FAQs

For twin pregnancies, we recommend scheduling the scan slightly earlier, as there is less space for movement. The optimal time is approximately 25 weeks.

A supplementary fee of £20 applies to all twin scans performed beyond                           12 weeks of gestation. 

 Although the scan is intended for entertainment purposes only, Bump of Preston Ltd considers it essential that the person performing your scan holds qualifications and experience in ultrasound, This ensures they are equipped to identify any potential concerns that an unqualified operator might overlook. Rest assured, if any abnormalities are detected, you will be appropriately referred to your local hospital or midwife without delay

All scans conducted at Bump of Preston are intended solely for entertainment purposes and are not diagnostic assessments for fetal abnormalities. However, should a potential concern be identified, the Sonographer will explain the findings and provide a referral letter for you to share with your midwife or GP.

We recommend booking an appointment in advance to ensure availability. While we occasionally receive last-minute cancellations, you are welcome to contact us on 01772 462046 to enquire about any short-notice appointments

We offer ample free parking at our studio for your convenience

We happily welcome family, friends, and children to join you during the scan, with comfortable seating for up to six people in the room. The scan images are shown on a large screen so everyone can watch together. This was a major reason we created Bump of Preston, as NHS scans don’t always allow this kind of shared experience.

Many factors influence the quality of your baby’s images, including the baby’s position at the time of the scan. Sometimes, having a small amount of chocolate, a fizzy drink, and a short walk can encourage even the most reluctant babies to move. Other considerations include maternal factors and the position of the placenta. If your baby remains uncooperative, we offer a complimentary rescan to give it another try.

Unfortunately, no. The quality of the images largely depends on your baby’s position on the day of the scan and other factors beyond our control.

Full payment is required for every scan and can be made either online or by phone using a debit or credit card. We also accept cash payments in person. Please note that all appointments may be rescheduled provided at least 72 hours’ notice is given.

Please wear loose-fitting clothing and bring your hospital notes with you. These are necessary in case we need to contact your midwife or hospital.

This depends on the type of scan you are attending. We recommend arriving with a comfortably full bladder, which can be emptied if it is not needed.

No, this scan is supplementary to your routine antenatal hospital scans and does not replace them. It is not a diagnostic scan, so we do not assess for potential issues. Therefore, it is essential that you continue to attend all your scheduled hospital appointments.

Your scan is scheduled for 20 minutes to ensure you do not feel rushed, although the actual scan time is limited to 15 minutes in accordance with safety guidelines. Occasionally, your baby may require a little encouragement to move, which could extend your time with us to help capture the best possible images.

We will do our utmost to determine this for you, although it depends on the baby’s position.

If you prefer not to learn the sex of your baby during the scan, please inform us beforehand, and we will do our utmost to avoid revealing this information.

Clinical studies conducted over the past 30 years have shown no known harm to either mother or baby from ultrasound scanning. At Bump of Preston, we use the latest ultrasound equipment from GE, purchased new in 2022. Our machines are operated strictly in accordance with BMUS guidelines for non-diagnostic scans.

Ultrasound scanning works by sending sound waves from the probe into the mother’s body. When these waves reach the baby, they bounce back to the probe, and the computer processes these signals to create the images displayed on the screen. The intensity of the ultrasound waves used is equivalent to that of conventional 2D screening scans performed in hospitals. The difference lies in the computer algorithms that generate the 3D/4D images.

Ultrasound technology has been used globally in hospitals and clinics for over three decades to obtain diagnostic obstetric information, with no evidence of harm to mother or baby.

For more information about the risks of ultrasound during pregnancy, please visit www.bmus.org/obstetric-pregnancy and review the advice provided by the British Medical Ultrasound Society.