4D Baby Scans in Bradford – Meet Your Baby Before They Arrive

Your 4D Baby Scan, Explained

A 4D scan shows your baby’s face in real time, using surface rendering to reveal features, expressions and movements: a yawn, a stretch, sometimes even a thumb in the mouth. Our GE Voluson system with HDLive imaging produces remarkably lifelike images, and every 4D appointment begins with a brief look at cardiac activity, movements and position before the keepsake part begins. It costs £99 and is available to patients aged 18 and over.

When is the best time for a 4D scan?

We offer 4D scans between 24 and 36 weeks, and the clearest facial detail usually comes between 26 and 32 weeks. Before 26 weeks your baby has less fat under the skin, so the face can look thin on the scan. After about 33 weeks, babies sit lower in the pelvis with less fluid around the face, which can make a clear view harder to achieve. If you only book one 4D scan, aim for around 28 to 30 weeks.

What affects the quality of your images

• Your baby’s position on the day, which matters more than anything else. A baby facing your back or hiding behind hands will limit the view
• The pocket of amniotic fluid in front of your baby’s face, which acts as the window for the image
• The position of your placenta. An anterior placenta, at the front, can sometimes sit between baby and probe
• Body type, which can affect image clarity for some parents. Our sonographers take the time to work with every scan

Because of these factors no clinic can honestly guarantee perfect 4D images. What we do promise is honesty and patience: if your baby will not show their face on the day, your sonographer will explain whether a complimentary rescan on another date is appropriate under our free rescan promise.

What to expect on the day

Allow around 30 minutes. After a short chat, your sonographer takes a brief look at your baby in 2D, then switches to 4D and spends unhurried time finding the best views of your baby’s face while you and up to five guests watch on the large screen. Children are welcome to attend as guests with a responsible adult. We encourage a little walking around or a change of position if your baby needs persuading. You take home printed images, digital images, a video clip of your baby moving, and a keepsake heartbeat teddy with your baby’s heartbeat recorded during your visit.

Simple tips before your appointment

Stay well hydrated in the two or three days before your scan, as good hydration supports the clarity of the fluid around your baby. There is no need for a full bladder, and no other preparation is required. Comfortable, two-piece clothing makes the appointment easier.

Is 4D scanning safe, and what does it check?

4D imaging uses the same ultrasound technology as your NHS scans, presented differently. It has a strong safety record, and our qualified sonographers follow the ALARA principle, using the lowest appropriate output for the shortest necessary time. A 4D scan is a bonding and keepsake experience: it is not a screening or growth assessment, and a reassuring look means the features observed appeared as expected at that time. It does not replace your NHS antenatal care or screening. If we notice anything we think needs medical review, your sonographer will explain it sensitively, document it and provide a letter for your midwife or GP. If you want formal growth measurements, choose our Growth & Wellbeing Scan, or add a 4D glimpse to it for £15.

Ways to book your 4D experience

Book a dedicated 4D keepsake scan at £99, add a 4D glimpse to a gender scan or growth and wellbeing scan from 26 weeks for £15, or spread the experience across pregnancy with our three-scan Pregnancy Journey Package. Twins are welcome; we simply allow extra time, so do mention a multiple pregnancy when booking.