FAQ
Is ultrasound safe for my baby?
There has been extensive research into 2-, 3- and 4-D scanning over recent years, concluding that there are no ill effects for either baby or mother. All baby scans work in the same way with the difference between 2 and 3 / 4D scanning being that images are continually captured and processed by a computer to build up a three/four-dimensional picture.
Genesis new beginnings clinic follows The British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) recommendations for the safe use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, which can be found here:
https://www.bmus.org/static/uploads/resources/BMUS-Safety-Guidelines-2009-revision-FINAL-Nov-2009.pd
www.bmus.org
Only fully qualified sonographers should conduct pregnancy scans. At Genesis, all of our clinical staff are fully qualified sonographers who have worked in the NHS with a combined 34 years experience .
How should I prepare for an ultrasound scan?
General advice includes wearing comfortable clothes that you can easily adjust for your tummy to be scanned. If attending an early or gender scan please have a full bladder drink atleast 40 minutes before and bring a sugary drink with you.
On the day of your 4D scan we recommend staying hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of fluids and empty throughout the day. Have a meal before you come, come with a full ish bladder and bring something cold and fizzy with you to your appointment.
What hygiene and infection control procedures are in place?
We have all of the routine infection prevention and control policies and procedures in place that you’d expect from a clinical environment. We are registered with the CQC who monitor this.
What happens at my appointment?
Your appointment can take any time between 10 and 60 minutes depending both on the type of scan you attend. We do suggest you allow at least an hour for your appointment. When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a consent form before going into the scan room, payment will also need to be taken before you have your scan. Following your scan we will prepare a report for early and growth scans and you will have a selection of images and any extras you have chosen.
Please remember, this is all dependent on the baby and if they are in a difficult position on the day you may be with us for longer. In some instances, you may need to revisit us on another day, in which case a suitable appointment time will be arranged with you before you leave.
How many guests can I bring to my appointment?
Here at Genesis we appreciate that the scan of your baby should be an inclusive experience for the whole family, and we want to ensure it is special for everyone. However, to maintain comfort and ambience we request that a maximum of 4 adult guests accompany you to your appointment and any household children.
What happens if there is something wrong at my scan?
All our private baby scans start with a 2D wellbeing check of baby. During this time, we will assess and confirm the following: the number of babies, heartbeat and visualisation, the baby and placental position (for pregnancies over 28 weeks’ gestation) and measurements of your baby. All our sonographers are fully trained and qualified so, if there is a problem, you are in good hands. They will explain any concerns to you and ensure that you are then referred to your local early pregnancy unit/antenatal clinic or Fetal Medicine Unit for on-going care along with a detailed scan report for you to take with you.
Please note, a fetal health / wellbeing scan cannot provide the full presentation in terms of pregnancy complications and therefore we would always recommend you use our services in parallel with NHS scans and antenatal care.
I don’t want to know my baby’s sex; can I still have a scan?
Of course! The important thing is to let us know on the day if you don’t want to know the sex and our sonographer will be discreet and the secret will be kept safe.
What if I can’t get a clear image of the baby on the day?
Several factors can inhibit the quality of the image (raised BMI, foetal position, an empty or too full bladder), this will be explained to you on the day should we feel the image quality is reduced. We will always make every effort during the scan to get the clearest images of your baby, however babies can be unpredictable! If for any reason, we are unable to complete your scan at your appointment time we may encourage you to go for a walk, empty/fill your bladder or have a glass of cold water to try get baby moving around. If this still doesn’t work, we will rearrange your appointment for an alternative date and time, free of charge.
Is my care confidential?
At Genesis new beginnings we take your privacy very seriously. Any personal information will only be used to carry out the service or treatment you have requested from us.
Following your time with us, we will store this information securely for CQC regulation purposes. We do not share your details with third parties at any time, except in specific cases where a referral is required.
Should a referral or the need to share information occur, as the patient, we will seek permission from you, before doing so, ensuring you are in full control of your personal and sensitive data at all times.
What if I'm late for my appointment?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes past your appointed time then we may need to rebook your scan. We will always try our best to accommodate you on the same day but may need you to return on a different day if the clinic is fully booked. If you are aware of any delays ahead of your appointment time please give us a call so we can accommodate.
What if I'm unhappy with the care I've received?
At Genesis new beginnings we take client care and satisfaction very seriously. Should you be unhappy with the care you have received please raise this on the day of your scan with a member of the team. If you feel you are unable to do this, please email the clinic manager, Alexandra preece at genesisnewbeginnings18@googlemail.com or call on 07376 402671 We aim to reply to your email within 48 hours.