Informed Choice.
We humans are constantly making choices: the cars we drive; the food we eat; the clothes we wear, for example. What we select depends on our needs, wants, desires, even our safety and health - or that of the planet we live on. How we decide is a process based on experience, knowledge and what we want the choice to do for us. Do we cross the road at the lights or risk dodging the traffic? How about that extra bit of chocolate or bag of chips on the way home? Is it a good idea to drive the car 5 miles to recycle our rubbish? It’s your choice. We all choose lifestyles, behaviours and practices that in some way may be risky, beneficial, silly or pleasurable, simply because we can. We accept the risks and benefits. For example deciding to smoke, drink or exercise, or not, pose some risks that only the chooser can accept for themselves. Occasionally, we learn new information that may affect whether we continue with our original choice.
Informed Consent
This is a slightly different form of choice. In ‘medical speak’ it means someone’s willingness to accept or decline a treatment, surgery or procedure after learning about the risks, benefits and alternatives. This is a simple view but very relevant. It relies on the information gathered from various sources such as experience, healthcare providers and research. It can be hard to make sense of all the information; to know what is relevant to you and your family, so an element of trust may be necessary.
Considering your scanning options
Any scans during pregnancy are optional, even the ones given to you by your local hospital or clinic. It is always your choice. The protocols used by Babybond for its ultrasound scans have been chosen as they’re shown to be causing no harm to either mother or baby. However, the study of ultrasound safety continues to be reviewed and we monitor this issue very closely.
Babybond believe parents should decide what they want from their pregnancy scan. We offer easy access to audited, professionally operated private ultrasound services without any "post-code lottery" or crowded scanning lists; you choose your appointment time, you choose any combination of scans you want for your pregnancy at any of our locations in your community and you choose who comes with you to your scan - providing we can fit them all into the room!
Babybond provide a comprehensive range of scans. Click on the scan name below to find out more:
The Early Assessment Scan
The Dating Scan
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan
The Gender Scan
The Detailed Anatomy Scan
The Presentation Scan
The Growth Scan
The 4D Scan
Bad News
All of the scans we perform are done with care and attention with you and your family. We strive to give you as accurate information as we can. There may be constraints, such as the way the baby is positioned, that prevents the Sonographer from getting accurate details. Occasionally, some details are missed and sometimes there may be something seen that may turn out to be of no importance at all.
Very rarely, there may be a problem that is totally unexpected and we are the bearers of bad news. Never easy to hear, we will ensure you have the time, support and a plan of care arranged. We will continue our course of support for as long as you need us.
Your Choices
At Babybond we are committed to supporting you in your choice, offering any information you ask for and sometimes even sharing some you might not. We want you to know and understand the different scans and what they mean to you. Change your mind at any time, we don’t mind. To scan or not, which type of scan, the choice is yours, and we believe we offer you plenty to choose from.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general purposes only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your GP or Healthcare Professional.
Useful Links:
- More information on miscarriage and early fetal demise can be found at: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
- More information on Down’s syndrome can be found at: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
- More information on vasa praevia can be found at: www.vasapraevia.co.uk
Babybond is not responsible for content on external sites
