4D Scans are performed any time from 12 weeks. The timing depends on what stage of development the parents would like to view their baby. Early pregnancy scans demonstrates full body foetal views with detailed bony anatomy and movement.

As the pregnancy progresses, images will display separate views of the face, legs, arms, gender etc. The layers of muscle and fatty tissue increases in thickness and facial character becomes more evident. Babies are often seen yawning, blinking, waving and swallowing. 3rd Trimester 4D Scans display a striking resemblance to the baby at birth.

Earlier scans have a better chance of good images so best to start earlier and follow up at later stages in 4D.

The best images are obtained when there is sufficient fluid and no obscuring structures causing image distortion. If the baby chooses to hide, many techniques will be performed to try and change position. Unfortunately baby’s performance is unpredictable and unavoidable so images can never be guaranteed.

2D scans

2D scans are black and white scans capable of seeing the baby’s bone structure as well as soft tissue. Measurements, gender and abnormalities can be detected with 2D scans but a trained eye is necessary. The scan is also real-time so that movement can be viewed.

3D Scans

3D reconstructions that is able to map the foetus with incredible detail producing life-like images which are easily recognized by the general public. It adds background colour, texture and shadows thus bringing the image to life.

4D Scans

4D scan adds real-time to the 3D image so that movement of baby is observed. 4D is a valuable adjunct to 2D and will never replace 2D scans. Abnormalities noted on 2D can be confirmed with 4D technology.

HD/5D Scans

HD scans are 4d with an added light dimension to give depth and a realistic skin tone. HD is also known as 5D scans

An anomaly scan is a detailed anatomical survey of the baby’s bone, soft tissue and organ development. In addition to routine measurements, the scan investigates the possibility of structural birth defects and signs of genetic disorders. The results are immediate and a diagnostic report will be issued.

• Neural tube defects: hydrocephalus, anencephaly, encephalocoele, spina bifida, meningocoele, cystic hygroma, sacrococcygeal teratoma, microcephaly, holoprosencephaly, sirenomelia, sacral agenesis
• Cardiac: ectopia cordis, pericardial effusion, VSD, hypoplastic heart, great vessel transposition, myocardial tumours, aortic stenosis, arrhythmia
• Abdominal wall: gastrochisis, omphalocoele, ascites, duodenal/jejuna atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, cloacal bladder, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites
• Renal tract: hydronehrosis, polycystic kidney, unilateral kidney, megacystis
• Genitalia: ambiguous genitalia, ovarian cyst, scrotal hydrocoele, cliteromegaly, hypospadia, hydrometrocolpos
• Limbs: micromelia(dwarfism), polydactyly, syndactyly, talipes(club foot), thanatophoric dysplasia, osteogenises imperfecta, IUGR(growth deformity)
• Facial: cleft palate/lip, micrognathia, proboscis, Cyclops, hypertelorism, hypotelorism
• Twins: co-twin demise, IUGR, TTS, conjoined (Siamese twins), acardiac monster, stuck twin phenomenon.

Autism, cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness and genetic disorders such as Down’s Syndrome if there are no associated markers. Therefore a normal scan cannot guarantee a normal baby at birth. Due to technical challenges, abnormalities can be overlooked or difficult to confirm.

Ultrasound is operator dependent. An experienced, skilled operator is likely to produce diagnostic accuracy but ultrasound cannot diagnose 100% of congenital abnormalities. Some abnormalities are too subtle and some disorders cannot be seen on ultrasound at all.

All Scans are diagnosis based meaning abnormalities may be detected. Such cases will be offered strict confidentiality and referral management. We work alongside a network of Fetal Specialists, Gynaecologists, Public Hospitals, Pathologists, General Practitioners, and Midwives to function as a team in providing effective obstetric care.

Depending on the findings the parent/s will be offered the following:

• Referral to a foetal specialist or gynaecologist.
• Detailed report to the antenatal clinic or midwife.
• Referral with further investigation via an amniocentesis, cordocentesis, chorionic villis sampling (CVS).
• Referral to a geneticist for counselling and management.
• Minor abnormalities will need ultrasound surveillance and possibly Doppler of the umbilical arteries.
• Severe abnormalities or incompatibility with life may be offered a termination by the specialist.

Ultrasound is safe, affordable, non-invasive and uses no ionizing radiation or light but rather high frequency waves which neither mum or baby can hear.

Ultrasound generates heat (<than 1 degree centigrade) which is absorbed by the body tissue that is being scanned. Long scanning times can raise tissue temperatures and cause potential harm.

We adhere to the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) in scanning technique as well as machine output settings and controls to achieve benefit rather than risk to the patient. Our scans are quality focused rather than quantity and scan times differ from patient to patient.