Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of the body. The ultrasound scanner has a microphone which gives off sound waves which are then reflected back and converted into an image by the ultrasound machine.

With a 2D ultrasound, the Sonographer can view different layers of the baby, from the outer extremities to the internal organs. A 3D or 4D ultrasound scan differs where only the outside of the baby can be seen; it forms a topographical image of the baby so that the contours of the face and limbs can be more defined.

In trained hands it is yes!

We are all qualified, experienced Sonographers. Your 3D/4D scan uses the same type of ultrasound as your 2D routine hospital scan. The power or intensity DOES NOT change when moving from 2D to 3D/4D. It is the machine software that simply processes the information in a different way.

The GE Voluson is used by many hospitals and ultrasonographers and is as safe as any other ultrasound machine used by a professional who has a recognized qualification in ultrasound scanning. Ultrasound technology has been the subject of many clinical trials over the last 30 years and has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. It is just the same type of machine used in your maternity hospital to perform all the regular diagnostic examinations of your baby.

EFSUMB Clinical Safety Statement for Diagnostic Ultrasound states that ultrasound examinations should be performed only by competent personnel who are trained and updated in ultrasound safety matters. All Tummy2mummy Sonographers are compliant in ultrasound safety matters.

For more information on ultrasound safety go to http://www.bmus.org/policies-guides/pg-safety05.asp

Our Private scans are not medical or diagnostic, they are meant to be for reassurance and bonding purposes. If however as medically trained Sonographers we were to see any adverse features we would of course report on them to your chosen NHS hospital.

At Tummy2mummy we are able to provide support and offer guidance if signs of a fetal abnormality are unexpectedly revealed.

We do our very best to get the best images we can. Each baby will scan differently, and we do everything we can to get the very best images possible. Your baby is the boss! Sometimes baby can look away from us, or put their hands and feet up in front of their face.

If we are not happy with the images or footage we have obtained for you we have tricks of the trade, a walk, cold drink, a change of position, if those options fail and we can not get any images at all then we are happy to rebook you for a discounted rescan.

Issues that can make the image less than perfect include: reduced fluid around your babe; fuller figured mums-to-be; and the position of your baby and the position of your placenta.

options to improve chances - increase your fluid intake a few days before the scan, have a sugary drink an hour before the scan (if you do not have history of diabetes)

Yes of course! This is, after all your experience and we encourage you to invite your loved ones along to enjoy the wonderful experience with you (especially since numbers are usually restricted during routine hospital scans). We can comfortably sit 6 but if family members don't mind standing additional guests are welcome and we do have 2 large wall mounted screen so everyone should be able to see. We also welcome children, it is a special time for bonding for them too.

You can book online via our online booking system, call us on 07886882590 everyday between 9.30am – 7.30pm or Email us anytime with your appointment requirements .

Yes, Please make sure you have the contact details for GP and local hospital so that we may contact them if necessary. If you are booked in for a 3D/4D Scan you should also consume a sugary fizzy drink and a bar of chocolate an hour before your scan (this may be used to stimulate your baby to move more during your scan). However, if you suffer from gestational diabetes, please ask for advice.

A full bladder, drink 1 to 2 pints of water an hour before scan for early scans before 13 weeks.

You should bring your Pregnancy / Hospital Notes for all antenatal and membrane sweep appointments (as health care professionals we are permitted to document in your notes)

We do ask for a £20 deposit for all our appointments and £65 for our NIPT appointments, this can be taken by debit/credit card over the phone or a Bank Transfer. The remaining balance is then paid at the time of the appointment. 

Cancellation of appointments 48 hours before your appointment you will receive a refund of your deposit minus a £5 administration fee. Any cancellations less than 48 hours prior to your appointment will loose the full deposit amount.

Classes 

If you need to cancel your class please do so at least 14 days prior to course start date, we will refund your money less a small £10 cancellation charge to cover admin costs.

No. Your scan at Tummy2mummy is in not a replacement for your routine hospital appointments and scans. You should always attend your hospital scans as required.

Yes, just let our staff know before your scan and we will make every effort to keep your secret!

Prior to formal induction of labour, when women are 41 plus weeks pregnant, it is recommended that all women be offered a membrane sweep to assess the readiness of the cervix (neck of womb) for labour*. It may also help stimulate labour as it has been shown to increase the possibility of labour occurring naturally within the following 48 hours*.

A membrane sweep involves an internal vaginal examination by your Midwife or Doctor. They will place a finger just inside your cervix and, making a circular sweeping movement, will attempt to separate the membranes from the cervix*. This will stimulate the release of hormones that may start contractions. It will be uncomfortable but should not cause actual pain; you may also experience a mucus/bloodstained ‘show’ like a discharge, following this, which is quite normal.

*NICE guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). Induction of labour. June 2001. 

What is a Concepto-NIPT?

Concepto-NIPT helps in identifying if your baby is likely to have a chromosomal anomaly.

Who can take the test?

All pregnant women, irrespective of age or risk, who are 10 weeks or over into their pregnancy. (NIPT is endorsed by American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) /Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) for all pregnant mothers regardless of age or risk).

What does Concepto-NIPT test for?

Concepto-NIPT tests for

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)

Gender- Male (XY) Female (XX)

Sex chromosome anomalies: X(O) -Turners Syndrome; XXY - Klinefelter's syndrome; XYY- Jacob's syndrome; XXX- Triple X syndrome.

Why should I take the test?

Concepto-NIPT detects these abnormalities at a very early stage from week 10, with a high degree of accuracy and a low false-positive rate.

How does the test work?

It involves a simple blood draw from the arm of the pregnant woman. The blood sample contains maternal and fetal DNA. Non-Invasive Pre-Natal tests can help identify if your baby is likely to have a chromosomal condition.

How accurate is it?

Concepto NIPT has >99% detection rate for aneuploidies.

What is a trisomy?

Normally, all cells in the human body have 46 chromosomes, made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes. These 23 pairs of chromosomes contain all of the DNA to determine the health of the baby. Certain genetic anomalies can occur when a baby develops three copies of a particular chromosome instead of two. The risk of having a chromosomal condition increases as the mother gets older.

Is it safe for mother and child?

It involves a simple and safe blood draw from the arm of the expectant mother. Being non-invasive, it is completely safe for mother and baby

When will I get my results?

Your results should be back with us within 7-10 working days, you will be contacted by telephone when the results have been received at Tummy2mummy. The results will then be sent to you.

While there is no problem performing the 4D scan at any stage of your pregnancy, in order to get the best images, the optimum time is between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

A full bladder is not needed for your 3D/ 4D ultrasound scan. However, overall hydration increases the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby which translates into better pictures. It is important that you drink lots of water in the few days leading up to your scan. Like all ultrasounds, the clarity of the images obtained is dependent on certain factors:

The baby’s position

The amount of fluid surrounding the baby

The position of the placenta

The mother’s weight

During the course of the 4d scan, if any of the above factors adversely affect the quality of the images, we will offer you a walk, a drink and some eat something sugary and try rescan.

The 3D Scan / 4D scan is optional and does not replace your maternity hospital scan, as it is not intended to provide diagnostic information but to enhance parental enjoyment, reassurance and bonding.

We perform Gender scans from 15 weeks onwards. We allow 20 minutes for the appointment. As long as baby is in the right position, it only really takes five minutes to check the sex, so you spend the rest of the scan having a good look at baby in 2D or 3D ultrasound.

It is a good idea to drink a small fizzy drink about half an hour before the gender scan, as it tends to wake baby up and get him/her moving around so that if baby is not in the right position, it will be more likely to move into the right position.

Sometimes due to very difficult positions and other factors that can not be in our control the scans are compromised but we work hard for you to get it right. We therefore can not guarantee 100% the gender of baby but our skilled sonographers do not send you away until we are 99% sure! Our success rate is very high over 97% with many years and 1000s of babies scanned.

Combined screening

Combined screening involves examining the nuchal fold and doing a blood test that will look for the levels of two hormones: pregnancy-associated plasma protein–A and free beta–hCG in the mother’s blood.

The levels may indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This will be combined with the data from the nuchal measurements along with the general risks for the mother based on her age.

Combined screening offers a slightly more informed risk percentage, although it is still not a diagnostic test and cannot be completely accurate.

What happens during a nuchal scan?

During the scan the sonographer will measure the amount of fluid at the base of the neck. On the scan it looks like a black space at the top of the spine. Any measurement of 3mm and above indicates an increased risk.

The foetus will be measured and the precise gestational age calculated. This information, along with details of maternal age will be entered into a statistical analysis programme and your specific odds of having a baby with genetic abnormalities will be calculated. The sonographer will also check to see whether a nasal bone is visible on the scan. Studies have shown that three in four foetuses with Down’s syndrome do not have a visible nasal bone at this stage of development.

You will have a blood sample taken.

It is important to remember that after the nuchal scan you are given a percentage of risk, not a diagnosis. It is an indication of the risk of Down’s syndrome and other genetic abnormalities.

You will receive the results usually between 2 to 4 days by text/telephone within 1 week of the appointment.

This ultrasound scan is very accurate but unfortunately it cannot diagnose 100% of congenital abnormalities. The only way to know for certain if  your baby has a chromosomal problem is to have a CVS or amniocentesis, these are invasive procedures and are performed at your chosen Maternity hospital.

If any abnormalities are detected the significance of the findings will be discussed and you will be given a letter of referral and a clinical report.

The following table lists different types of birth defects and how likely scanning is to identify each problem during pregnancy:

What is a Fetal Cardiac Scan?

As part of your NHS anomaly screening scan, your baby’s heart is routinely checked to assess the structure, chambers, and valves for congenital heart conditions.

A Fetal Cardiac Scan, also known as a Fetal Echocardiogram, is a far more detailed and specialised ultrasound examination of your baby’s heart. This advanced scan allows us to assess both the structure and function of the fetal heart in depth, helping to identify potential heart conditions or abnormalities as early as possible during pregnancy.

The scan is usually performed between 18 and 23 weeks of pregnancy, although it may be carried out earlier or later if clinically indicated.

Why Might You Need a Fetal Cardiac Scan?

A fetal cardiac scan may be recommended for several reasons. Some women are referred following their NHS screening appointment, while others choose the scan privately for reassurance.

Common Reasons for Referral that should be to your NHS provider 

Increased nuchal translucency (NT measurement)

A suspected abnormality seen during the NHS anomaly scan

Family history of congenital heart disease

Suspected or confirmed chromosomal or genetic conditions such as:

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)

Trisomy 18

Trisomy 13

Other Reasons You May Choose a Cardiac Scan

These situations may not routinely qualify for NHS fetal echocardiography, but can still increase parental anxiety or slightly increase risk:

Maternal diabetes

Lupus

Treated epilepsy

IVF pregnancy, particularly ICSI conception

Twin or multiple pregnancy

Personal reassurance, even when no known risk factors are present

How is the Scan Performed?

The scan is performed trans-abdominally (through the abdomen) in our relaxing clinic environment using high-resolution ultrasound equipment.

Fetal cardiac scans are completely safe for both mother and baby and use the same ultrasound technology as standard pregnancy scans.

During the examination, our specialist Sonographer will carefully assess:

The size, shape, and position of the heart

The four chambers, valves, and major blood vessels

The rhythm and function of the heartbeat

Blood flow in and out of the heart using Doppler imaging

Appointment Length

Singleton pregnancy: Approximately 1 hour

Multiple pregnancy: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

We take time throughout the scan to explain findings and answer any questions you may have.

If any abnormalities or concerns are identified, immediate support and onward referral arrangements will be made.

Who Performs the Scan?

Your fetal cardiac scan will be carried out by a highly experienced Midwife- Sonographer working within a tertiary fetal medicine setting, with advanced training in fetal screening echo's, combined cardiology/ fetal medicine working alongside specialist consultants. 

What Happens if a Problem is Found?

If any concerns are identified during the scan, we will:

Discuss the findings with you fully and sensitively

Arrange an urgent referral to the specialist fetal medicine or cardiology team at your booked hospital

Offer support regarding further investigations or genetic counselling where appropriate

Many congenital heart conditions can be carefully monitored during pregnancy and successfully treated after birth. We work closely with your maternity team to ensure the best possible care and outcome for both you and your baby.

Pricing

Singleton Pregnancy - £300

Multiple Pregnancy - £400

A £100 deposit is required at the time of booking

Remaining balance payable on arrival at the clinic

We operate a 48-hour cancellation/rearrangement policy

Your Appointment Includes

A detailed fetal cardiac assessment

General wellbeing assessment of your baby

Opportunity to see your baby’s movements and activity during the scan

Additional scanning time if abnormalities are identified (included within the price)

A full scan report sent directly to you

Report emailed to your referring doctor upon request

Complimentary 2D / 3D images and video clips sent immediately after your appointment

Second opinion review service available (please provide previous reports before your appointment)

Reassurance & Specialist Care

At Tummy2mummy, we understand that undergoing a specialist pregnancy scan can feel overwhelming. Our aim is to provide expert assessment in a calm, supportive environment, giving you clear information and reassurance every step of the way.

Consent & Disclaimer

Important Information About Your Fetal Cardiac Scan

A fetal cardiac scan (fetal echocardiogram) is a highly specialised ultrasound examination designed to assess the structure and function of your baby’s heart during pregnancy.

While every effort is made to provide the most detailed assessment possible, ultrasound scanning has limitations and it is not always possible to detect every heart condition or abnormality before birth.

Certain factors may affect image quality and the accuracy of the examination, including:

Baby’s position

Maternal body shape/BMI

Stage of pregnancy

Multiple pregnancy

Reduced amniotic fluid

Fetal movement

Although many major congenital heart conditions can be identified antenatally, some heart abnormalities may develop later in pregnancy or may not become apparent until after birth.

This scan is intended to provide additional specialist assessment and reassurance but does not replace your routine NHS maternity care, anomaly screening, or consultant appointments.

In the Event of Abnormal Findings

If any concerns are identified during your scan:

Findings will be explained sensitively and clearly

An urgent referral to your NHS fetal medicine/cardiology team will be arranged where appropriate

A written report may be provided to your healthcare professionals with your consent

By attending your appointment, you acknowledge and understand that: Ultrasound examinations cannot guarantee the detection of all abnormalities Some conditions may not be visible at the time of scanning Additional investigations or follow-up scans may sometimes be recommended Images and video clips provided are complimentary keepsakes and not diagnostic records alone 

Medical Disclaimer 

Tummy2mummy fetal cardiac scans are performed by experienced healthcare professionals using advanced ultrasound equipment; however, the scan should be considered part of your wider pregnancy care and not a substitute for ongoing NHS or consultant-led maternity management.