Is a 4D ultrasound safe?
Yes. When performed by a qualified, experienced sonographer using medical-grade equipment, 4D ultrasound is considered safe. Ultrasound has been used in pregnancy for decades and works by using high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby—it does not use ionising radiation like X-rays or CT scans.
At Before You Were Born Imaging, every scan is performed by an medical diagnostic sonographer with over 36 years of ultrasound experience. We always follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), which means we use the lowest ultrasound output and the shortest scanning time necessary to obtain beautiful images while prioritising your baby’s wellbeing.
Although 3D and 4D imaging require slightly higher ultrasound energy than standard 2D imaging, the levels remain well within internationally accepted safety guidelines when performed responsibly by trained professionals.
Our elective scans are designed as special bonding experiences while always respecting current medical recommendations for the safe use of ultrasound.
How often is it safe to have ultrasound scans?
Ultrasound has an excellent safety record when performed appropriately by trained professionals.
There is currently no evidence that medically appropriate ultrasound scanning causes harm to an unborn baby.
At Before You Were Born Imaging we use ultrasound thoughtfully and responsibly, following recognised safety guidelines and keeping scan times and ultrasound output as low as reasonably achievable.
Can I hear my baby’s heartbeat at 8 weeks?
Yes.
Our Heartbeat Package is available from 8 weeks of pregnancy.
During your visit you can:
- Hear your baby’s heartbeat.
- Watch the heartbeat in real time.
- See the heartbeat trace displayed on screen.
- Record the heartbeat sound to take home as part of your digital keepsakes.
For many families, hearing their baby’s heartbeat for the first time is an incredibly emotional milestone and often provides reassurance during those early weeks before movements can be felt.
Do I need a full bladder?
Good hydration can make a significant difference to image quality.
We recommend drinking approximately 2 litres of water each day for the three days leading up to your appointment.
Hydration improves the clarity of the amniotic fluid, which can often enhance ultrasound images.
For scans after around 8 weeks, you generally do not need a full bladder. If between 8-14weeks though we like to have a look before use the rest room on site.
Some mums also find that having a small cold drink or light snack about 20–30 minutes before the appointment encourages baby to be a little more active, although every baby is different.
Do I need a referral from my Doctor?
No, you do not need a referral from your Doctor as 3D/4D ultrasound is performed as an elective request, and does not replace your routine medical/diagnostic scans requested by your doctor. Please note: All scans at Before You Were Born Imaging are done by a fully qualified medical diagnostic sonographer with over 36 years of ultrasound experience.
Is the 3D/4D scan covered by Medicare or Private Health Care Funds?
No. This is an elective procedure, you will need to pay the cost of this ultrasound. We accept cash, visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS.
Who will perform my Ultrasound?
All scans are performed by a senior sonographer.
Becoming a qualified diagnostic medical sonographer takes years of university education, supervised clinical training and ongoing professional development. Sonographers are highly trained healthcare professionals who learn to safely operate sophisticated ultrasound equipment while understanding anatomy, fetal development, pathology and medical imaging. At Before You Were Born Imaging, every scan is performed by an medical diagnostic sonographer with over 36 years of ultrasound experience, giving you the confidence that your bonding experience is guided by the highest standards of professionalism, safety and care.
When is the best time to have my 3D/4D Ultrasound?
If you plan on having only one 4D Ultrasound session, having your scan performed between the 34th and 38th weeks of your pregnancy generally provides the most optimal images. Your baby’s facial features are well developed and in most cases there is still enough room for your baby to move around in. If you are expecting twins/multiples the best time for 3D/4D ultrasounds is between 23 and 27 weeks. This allows a greater chance of capturing interaction between the babies.
We highly recommend being at least 34 weeks as we get the clearest pictures between 34 and 38 weeks.
Before 34 weeks, there’s a high chance that –
-Baby may be breech (head up under your ribs),
-Hands or feet will obscure their face, or
-If you have an anterior placenta, it can obscure part of your baby’s face.
-If your baby is breech, we recommend waiting until they are head down as they often have feet in front of their face.
If you want to have your scan prior to 34 weeks, we will do all we can to get the best images possible but want to be sure you understand the limitations.
Your ideal time for a 3D/4D ultrasound may depend on what you hope to see.
8–15 weeks
- Perfect for reassurance before little kicks can be felt
- Checking for multiple babies (twins, triplets etc)
- Whole baby images
- Active movements
- Great for first bonding scans
- See rapid changes in baby’s growth
16–20 weeks
- Gender determination
- Whole baby images
- Active movements
- Great for first bonding scans
20–28 weeks
- Increasing facial detail
- Beautiful stretching and yawning
- Fingers and toes clearly visible
28–34 weeks
- Excellent facial definition
- Developing cheeks and lips
- One of the best times for 3D imaging if baby not Breech or anterior placenta.
34–38 weeks
- Usually the best time for “chubby face” images or with anterior placentas
- Baby has developed more body fat, creating fuller cheeks and more defined facial features
- Ideal timing for our complimentary rendered images and FirstView Evolution service
What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasound?
Traditional 2D ultrasound creates flat, black-and-white images.
3D ultrasound combines thousands of ultrasound slices to create a still, three-dimensional image showing the surface of your baby’s face and body.
4D ultrasound is simply 3D imaging in real time. Instead of a single still image, you’ll be able to watch your baby moving, yawning, smiling, stretching, sucking their thumb, or opening their eyes during the scan.
At Before You Were Born Imaging we also use TrueVue, which adds realistic lighting and depth to create beautifully soft, lifelike images. Some clinics refer to this light source as 5D.
Hear at Before You Were Born Imaging we exclusively have FirstView Evolution, where TrueVue images are carefully refined using professional rendering software to sharpen and enhance the detail already captured during your ultrasound.
What is FirstView Evolution?
FirstView Evolution is our exclusive image enhancement experience.
Following your scan, selected TrueVue images are carefully refined using professional rendering software to sharpen and enhance the detail already captured during your ultrasound.
Once the images have been manually perfected, we use carefully guided AI technology to create a beautiful, true-to-life artistic impression of what your baby may look like at birth.
It is important to remember that FirstView Evolution is not a prediction or guarantee of your baby’s appearance, but rather a beautifully enhanced keepsake based entirely on the facial features captured during your ultrasound.
For the most realistic results we recommend scans between 34 and 38 weeks, when facial features are most developed.
When can I find out the sex of my baby
Gender determination is available from 16 weeks in our eligible packages.
Our experienced qualified sonographer will assess your baby’s position during the scan. If baby is in a suitable position, gender determination is highly accurate.
If you’d rather keep it a surprise, we can place the result into a sealed envelope so you can enjoy your own special gender reveal with family and friends.
We can determine the sex of your baby from 16 weeks onwards in the majority of cases as determination of earlier gestations can be less accurate. It is rare that we may be unable to determine the baby’s sex due to their position. In this case, we may move you around and consequently baby will usually re-position themselves.
What can I do to improve the quality of my ultrasound?
Ideally please try to drink 2 litres of water per day for a least 3 days prior to your appointment. This hydration can significantly increase the amount of fluid surrounding the baby therefore improving the clarity of the scan and success of obtaining the best possible images. Eating a snack in the hour prior to your appointment can also be helpful.
What if my baby won’t cooperate?
Babies have minds of their own! Sometimes they may be sleeping, facing your back, tucked behind the placenta, or hiding behind their hands, feet or the umbilical cord.
Our recommended time for facial imaging is between 34 and 38 weeks, when babies have developed fuller facial features and are generally more likely to provide beautiful images. Even then, image quality is never guaranteed, as it depends entirely on your baby’s position on the day.
If you are scanned within our recommended gestation of 34–38 weeks and we are unable to obtain suitable facial images because of your baby’s position, we will often offer a complimentary return visit to try again on another day.
For scans performed earlier than 34 weeks, babies are much more likely to have their face obscured by the placenta, hands, feet or still be in a breech (head up) position. Because these situations are common and expected at earlier gestations, complimentary rescans are not routinely offered.
Every scan is different, however, and if we feel another appointment is likely to improve your results, a complimentary rescan may be offered at the discretion of your sonographer. Our goal is always to provide you with the best possible experience and the most beautiful images we can safely achieve.
Can grandparents and family members come?
Absolutely.
We know welcoming a new baby is something the whole family looks forward to, and grandparents, siblings and other close family members are welcome to share this special experience with you.
Our scan room has comfortable seating so your loved ones can watch your baby’s movements and heartbeat together..
What if you see something wrong with my baby?
Even though this is not a medical scan, occasionally we do notice something that may require your doctors attention. We will contact your doctor in this case and they will proceed with any further investigation.
Are we able to take all our images with us on that day?
Yes. You are able to take all of your images with you as you leave the suite on the day. All digital data such as jpegs and mp4 of the scan will be emailed as you leave on the day also. FirstView and rendered images will be emailed within 24 hrs.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment for any reason, we ask that you please give us at least 48 hours notice so someone else is able to utilise your appointment. Before you were born imaging reserves the right to charge a $50.00 no show fee for clients who cancel less than 48-hours prior to their appointments. Thank you in advance for your co-operation with this policy.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. Appointments are essential. You can call to make an appointment on (08) 8367 5257 any time. We are open for scanning Monday’s 10am-12:30pm, Tuesday’s 10am-3pm & Wednesday’s Closed , Thursday’s 10am-3pm & Friday’s 10am-3pm & Saturday’s 8.30am – 12.30pm . Closed Sunday’s. Please check your dates and try to book 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially if a Saturday morning appointment is required.
Where are you located?
We are in the North East suburb of Oakden. Situated between Fosters, Sudholz and Grand Junction Roads.
25 Conservatory Circuit
Oakden. SA. 5086
Ph: 8367 5257
How much does a 3D/4D Ultrasound cost?
Our pricing structure depends on how much time we spend scanning your baby, editing your images after your session and what products are included in your package. Packages start from $50 up to $200.
Please note that you are not required to have a doctor’s referral to see your baby as this is not a diagnostic medical service. Accordingly you will not be eligible for any medicare or private healthcare rebate from this service.