FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to be referred by my GP or midwife?
This is a self-referral service and you can book online, email or call us and make an appointment. We are also happy to see you if you are referred by your GP.
What happens when I arrive for the scan?
We advise that you arrive around 10 minutes before the appointment.
We ask that you arrive with a comfortably full bladder. However, do not worry if you arrive without a comfortably full bladder.
Can I bring my child/children with me?
Yes, but we normally suggest that you bring another adult so they can look after them whilst you are having your scan.
Are ultrasound scans safe in pregnancy?
Ultrasound has been used in pregnancy since the 1950s without apparent ill effect. Our sonographers adhere to all the principles of ultrasound safety and comply with current standards and guidelines. We adhere to the guidelines of The British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) ( https://www.bmus.org). All our equipment is of the correct standard and used according to safety standards.
Will I get a written report?
You will be given a written report at the end of the scan and the scan findings will be explained to you. We suggest showing the report to your doctor or midwife who is looking after you in your pregnancy.
Are there circumstances where it is difficult to get a good scan picture?
Good baby scan pictures are usually obtained. Occasionally, factors like the position of the baby or placenta affect the quality of images. If you have a high BMI or are having a scan late in the pregnancy this can also affect the images.
What will happen if you suspect a problem?
If we suspect a problem, we will discuss the findings with you and advise you to inform your doctor or midwife to arrange diagnosis and further management. With your consent, we will refer you to your GP or Hospital. We are a 5-minute drive from Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Trust, 30-minute drive from Bedford Hospital and 40 minutes from Milton Keynes University Hospital. If you are in early pregnancy we may also refer you to your local Early Pregnancy Clinic (EPC) or Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) if appropriate. We will provide a full report explaining our concerns.
Can I have these scans instead of my hospital scan?
These scans are high quality additional scans and will complement your hospital pregnancy scans. We would always recommend that you take advantage of the screening tests offered by your midwife
What if I am late for my appointment?
If possible we will try to accommodate your scan on your chosen day. If you are very late you will need to come back on another day. Deposits will not be refunded for late appointments.
Where are you located?
Aster Women's Healthis located at the Health and Wellbeing Suite within the award winning Priory View development. Priory View is on Church Street, Dunstable opposite Kwik Fit. Dunstable is a historic market town within a 30-minute drive from Luton, Harpenden, St Albans and Milton Keynes.
We are easy access by car, bus, guided busway and nearby mainline train stations are Luton and Leighton Buzzard.
There is a small customer car park directly in front of the building. Disabled spaces are also available. There is free parking for twenty minutes.
Thereafter there is a small parking fee with fixed rates of:
- Up to 1 hour stay - £1.00
- Up to 2 hours stay - £1.50
There is also a bus stop directly outside Priory View. We are a short walk from Priory Gardens car park and Dunstable town center with ample parking and very close to the White Lion retail park, Sainsbury and Lidl supermarket.
Once inside Priory view, please sign the visitor book and take the lift or stairs to Floor 2, follow signs to the Health and Wellbeing suite then ring the doorbell (Aster Baby Scan Clinic) and we will come and let you in. If directions are needed, the reception staff will direct you.
What should I bring with me when I come for the scan?
If you have hospital maternity notes, kindly bring them to the appointment as they may have information that may be helpful for the scan. If you do not have hospital notes or have not been given any notes, you do not have to worry and this will not affect your appointment.
Will I find out the gender of my baby?
Yes. If you wish to know. If we are unable to determine your baby’s gender, we will offer a further 2D scan at no extra charge. Payment for the scan will be taken at the initial appointment. We are unable to guarantee 100% accuracy all of the time. If you do not want to know if you are expecting a boy or a girl, please tell us before we start scanning and we can avoid this area during the scan.
Can I bring my family and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring family and friends with you for the scan. We are happy to accommodate up to 5 guests.
Who will perform the pregnancy scans?
All our scans are performed by Dr. Bamfo, Consultants in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Do you scan twins?
Yes, we scan women with twin pregnancies. However, these scans can take a little more time. Please kindly inform us when you book the scan appointment if you have a twin pregnancy
When should I book a 4D Scan?
We would recommend a 4D scan after 24 weeks. The ideal time is between 28 and 32 weeks. After this because the baby is getting bigger it is not always possible to get good images
Will information about me be confidential?
We have a robust privacy policy and all the information we have about you and you scan images will be kept strictly confidential. We adhere to privacy standards.
What if I am unhappy with the service?
If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, we are happy to discuss your concerns and resolve them. Please contact us by email or telephone
How can I pay?
We accept all major debit and credit cards, and cash.
Priory View Building
