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New 3D pregnancy scans let blind and visually impaired parents ‘feel’ their baby

New 3D pregnancy scans let blind and visually impaired parents ‘feel’ their baby

A new Guide Dogs pilot is turning 20-week ultrasound scans into tactile 3D models for families with sight loss.

Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: September 7, 2026 at 10:37 AM

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For many parents-to-be, seeing their baby on screen at the 20-week scan is one of those pregnancy moments they never forget. But for parents with sight loss, the traditional ultrasound experience can leave them relying on somebody else to describe what everyone else can see.

Now a new UK pilot hopes to make that milestone more inclusive by transforming standard 20-week ultrasound images into bespoke 3D-printed models that can be explored through touch.

Called First Hello, the initiative from sight loss charity Guide Dogs will allow expectant parents, grandparents and other family members with impaired vision to trace the contours of a baby before they're born.

How the tactile 20-week scans work

Families taking part in First Hello can order a tactile sonogram online by uploading a standard 2D image from their 20-week ultrasound scan.

The image is then transformed into a 3D render before being printed as a physical model, allowing someone with sight loss to use their hands to experience details of the scan that would usually be communicated visually.

Around 50 of the tactile sonograms will be available to the public during the initial pilot.

Guide Dogs says the project is designed to tackle the way people with sight loss can be excluded from significant milestones that sighted families may take for granted.

Kerry Bevan, head of support services at Guide Dogs, explained the thinking behind the initiative.

Every parent, grandparent and loved one deserves to experience the joy of early parenting milestones.

Kerry Bevan, head of support services at Guide Dogs

She added: “Too often, people with sight loss are excluded from significant life moments that others take for granted.

“While this tactile sonogram project is an exciting pilot, it represents just one of the many ways Guide Dogs supports people who need it – breaking down barriers, celebrating life’s important firsts, and empowering individuals to live life unleashed.”

‘First Hello gave that moment back to me’

For expectant dad Reece Finnegan-Knight, who has a visual impairment and is expecting his first baby with partner Sophy later this year, receiving one of the tactile scans made a real difference.

He said his earlier scan appointments had been difficult because friends and family were able to see details about his baby that he couldn't experience in the same way.

Holding the tactile scan for the very first time was an incredible experience.

Reece Finnegan-Knight, expectant father

“I didn’t feel like I got much from our first scan appointments, and I found it really hard thinking that friends and family knew more about my baby than I did.

“First Hello gave that moment back to me. It’s so important because it’s giving parents like me that special moment.”

Why more inclusive pregnancy scans matter

The pilot comes alongside new Guide Dogs research involving 2,000 UK adults with a form of sight loss.

More than half, 54%, said standard pregnancy scans should be made more inclusive, while eight in 10 said all parents should be able to experience pregnancy milestones.

Almost two thirds, 64%, also said being able to touch a sonogram could help family members with sight loss feel more included.

For families who have previously had to rely on descriptions of a scan or a print-out they cannot see, a physical version could offer another way to share one of pregnancy's biggest milestones, and make that first introduction to baby something they can experience for themselves.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.