What to look out for when choosing a 4D Ultrasound Scanning Clinic
Most parents look forward to the ultrasound scan as it is a time when they finally get to see their new baby boy or girl as it grows inside the womb. You can see your child on an ultrasound scan at different terms in your pregnancy, this depends if you want a 2d, 3d or 4d ultrasound scan as they will show you different images at different times. It is advised that you have a 4d (video image showing your baby moving) between 26 and 30 weeks. Choosing a clinic for your 4d ultrasound scan is an important part of the pregnancy process. Having the scan is going to reveal what could possibly be life changing information about your unborn child so you need to make sure that the qualifications of the consultants and sonographers, the standards of the clinic, and the accuracy of their equipment are all as they should be and everyone has the correct qualifications and licenses.
From April 2010, all health and adult social care providers are required by law to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which includes health care professional such as sonographers and consultants. You must therefore ensure that the clinic you choose has obtained this regulatory requirement for each of its health-care professionals. (There are currently exceptions for registration for Midwifes, GP’s and NHS Sonographers but the registration requirements are to change in April 2011)
You can check to see if the clinic you are considering using is registered with the CQC by clicking the is the clinic CQC registered? link.
The best way to find a great clinic to go to for your 4d ultrasound scan is to talk to people who have been through the process already. Word of mouth is still the best way to market for a place, and people are always happy to tell you about their experience whether that experience was good or bad. Everything from the amount of time they had to wait to the disposition of the people who helped them will be their pleasure to share. So referrals are a great starting point.
If you don’t know of anyone who has had a 4d Ultrasound scan done then ask your midwife or look on the list of 4 dultrasound scans clinics which will show you a list of clinics in the UK. You will then be able to see the clinics website and get a feel for their professionalism and read some testimonials from prior clients. Please be aware though that only ‘happy’ testimonials will ever be posted on a company website!
It is also important when choosing a baby scan clinic that you know you will feel comfortable with the people and the place. What might have been satisfactory to your friend or what you have read on a testimonial may not be acceptable for you. Make sure that your ultrasound scanning clinic is in a designated hospital or suite within a baby facility or office development/ hotel suite. Above all, you need to be sure that the person doing the scan has the qualifications they need. If you are concerned about the standards of the clinic you are looking at, there is nothing wrong with visiting them before you even set up a 4d baby scan. You can meet the person who will be doing your ultrasound and then you may be a little more comfortable. If the clinic really is in the business of caring for their patients they will meet with you and show you the equipment they will be using. They should want to put your mind at ease that you have chosen the best clinic for your needs. If you are not able to visit the clinic prior to the scan then you need to ask the question why? and make a judgment if you should get your scan carried out at that clinic or not.
Remember word of mouth is your first clue that a clinic is going to be a good fit for you and your family. Next you can make an appointment to visit with the doctor and talk about when you want the ultrasounds done. This is when you can decide to go with a 4D ultrasound when your baby is in a certain stage of development. When you feel comfortable with the people and the place then you are ready to get your baby scan. The 4D ultrasound scan is often called a keepsake photo, but with a competent doctor some early issues can be determined by watching the baby move. When you have a doctor/consultant that is caring and knows what he or she is doing then this can give you peace of mind that your baby is doing just fine.
Some mums to be are just happy to book an appointment for a 4d scan over the Internet or via a telephone booking system without actually pre visiting the clinic. I would say that whatever makes you happy is fine. You need to enjoy the experience and you do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and at ease, that way you should get a ‘keepsake’ that will last you a lifetime.
