Best Time for a 4D Scan: Week-by-Week Guide
Seeing your baby in 4D for the very first time is a moment you’ll never forget. Those tiny yawns, stretches, smiles and little wiggles make everything feel real — and incredibly magical. But to get the clearest, most detailed pictures, timing matters more than most people realise.
Whether you’re booking your first 4D scan or planning a return visit, this guide explains the best weeks to come and what you can expect at each stage.
What Is a 4D Scan?
A 4D scan uses advanced imaging to show your baby moving in real time — that’s the “fourth dimension.” Unlike 2D scans, which show flat black-and-white images, 4D reveals:
facial expressions
yawns, blinks, stretches
hands and feet movements
adorable little poses
chubby cheeks as they develop
It’s one of the most beautiful bonding experiences during pregnancy.
Why Timing Matters
The clearest 4D images depend on four things:
Baby’s size
Baby’s position
The amount of fluid around the baby
Mums body composition
These change week by week — which is why certain windows give the best results.
Week-by-Week Guide to the Best 4D Scan Timing
Below is a simple breakdown to help you choose the perfect time for your scan.
15–20 Weeks: Early Sneak Peek
At this stage:
You’ll see baby’s whole body
Baby is very active and wiggly
Gender can usually be confirmed
Face isn’t fully developed yet
Best for:
Parents wanting an early look
Gender confirmation
First-time bonding
Not ideal for:
Close-up facial features
21–24 Weeks: First Signs of Features
Baby’s features begin to appear more clearly:
Lips, nose and eyelids are more formed
Movements are lively
Baby still has plenty of room to move
Best for:
Parents wanting active footage
Clearer development compared to early weeks
Still a bit early for:
Chubby cheeks or deep facial definition
25–27 Weeks: Can see facial features but baby still quite slim
This is where we are starting to see facial features for 4D:
Baby has grown enough to show recognisable features
They still have room to roll, stretch and move
Plenty of fluid for clearer images
Great mix of detail + movement
You will may see:
Thumb sucking
Big stretches
Cute grimaces and smiles
28–31 Weeks: The Perfect Window (Often the Best)
For most families, this is the optimum time. By now:
Baby’s face is beautifully developed
Cheeks are chubbier
Movements are still visible
Fluid levels are ideal
Baby often looks more like how they’ll look at birth
Most popular window for detail and emotion.
32–33 Weeks: Still Good, But Baby Is Getting Cozy
At this stage you can still get gorgeous images — but baby may:
Be tucked in a corner
Have less room to move
Be facing the placenta
Be harder to rotate
Good results are still very possible, especially with experienced sonographers, but it’s a little more unpredictable.
Factors That Impact Scan Clarity
A few things can make a difference:
Placenta Location
Anterior placenta (on the front wall) may sit in front of baby’s face
Still fine — but may need slightly earlier timing (26–28 weeks)
Baby’s Position
Facing away
Curled into the womb wall
Hands or feet covering the face
Sonographers often work around this with gentle movement, repositioning, or breaks.
Fluid Levels
More fluid = clearer images.
How to Get the Best Possible Images
Here’s how you can help maximise clarity:
1. Hydrate well for 3–5 days before
Steady hydration increases amniotic fluid clarity.
Sip throughout the day — don’t chug water right before.
2. Eat a light snack 30–45 minutes before your appointment - we often recommend something sugary
This can gently wake baby and encourage movement.
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Helps the sonographer access the bump easily.
4. Try to come relaxed
Baby reacts to stress hormones just like you do.
5. Trust your sonographer
Experienced sonographers know tricks to encourage baby to move and reveal that perfect little face.
What If Baby Doesn’t Show Their Face?
This happens — babies have their own little personalities!
Most clinics (including ours) will:
try different positions
ask you to take a short walk if time permits
offer a re-scan if needed
You’ll never be rushed or left without options.
Final Thoughts
The truth is: any scan is magical, and every baby behaves differently. But for the clearest, most defined 4D images, the best times to book are:
27–33 weeks (with the #1 window being 28–31 weeks)
At these stages, you’ll capture beautiful expressions, smooth features, and unforgettable bonding moments.
Ready to book your 4D scan?
Check our availability and secure your appointment — your baby’s first close-up is waiting!
