diagnostic information but to enhance parental enjoyment. if a potential problem is seen during your scan then you will be advised to consult your doctor/hospital.

Is it safe?

Ultrasound has been used in obstetrics for over 30 years. It uses high frequency sound waves which are outside the range of human hearing. Whilst many studies have been carried out to determine the safety of fetal ultrasound, none have proven it to be of harm to either mother or baby.

The British Medical Ultrasound Society regularly review and update on the safety of ultrasound. 4D uses the same high frequency sound as the ordinary 2D hospital scan.

At InnerVision, the scans are performed by qualified personnel with extensive experience in diagnostic imaging.

When is the best time for the scan?

Whilst a scan can be carried out at any time the best time for 3D/4D is 23 - 34 weeks as the baby is not too large and there is plenty of amniotic fluid around the baby.

Early pregnancy 2D scans can be carried out at 9-12 weeks.

Will the scan guarantee perfect images?

In the majority of cases the image quality is excellent; nevertheless there are times when the qulaity is lessened due to the position of the foetus. The baby may be facing the wrong way or may be too close to the wall of the womb. The fetal face may be obscured by hands, feet or the umbilical cord.

Whilst we make every effot to produce high qulaity recordings of the scanning session, if optimal images are not obtained we will offer you a follow up scan at no extra cost.

What is included in the cost?

Your scan includes:

• An initial 2D scan to determine the position of your baby.

• A 3D/4D scan with a DVD recording of your ultrasound session.

• 3 colour photographs of your baby.

• 3 Black & White photographs of your baby.

The session will last 40-50 minutes.

How Much Does It Cost?

2D Early Pregnancy Scan: €100

Gender Determination Scan: €100

3D/4D Ultrasound Scan: €175