We recommend scanning after week 30 of pregnancy. For most mothers, weeks 34 to 36 are the most expressive moment — the silhouette is full, the proportions are settled, and you are usually still comfortable enough to stand still for a few minutes. But the calendar is only part of the answer.
The short answer
Wait until at least week 30, then aim for weeks 34 to 36 — that is the ideal window for a 3D pregnancy scan. The form is at its most readable, your baby has grown into the space, and your body has settled into the shape it will hold for the final stretch.
But women carry differently. A first-time mother in week 32 may already have a fuller silhouette than someone in week 36 with their third pregnancy. So we treat the calendar as a guide, not a rule — with week 30 as the floor we hold firm.
Week by week — what changes
Before week 30 — please wait
The shape is starting to round, but the proportions are still developing — the silhouette is not yet expressive enough to become a sculpture you will be glad to keep. We do not open the calendar before week 30. If you are eager, use the time to choose your material and finish instead.
Weeks 30 to 33 — early, but workable
By week 30 the silhouette has its definite curve. Your baby is still moving freely, which means scan day can be calmer, and you tend to feel more mobile. The form will look subtler than at the peak — some mothers love that quiet quality.
Weeks 34 to 36 — the ideal window
This is when the form is at its most sculptural. The belly carries weight without being too low, the proportions are at their fullest readable point, and most mothers are still mobile enough to scan comfortably. If we had to pick one window, it is this one.
Week 36 and beyond — possible, but watch yourself
It is still possible to scan late, and some mothers prefer the fullest, most pronounced shape. The trade-off is comfort — you may need to take the scan in shorter sittings, with breaks in between. Around week 38 the baby may begin to engage and the belly can sit lower. Some mothers love this look; others find the standing-still part difficult. We trust you to know your own body.
Beyond the calendar — three things that matter more
- How you feel that day. A tired body shows in the scan. If your reserved week feels wrong, we can usually shift it — let us know.
- The light in your room. Soft, even daylight gives the cleanest scan. Hard overhead light or harsh shadows make the file harder to refine.
- Quiet around you. The scan takes about fifteen minutes. The fewer interruptions, the easier to stay still.
“We treat the calendar as a guide, not a rule. The right week is the one your body says it is.”
Twins or multiples?
If you are carrying twins or more, the timing shifts earlier. The body reaches its fullest shape around weeks 28 to 32, often before the discomfort of late pregnancy sets in. Reach out and we will help you choose a week.
Reserving your week
We open the booking calendar a year in advance. Once you reserve, the scanner ships from our atelier in Haarlem on the Wednesday of your week and is back with us the following Monday. You scan in your own time over the weekend.
