EXPECTANT MOTHERS from all over Scotland have been flocking to Perth for the rare opportunity to obtain “4D” images of their unborn babies.

The revolutionary Baby Scan Studio is operated by the former head of the department of diagnostic ultrasound at Ninewells Hospital, Dr Alexander Christie.

He pioneered the scheme to offer ultrasound screening for every patient in Tayside in 1974 and is delighted to have brought the distinctly 21st century technology to Perth.

Almost £100,000 worth of equipment has been installed at the studio, in the King James VI business centre.

Dr Christie said the ultrasound scans have been proving popular with expectant parents from all over Tayside and further afield.

“Nobody else in the area offers this service and we have had a huge number of families from the Aberdeen area,” he said.

“Previously these 3D and 4D scans were only available in the central belt so I was delighted to bring the service to Perth.

“I think it is important that both parents get involved with their baby from the very start and hopefully this will help.

“Seeing your baby in such a manner really helps the bonding process and having travelled all over the world seeing how popular this is I am not surprised it has caught on in Perth.”

Dr Christie has been at the forefront of ultrasound development since 1965 and remains passionate about the subject.

Internationally recognised as an expert in the field, he has held posts at the universities of Malaysia, Singapore, Istanbul and Copenhagen.

“I think bonding through these scans is so important because they get parents to really feel that their baby is a real baby, not just a blob,” he said.

“Once people have seen them they have already become part of the family.

“In 3D and 4D scans you really do get some amazing expressions. It is already a little human being doing all the usual things like yawning, smiling and frowning.”

The emphasis of the baby scan studio is on the enjoyment of an amazing experience—not a medical investigation.

“It is not a clinic—more like a photographic studio,” Dr Christie said. “It is informal and we encourage families to come along together.”

Images are recorded on CD, DVD or video cassette for parents to watch at home.