FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between 3D and 4D imaging?
3D scans show still pictures of your baby in three dimensions. 4D scans show moving 3D images of your baby, as real time live-action videos, with time being the fourth dimension.
Do I need a full bladder?
NO, you do not need a full bladder. However, the best images are obtained if you are well hydrated – please try to drink 2-3 litres of water per day for the 3-4 days before your appointment.
Do I need a referral from my Doctor?
NO, you do not need a referral from your Doctor as 3D/4D ultrasound is performed as an elective request. It DOES NOT replace your routine medical/diagnostic scans as requested by your doctor.
Is the 3D/4D scan covered by Medicare or Private Health Care Funds?
NO. This is an elective procedure, you will need to pay the full cost of the package you choose. We accept cash on the day, or PayPal or direct bank transfer cleared before the scan (details can be provided on request).
Who will perform my ultrasound?
All scans are performed by an accredited diagnostic sonographer with specialist training in 3D/4D imaging.
When is the best time to have my 3D/4D ultrasound?
The best time to have your 3D/4D scan, if not for gender determination, is between the 26th and 34th weeks of your pregnancy as this period generally provides the most optimal images. Your baby’s facial features are well developed and in most cases there is still enough room for your baby to move around.
If you are expecting twins/multiples the best time for 3D/4D ultrasounds is between 23 and 27 weeks. This allows a greater chance of capturing interaction between the babies.
The timing of the scan is a balancing act; you want your baby to be as developed as possible so you get to see as much as you can, but you still want your baby to have plenty of room to move around.
Earlier ultrasounds allow you to see more complete images of the baby. Later ultrasounds reveal improved facial features since the developing fat layer enhances these images. It is important to remember that all images are dependent on the baby’s position, movement, patient size, and the amount of surrounding amniotic fluid. As a result, we cannot always guarantee image clarity or quality.
What will determine the clarity and quality of my baby’s images?
Many factors are involved in obtaining clear images. There are several elements outside of our control which will determine the clarity and quality of the Images.
1. The baby’s position – some babies come ready for their picture to be taken but others can turn their back on us, cuddle up to the uterine wall or placenta, or hide behind their hands. We will do our best to get baby to move in to a more optimal position but this is not always possible. A straight on view of your baby’s face is not very common.
2. The amount of fluid surrounding the baby – the more fluid around the baby the more chance of obtaining clearer pictures, and hence the request to keep well hydrated before the scan. If there is minimal fluid around the baby the image quality may be reduced.
3.The position of the placenta – an anterior placenta is in front of the baby and can sometimes block portions of the baby’s face due to lack of space. If you have an anterior placenta it may be better to try and have your scan slightly earlier, i.e. 26-28 weeks and remember to maintain good fluid levels.
4.The mother’s weight – Mother’s with increased body habitus/BMI have more tissue for the ultrasound waves to travel through before reaching the baby, therefore the image quality can be reduced. The outstanding performance of the Phillips Epiq 5 has combated this previously limiting situation, therefore becoming less of an issue, with more optimal images being able to be obtained than ever before.
5. How much the baby moves during the scan – It is incredible to see your baby move around during your ultrasound. A little food or cold drink before your visit can assist in increasing your baby’s activity. On the other hand, the best still 3D photo images occur when your baby is not moving or asleep. As always, we encourage you to enjoy your 3D/4D experience and we’ll do our part to capture the best images and videos possible.
6. Gestational development – Each pregnancy is unique. Some babies are best seen at 20 weeks and others at 34, regardless of maternal tissue or other factors. Again, it is our aim to get you the best possible images of your baby during the scan.
Can I have my scan before 26weeks or after 34weeks?
You can still obtain good images before the 26th week and after the 34th week of your pregnancy, however it is unpredictable. Please be aware of this if you choose to book outside of the suggested time frames.
Early pregnancy scans (before 26 weeks) are good for full body images. Late pregnancy scans (after 34 weeks) are usually good for facial images, if you can obtain them that is; often there is limited movement as baby grows, their surrounds are less spacious and the head may go deep down in your pelvis!
If I schedule my appointment between 26 – 34 weeks, am I guaranteed to get the ‘perfect’ picture of my baby?
In most cases, yes, but not always. If your baby is persistently looking away, or if their hands or feet are in the way, it may be difficult to see your baby’s face. We will do our best to try and get baby to move by getting you to have a cold drink and/or go for a walk. We cannot guarantee the images will meet your expectations, however we assure you that we will do all that we can to get the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby we can see. As mentioned earlier there are other factors that can determine the quality of the images.
When will our images be ready for collection?
All packages are available for collection shortly after your session has finished.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment for any reason, we ask that you use common courtesy and please give us at least 48 hours notice so someone else is able to utilise your appointment time.
When can I find out the sex of my baby?
We can determine the sex of your baby from 16 weeks onwards in the majority of cases. Earlier gestations can be less accurate. It is rare that we would not be able to determine the baby’s sex, however the positioning is vital. We will strive to get baby in an ideal and co-operative position to enable us to determine the gender. We do not guarantee 100% accurate diagnosis of your baby’s gender.
What can I do to improve the quality of my ultrasound?
DRINK, DRINK, DRINK WATER!!! It is highly recommended to continuously hydrate by drinking plenty of water for 3-4 days straight prior to coming in for your scan (at least 2-3 litres/day). It has been found that hydration can help increase the fluid around bubs and improve the clarity of the images significantly. Eating a snack or having a cold drink in the hour prior to your appointment can also be helpful.
Is there any preparation needed for my appointment?
A full bladder is not needed, however, overall hydration commonly increases the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby which can translate into better picture
Eating a snack or drinking something cold in the hour prior to your appointment can help increase baby’s activity
Wear comfortable 2 piece clothing to allow easy access to your tummy (i.e. preferably no dresses)
Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete your booking form and ensure maximum use of your time slot
What happens if my baby is in a hard to see position?
We will endeavour to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of your baby. We will often ask you to get up and move around and hope that as a consequence baby will re-position him/herself. However, please note that every baby is different and can be unpredictable!
What if you see something wrong with my baby?
Even though this is not a medical scan, occasionally we do notice something that may require your doctors attention. We will contact your doctor in this case and they will proceed with any further investigations.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, they are essential, but are not made further than one month in advance. You can call to make an appointment on: 0487180718, e-mail: beyondthebumpimaging@gmail.com, use the contact page on our website or through our Facebook page – Beyond the Bump Imaging.
Set opening times are Thursdays 6-9pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm, other times are available on request, I will endevour to make a time to suit you.
Where are you located?
79 Commercial Road (next to Milhinch Jewellers)
Port Augusta
South Australia
5700
How much does a 3D/4D ultrasound cost?
Our pricing structure depends on how much time we spend scanning your baby and the products included in your package. Packages start from $80 up to $200 + the option to purchase additional ‘extras’.
Twins incur an additional $50 on to the package price as scan time will be increased to get a good look at each baby, please inform when booking if this is the case
Do you offer alternative appointment times?
Yes there is options to be flexible if there is no way you can make an appointment during our set opening hours, but this will vary from week to week. Please contact us if this is the case as we want to give you every opportunity to have this wonderful experience.
Can I bring my family and friends?
Yes. You are very welcome to invite family and friends to join in your 3D/4D ultrasound experience. We can comfortably seat an extra 5-6 people. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use?
Beyond the Bump Imaging uses the latest state of the art Philips Medical Systems Equipment. The ‘Epiq5’ is their leading ultrasound unit on the market. Its quality of 3D/4D imaging is second to none.
How Can I PAY?
We accept cash on the day, or PayPal or direct bank transfer cleared before the scan date (details can be provided on request).