FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions
1Do you provide diagnostic pregnancy scans?

We do not offer diagnostic or medical ultrasound scans. We offer our services to promote positive pregnancy experiences and to help you and your family bond with your unborn baby.

We do not offer growth measurements, diagnostic measurements nor do we provide any health checks on you or your baby. Unfortunately we cannot answer any diagnostic and or medical questions regarding your scan.

We are not a replacement for your routine NHS scans and/or maternity care.

If you are concerned about your pregnancy and/or experiencing abnormal symptoms you must seek medical attention immediately from either your GP, local Early Pregnancy Unit or Maternity Triage.

2How early can I have a scan?

Our early scans are performed from 7 weeks.

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3Will my scan be internal?

No, we only us abdominal ultrasound probes and so all scans are performed abdominally.

4Are ultrasound scans safe?

Ultrasound scan is a safe procedure that uses low-power sound waves. Ultrasound scans have been used in pregnancy for decades and there has never been any evidence found to suggest that they are harmful in pregnancy.

5How early can you pick up the heartbeat?

The heartbeat can be visualised at 7 weeks. At 12 weeks we can play an audio of the baby’s heartbeat.

6Do you offer a rescan for any of your scans?

A free rescan is offered if the USS imaging is not clear on the day of your scan.

They are offered to our early, gender and 3D/4D scans. They are only offered if you meet the Free Rescan Criteria.

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7Do I need a full bladder?

A full bladder is ESSENTIAL when having an early scan. We advise to start drink 1 litre of fluid, 1-2 hours before your scan appointment, this will ensure your bladder is full on arrival. Don’t worry we do have toilet facilities at all clinics for you to use once the scan has been performed.

8What is the earliest time you can find out the gender of the baby?

The earliest you can have a gender scan at LJ Pregnancy Co is 14 weeks.

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9How accurate are gender scans?

The gender of your baby is determined by interpreting the images provided by the ultrasound technology on the day of your scan, it is not and can never be 100% accurate. On the day of your scan, we will interpret the images to the best of our ability and will offer our best professional opinion on the gender of your baby. There is a chance that we are unable to offer you our opinion of the gender of your baby during your appointment, this is due to the clarity of the image.

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10What is the difference between 3D & 4D?

A 3D scan shows detailed three-dimensional still images of the baby, you can see glimpses of the baby’s facial features, hands, fingers and sometimes feet and toes. 4D is the same quality images seen in 3D, however, you can see baby in live motion. Here you can see movements such as a smile, yawn, thumb suckle and much more.

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11Can I have a 4D scan if I don't want to find out the gender of my baby?

Yes, you can have a 4D scan and still keep the gender of your baby a surprise.

12When is the best time to come for a 4D scan?

We advise that the to come for a 4D scan is between 26-32 weeks. However, we suggest the most optimal time is around 27-28 weeks pregnant this is when we get higher quality images/video. However, we can perform 4D scans before and after this gestation and still get very good quality images/video.

We always advise people with an anterior placenta (a placenta at the front) to come for a 4D scan around 26-27 weeks.

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13How many people can I bring to my scan?

We allow yourself, your partner any of your own children and two other adults into the scan room with you. If you do not have any children you may bring four other adults with you.

Please note that on occaision we do have to deliver sensitive news especially in the ealry stages of pregnancy. Therefore, we do not advise to bring children, or a group with you to this appointment.

14What is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT)?

NIPTs are safe and easy prenatal blood tests which detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities. They are performed from 10 weeks pregnat.

During pregnancy, the cell-free fetal DNA will circulate into the mother’s blood stream. A maternal blood test is take and the cell-free fetal DNA is extracted from the mothers blood and analysed to calculate the risk of having chromosomal abnormalities.

The tests can estimate the risk of a fetus having Down’s syndrome or some other serious genetic conditions. You can expect your screening test results within 5-7 working days from sample receipt in the laboratory.

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15Do you take a deposit?

Yes, we require a deposit of £20 for all scans and pregnancy facials, £50 for hypnobirthing, NIPT and gender blood tests. This is taken at the time of booking any appointment, this must be paid to secure your appointment/course. The deposit is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another service. If you would like to see our Cancellations Policy, please get in contact.

16How do I book a service?

You can book a pregnancy scan, prenatal blood test and facial online 24/7 using our online booking system.

For hypnobirthing a course please email, message or call to book.

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