Questions

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Yes. After extensive studies over the years, ultrasound has not been shown to cause any harm to mum or baby. Ultrasound scans have been used in pregnancy for decades and this would be carried out the same as your hospital scan. Our technicians carrying out your scans will always follow the correct guidelines to ensure the safety of you and baby.

 Early Pregnancy scan from 8 weeks, (we request before your early scan is under taken you have had a clear blue dating test that states you are 3+ weeks or your last menstrual period was 8 or more weeks ago). Gender scans from 15 weeks, 3D/4D bonding scans from 27-32 weeks (unless you have twins or an anterior placenta, then we recommend from 25 -27 weeks). We are a non-medical bonding scan clinic.  

 A gender scan can be performed from 16 weeks. If the baby is being camera shy, we will arrange another appointment free of charge. 

The best time for scanning is between 27 to 32 weeks’ due to the size of the baby. Prior to 26 weeks, the baby may appear more skeletal due to its size, and after 32 weeks the reduction in amniotic fluid may not allow clear images of the baby.

At First Glimpse we will carry out scans on expectant mothers from 18 years of age upwards. We will ask you to confirm your age when booking, complete a tick box confirmation on our waiver form you will be asked to complete, before your scan starts and proof of ID to be shown if necessary. 

No. Our scans are never to replace your routine NHS antenatal appointments and these should still be attended. Any queries are to be discussed with your midwife.

No. First Glimpse is a non medical facility, offering scans for bonding purposes only. 

Proof of identification confirming your age.

If you have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place please let us know prior to your appointment and advise them to bring their stamped identification. 

You only need to have a full bladder when you are attending an Early Scan. 

The position of your baby can affect the quality of the image we are able to obtain, in such cases we may ask that you move around to encourage baby to move position. Attending a scan outside of our recommended scan dates can also affect the image we are able to provide. For your early scan if you are aware you have a tilted womb we may not always see everything at an early gestation. 

Yes, children can attend your scan with you.

We can comfortably fit yourself and 3 other people in the scan room with you, we are happy to squeeze a couple more people in if requested. 

Any rescan is offered at our ultrasound technicians discretion. If you are offered a free of charge rescan (all of which are offered as a good will gesture), but you need to cancel that scan for any reason no refund will be offered for the original scan as you have already had your original appointment. 

An abdominal ultrasound can usually detect a pregnancy as early as around 6/7 weeks. At this stage, it is primarily used to confirm the presence of a gestational sac.

In your early pregnancy scan, you can expect ultrasound technicians to confirm a gestational sac, yolk sac, measure fetal pole and verify the number of fetuses. We will also check for the heartbeat. 

An early baby scan can provide crucial information such as confirming the pregnancy, estimating the gestational age, identifying multiple pregnancies and confirming a heartbeat. 

Early baby scans are quite accurate in determining the due date. We can usually predict it within 3-5 days, especially if they're performed between 7-12 weeks of pregnancy. 

Preparation for an early baby scan typically involves arriving with a full bladder, as this can help to obtain clearer images. Drink plenty of water about an hour before your scan time. 

Early pregnancy ultrasounds are generally considered safe. They are non-invasive and do not use radiation. However, unnecessary repeated ultrasounds without a medical reason are not recommended. 

An early baby scan typically takes about 10 minutes. The ultrasound technician will apply an ultrasound gel on your abdomen and then move a small device (transducer) over the area to create images of your baby and uterus. 

Yes, you will receive one free image with your early baby scan, extra images and videos from your early baby scan can be purchased. 

Yes, you can bring someone with you during your scan, children are also welcome. 

An early baby scan is conducted in the first trimester and focuses on confirming pregnancy, detecting multiples, and estimating gestational age. Regular pregnancy ultrasounds done later on typically involve more detailed anatomical checks and monitor the ongoing development and health of the baby. 

Head over to this page to book your Early Baby Scan...

A baby bonding scan, as offered by First Glimpse Northampton, is a type of ultrasound conducted by an ultrasound technician. 

It allows parents to see clear, live images of their baby in the womb. Unlike regular medical ultrasounds, the primary purpose of a baby bonding scan is to give you time to bond with your baby before they arrive. 

The optimal time for a baby bonding scan can vary, but generally, First Glimpse Northampton recommends scheduling it from 10 weeks onwards in the pregnancy. 

From 10 weeks you will be able to see the baby and the baby's heartbeat. From 14 weeks you will also be able to hear the baby's heartbeat.  

A baby bonding scan can provide expectant parents with a unique opportunity to see their unborn baby in clear detail. 

It can help to strengthen the emotional bond between parents and their child, and can also allow parents to share this special experience with friends and family. 

Additionally, it can provide a sense of comfort and joy during the pregnancy. 

A bonding scan with First Glimpse Northampton is given a 15 minute appointment time, with the scan being around 10 minutes.  

Ultrasounds, including baby bonding scans, are generally considered safe for both mother and baby when conducted by a trained ultrasound technician. They are non-invasive and pose minimal to no risk. 

At First Glimpse Northampton, the ultrasound technician will provide you with a series of high-quality images and short videos to look through and choose from, from your baby bonding scan. 

The images can show your baby's face and other features in detail, and if the baby is in a suitable position, you may even see them moving, yawning or smiling. 

If the baby is not in an ideal position during the baby bonding scan, the ultrasound technician at First Glimpse Northampton may ask the mother to move slightly or walk around to encourage the baby to move.  

Yes, First Glimpse Northampton encourages sharing this special moment with loved ones. You can comfortably fit yourself and 3 other people with you in the scan, however we are happy to squeeze a couple more in if needed. 

Before a baby bonding scan at First Glimpse Northampton, the clinic advises drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the scan to ensure adequate hydration. This helps to get clearer images. Other than that, no specific preparation is usually required. 

If you have any questions or concerns following your baby bonding scan, it's advisable to contact the team at First Glimpse Northampton. We are committed to providing a high-quality service and will be more than happy to address any of your concerns or queries. 

Head over to this page to book your Bonding Scan...

The baby's sex can be determined as early as 16 weeks, but the accuracy of gender determination can improve further along the pregnancy. 

Ultrasound gender predictions can be highly accurate, but it depends on several factors, including the position of the baby, the gestational age. Accuracy can reach up to 95-99%. 

If the baby is not in a favorable position, the ultrasound technician may ask you to move around, or to empty or fill your bladder to encourage the baby to move. If the gender cannot be determined during the initial scan, you might be asked to come back at a later date for another scan. 

A gender scan is performed using ultrasound technology. The ultrasound technician applies an ultrasound gel to the abdomen and uses a transducer to send sound waves into the body.

These sound waves bounce back, creating an image of the baby on the ultrasound machine. The appointment time is 30 minutes, with the scan time being roughly 10-15 minutes. The scan time can vary if the baby is not in a good position for the gender to be seen. 

Generally, no specific preparation is required before a gender scan. However, we recommend having a full bladder for scans conducted earlier in pregnancy to get a clearer picture. 

Yes, we will provide pictures, and some video recordings of the ultrasound for you to look through, one or two printed images are included, depending on the scan package and extras can be purchased on the day if you wish. 

Absolutely, if you prefer not to know the baby's gender right away, you can request the ultrasound technician to place the results in a sealed envelope. We can also provide you with a gender reveal cannon. 

Ultrasounds are considered safe procedures and have been used for decades in pregnancy.  

Yes, First Glimpse Northampton encourages sharing this special moment with loved ones. You can comfortably fit yourself and 3 other people with you in the scan, however we are happy to squeeze a couple more in if needed. 

If you have any questions or concerns following your baby gender scan, it's advisable to contact the team at First Glimpse Northampton. We are committed to providing a high-quality service and will be more than happy to address any of your concerns or queries. 

Head over to this page to book your Gender Scan...

A 4D baby scan is an ultrasound scan performed by an ultrasound technician that provides real-time moving images of your baby in the womb, including facial expressions and movements. This differs from a regular ultrasound, which typically provides static 2D images. 

The ideal time to have a 4D scan at First Glimpse Northampton is typically between 27 to 32 weeks into your pregnancy. 

At this stage, your baby's facial features are more developed and can be seen more clearly. We recommend coming into us a little earlier if you have an anterior placenta or are expecting twins, around 26-28 weeks. 

During a 4D baby scan, you can expect to see real-time moving images of your baby. This includes facial expressions, movements, and sometimes even activities like yawning or sucking their thumb. 

A 4D baby scan appointment at First Glimpse Northampton typically takes around 20-30 minutes, with a scan time of around 10-15 minutes. The exact duration may vary depending on your baby's position and other factors. 

4D baby scans are generally considered safe. The procedure is non-invasive and conducted abdominally.  

Yes, the quality of 4D scan images can be affected if the baby is not in an ideal position. The ultrasound technician may suggest simple movements or ask you to return at a later date if necessary. 

It's recommended to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your 4D scan at First Glimpse Northampton, as this can help to provide clearer images. No specific food or drink restrictions are required. 

Yes, at First Glimpse Northampton you will receive one printed image included with your scan,  you will also have the option to purchase extra images and/or videos from your 4D baby scan. This allows you to keep a record of your baby's development and share the images with family and friends. 

Yes, First Glimpse Northampton encourages sharing this special moment with loved ones. You can comfortably fit yourself and 3 other people with you in the scan, however we are happy to squeeze a couple more in if needed. 

If you have any questions or concerns following your 4D baby scan, you can contact us at First Glimpse Northampton.