FAQs
Below is a list of some of the more common questions we receive from our clients. If you have any other questions or concerns not addressed here, please feel free to contact us at anytime.
Should I make an appointment? - YES!
Yes. All of our sessions are scheduled by appointment only. Please see our "Contact" or "Appointments" pages for a list of our current service hours. If these times don’t fit your schedule, please give us a call and we will do our best to get you scheduled when possible. We also can get you in the same day, if you wake up and just need to see your little one.
When is the best time to schedule my 3D/4D/HD Live ultrasound?
We like to see our babies for 3D/4D and HD Live anytime between 20 and 34 weeks with our favorite time being 25 to 31 weeks. After 34 weeks we can still get GOOD pictures, but the chance goes down slightly because the baby's head moves into the pelvis and amniotic fluid naturally tends to diminish. After around 24 weeks, facial features become easier to see, as the baby develops fat layers. If you only want one 3D/4D ultrasound, the best time would be between 25 to 31 weeks.
What is the earliest we can see the gender of the baby?
We routinely see baby gender at 16 weeks. We have seen a bit earlier so if you just can't wait, we can try as early as 15 weeks if you want to take the chance.
Are ultrasounds safe?
Yes. Ultrasounds have been used safely in obstetrics for over 35 years. There is no radiation involved in ultrasound. In the many years of ultrasound use in medicine, there has never been a harmful effect shown by its use. According to the FDA, “when ultrasound enters the body, it heats the tissues slightly, and the long term effects of tissue heating are not known.” We feel your health and the health of your baby are of the upmost importance. We only use and own machines that meet FDA guidelines. None of our exams last longer than 35 minutes. In many cases, women will have multiple scans during their pregnancy. If a mother is having issues with her pregnancy, or in the case of twins, she may have two or three ultrasounds per week in the last trimester.
What is the difference between 2D, 3D,4D and now 5D ultrasounds?
2D ultrasound provides traditional black and white images that you have seen in the past. It typically is the best way for a trained sonographer to diagnostically image your baby. 3D ultrasound provides a more detailed 3rd dimension of the baby that is easier for non-trained eyes to see. You can often see fingers, toes, and the facial features of your baby. 4D ultrasound, gives moving images of your baby inside the womb (similar to a video). 5D ultrasound displays higher resolution and detail and a more realistic depth perception of 3d anatomy.
What does it mean to be a Registered Sonographer?
A Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), must go through many years of extensive training. They must learn anatomy, physiology and physics. They are required to take national boards, and attend continuing education on an annual basis to stay up to date with their credentials. You can check a Sonographer’s status by going to www.ardms.org and clicking on “status verification”. We highly recommend that you check a Sonographer’s credentials prior to your visit with that person at this special time.
How should I prepare for my visit?
You do not need a full bladder for this visit. We do recommend you do drink plenty of water for several days or weeks prior to your appointment. About 6 to 8 glasses each day for 4 to 5 days before your visit helps the sound waves to travel through your body to baby. This greatly improves the chances of getting clearer pictures. You can also have a glass of juice or light snack 10 minutes prior to your appointment, which will get your little one awake and moving. Also, please wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your belly.
How can I be sure to get the best 3D/4D pictures?
The best thing you can do is come to your appointment Well Hydrated. Also, have something to eat or drink before you come to see us. A little sugar or caffeine if your diet allows, works great to get baby moving. A moving baby gives us much better pictures/video than a sleeping baby.
There are many things out of the Sonographer's and your control. We cannot control your baby’s position, the position of the placenta and amount of amniotic fluid.
What if the baby doesn’t cooperate?
In most cases we can get "AMAZING" pictures. We can reposition mom, have mom get up and walk around, give mom some sugar, and usually the baby will move and reposition itself. Sometimes babies are not in the mood to be photographed. We cannot promise your pictures will look the same as the images you may have previously seen. We want you to have a great experience. Therefore, if we are unable to obtain pictures we feel are acceptable, we will re-schedule one return visit at no additional charge to you. Again, We want our clients to have a great experience! We will partner with you in any way we can, and within our expertise, to make that happen.
Are family and friends welcome to come to the session?
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring family members (including siblings) and friends to experience this this special event. We can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people in our office comfortably. We have had up to 15 attendees. If you know in advanced that there will be more than 10 people whom would like to join you during the session, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate additional family members and/or friends.
Can you tell the gender of my baby?
Yes. We can usually see the gender of the baby at 16 weeks. Of course, this depends on the position of the baby, patient body type and amniotic fluid. If we cannot see the baby during your gender reveal, we will bring you back at NO CHARGE and try again.
Do I need a note from my doctor?
No, we do not require a doctor’s note. However, we do like that you are receiving prenatal care and will ask for your provider's name and phone number. We also encourage you to talk to your doctor about your intention to have a non-diagnostic, elective ultrasound. Again, this is an elective, non-diagnostic ultrasound and CANNOT be substituted for a medically indicated ultrasound through your provider’s office. We do not take measurements, screen for malformations or determine due dates.
Does insurance cover the cost of my elective session ultrasound?
No. Insurance does not cover elective ultrasound. We do accept most major credit cards, and debit cards.
How can I make an appointment?
We have easy scheduling calendar on this website and you can also pay for your visit prior to your service date. Please click here to schedule an appointment. We want this to be all about You And Your Baby and a memorable experience you won’t soon forget!