A new pilot scheme by Guide Dogs, called First Hello, will provide 3D-printed models of ultrasounds for parents and grandparents with sight loss, allowing them to experience pregnancy milestones in a tactile way. The initiative uses uploaded 2D ultrasound scans to create bespoke tactile sonograms, which are then printed and sent to the public. According to a Guide Dogs survey of 2,000 adults with sight loss, over half (54%) feel that standard format pregnancy scans should be more inclusive, while eight in ten believe all parents should experience pregnancy milestones. The pilot scheme will make available around 50 moulds for expectant parents and their family members with impaired vision to order online.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-07,
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same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
A new pilot program called First Hello has been launched by the charity Guide Dogs to help parents and grandparents with sight loss experience the joys of pregnancy. The program uses 3D printing technology to turn ultrasounds into tactile models that can be felt, allowing those with visual impairments to "trace the contours" of their baby before birth. Around 50 bespoke tactile sonograms will be available as part of the initial pilot. According to Kerry Bevan, head of support services at Guide Dogs, people with sight loss are often excluded from significant life moments and this project aims to change that. The program's goal is to give everyone, regardless of their visual ability, the chance to experience early parenting milestones.
Written for “Accessible Fetal Scanning Technology” on 2026-09-07,
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Leaning score withheld for article 6431: score contradicts its own evidence · logged 2026-09-07
Traditional 20-week pregnancy scans will be transformed into 3D-printed models for parents and grandparents with sight loss as part of a new pilot scheme.
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scans → transform → scheme
The initiative by Guide Dogs will give those who cannot see ultrasound screens or print-offs the chance to trace the contours of their baby before they arrive.
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they → give → baby
The charity said people with sight loss are often “excluded from significant life moments” that others take for granted.
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others → say → that
As part of the scheme, known as First Hello, expectant parents with sight loss, as well as their family members with impaired vision, can order bespoke tactile sonograms online.
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parents → know → sonograms
They are created by uploading a 20-week 2D ultrasound scan, which is then transformed into a render and 3D-printed.
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which → create → render
Kerry Bevan, head of support services at Guide Dogs, said: “Every parent, grandparent and loved one deserves to experience the joy of early parenting milestones.
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parent → say → milestones
“Too often, people with sight loss are excluded from significant life moments that others take for granted.
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others → exclude → that
“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.”
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who → represent → life
Reece Finnegan-Knight, who is expecting a baby and received a tactile sonogram, said: “Holding the tactile scan for the very first time was an incredible experience.
“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.
“
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I → expect → baby
First Hello gave that moment back to me.
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Hello → give → me
It’s so important because it’s giving parents like me that special moment.”
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it → ’ → moment
The launch of the pilot comes after a Guide Dogs survey of 2,000 adults in the UK with a form of sight loss found more than half (54%) feel standard format pregnancy scans should be made more inclusive.
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scans → come → loss
Eight in 10 people with impaired vision told the poll all parents should be able to experience pregnancy milestones, while almost two thirds (64%) said being able to touch a sonogram could help family members with sight loss feel more included in the family moment.
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members → tell → moment
