Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Our Family-Run Clinic, Where We Bridge the Gaps in Your Journey. 

At Little Stars 4D Scan, we go beyond the ordinary, offering reassurance and bonding scans for the parents of Nottingham, Derby and beyond. 

As a family ourselves, we understand the importance of these moments. Whether it's for reassurance, gender confirmation, bonding, or a magical 4D scan, we're here for you. 

Choose from our curated packages or call our friendly team at 0115 822 5200. 

Your journey, our commitment. 

 Absolutely! If you would like one of our experienced chaperones to attend your appointment, please let our friendly team know. Whenever possible, inform us ahead of your appointment. However, you can request this service at any time. 

No, We don't accept Insurance.

Yes, ultrasound is one of the primary and most reliable methods used to confirm pregnancy. Doctors typically use it to visualize the uterus and detect the developing embryo or fetus. Here’s how it works:

1. Early Pregnancy (5-6 weeks):
   
   • A transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed during the early stages of pregnancy. In this procedure, a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to get a clearer image of the uterus.
   • Around 5 weeks of pregnancy, the gestational sac can typically be seen.
   • By 6 weeks, the embryo might be visible, and in some cases, the fetal heartbeat can be detected.

1. Mid to Late Pregnancy:
   
   • A transabdominal ultrasound (through the abdomen) becomes more common as the pregnancy progresses.
   • By 8 weeks, the developing fetus, its heartbeat, and more features like the umbilical cord can be seen.

Ultrasound is very safe for both the mother and the baby. If you suspect you're pregnant, a healthcare provider will likely recommend an ultrasound alongside other tests, such as blood work, to confirm the pregnancy and monitor its progress.

To Check you are pregnant Book, Early Reassurance Scan by Us.

Little Stars 4D Scan Ltd is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC ensures that health and social care services provide safe, effective, compassionate, and high-quality care. This registration means that we have undergone rigorous testing and screening to ensure all our sonographers and staff are fully qualified, our working practices are safe, and our service quality is exceptional. 

 There are several elements which can affect the quality of your images, amongst others they are BMI, position of baby and position of placenta. Little Stars 4D Scan will attempt everything possible to gain the information and or images expected. 

The Earliest we can listen to fetal heart beat is after 6 Weeks of gestation.  A scan at 6 weeks can often show very little or nothing, even in a healthy pregnancy. Waiting a week or 10 days can make the findings clearer. 

 For every scan, at the beginning See Your Baby have a policy of checking the heartbeat to ensure baby is healthy and will conduct a Well-being check. In any cases of concern for the sonographer, we will ascertain-the best course of action which may be a hospital referral. Rest assured, with Little Stars 4D Scan yours and baby’s health is at the very front of what we do. 

 Our qualified staff will check baby’s heartbeat and see if all is well with baby. She will pass any information on verbally and may offer a hospital referral if she sees anything of concern. 

You are not allowed to use Gender Scan twice as per company policy. You can rebook all the scan more than one time except gender scan. 

 Yes, 4D scanning is generally considered safe. Here are some key points regarding its safety:

1. Technology Used: 4D scanning typically involves ultrasound technology, which uses sound waves to create images. This is the same technology used in standard 2D and 3D ultrasounds and has been in use for many decades.
2. Non-ionizing Radiation: Ultrasound uses non-ionizing radiation, which is much safer than ionizing radiation (used in X-rays and CT scans). Non-ionizing radiation does not carry the same risks of causing cellular damage or mutations.
3. Regulated Use: The use of ultrasound technology, including 4D scanning, is regulated by health authorities such as the CQC in the United Kingdom. These regulations ensure that the equipment meets safety standards.
4. Medical Supervision: When performed by trained healthcare professionals, 4D scanning is considered safe. The professionals are trained to use the equipment correctly and to interpret the results accurately.
5. Benefits for Diagnosis: 4D ultrasounds can provide more detailed images of the fetus in prenatal care, allowing for better assessment of fetal development and early detection of any abnormalities.
6. Duration and Frequency: Safety also depends on the duration and frequency of the scans. Medical guidelines generally recommend limiting exposure to what is necessary for diagnostic purposes.

However, while 4D scanning is safe, it should be performed when medically indicated and not for non-medical purposes, such as creating keepsake videos, as unnecessary exposure should always be minimized.

If you have specific concerns or conditions, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider who can give personalized advice based on your situation.

The primary differences between 2D and 4D scans involve the dimensionality and the level of detail provided by the images. Here’s a breakdown of the distinctions:

1. Dimensions: Provides two-dimensional images.
2. Image Type: The images are flat and typically black and white.
3. Detail Level: Shows a single plane of the scanned area, which can be useful for examining structures and measurements.
4. Usage: Commonly used in prenatal ultrasounds to check the fetus's growth, position, and development. Also widely used in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions in other parts of the body.
5. Technology: Uses sound waves to create images. The transducer sends sound waves into the body, and the echoes that bounce back are used to create the image.

1. Dimensions: Provides four-dimensional images, with the fourth dimension being time.
2. Image Type: Produces real-time moving images that show the subject in three dimensions over time.
3. Detail Level: Offers more detailed and dynamic images, allowing observation of movements such as a fetus yawning, stretching, or making facial expressions.
4. Usage: Primarily used in prenatal ultrasounds for detailed visualization of the fetus. It can help in more precise assessments of fetal behavior, movements, and development. Also used in other medical fields for detailed examination of organ movement and function.
5. Technology: Uses advanced software and hardware to compile 3D images continuously over time, creating a live video effect.

• 2D scans are static, flat images that provide basic structural information.
• 4D scans are dynamic, live-action images that offer a more detailed and interactive view of the subject in motion.

• 2D Ultrasound: Standard procedure for routine checkups and initial assessments. It’s quicker and less expensive.
• 4D Ultrasound: Used when more detailed information is needed, particularly in prenatal care to observe fetal movements and detect abnormalities that might not be visible in 2D or 3D images.

Both types of scans are essential tools in medical diagnostics, each serving specific purposes based on the required detail and type of information needed.