Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a best time to get 3D/4D images?

We recommend 28 to 34 weeks.  Most people prefer the images around 30 to 32 weeks because baby is chubby, but not too chubby that we aren’t able to get good images. It also gives baby a better chance at being head down for the exam.

What is 2D, 3D, 4D, and HD?

The easiest explanation is 2D is your normal black and white photos, 3D is a still 3D image, 4D is 3D in motion, and HD is a technology we have to make the 3D/4D images even more real.

What can I do to improve my images?

With most patients eating a meal and drinking caffeine will help baby move.  You know when baby moves more than we do.  It is best to schedule your exam at the time of the day that you notice baby moves more.  If eating makes baby move less than don’t eat a big meal before your appointment.  Try to make sure and drink plenty of water before your exam.  It helps to be hydrated.  Also, breech babies are often harder to image because they will put hands and feet in front our their face.  If you know this is the case it may be best to wait a couple of weeks and see if baby will move.  Finally, sometimes we get babies that are in a bad position and will not move for us.  If baby is facing your spine or in placenta too much we often bring patients back for a rescan for no additional cost.  Keep in mind this is under our discretion and a case by case basis.

If I am overweight will I not be able to get good 3D/4D pictures of my baby?

We want everyone to able to have a great 3D/4D experience, so do not be afraid to come in for scan because we have some helpful suggestions to get you great pictures. The biggest suggestion we can give you is to wait. We know you are excited to see baby, but we strongly urge that you wait until around 31 weeks gestation. We do 3D/4Ds until 34 weeks, so you still have plenty of time to get in. The reason waiting helps so much is because if you have more body tissue for the soundwaves to travel through it can make the baby appear skinnier and the images can be less clear. We suggest every patient be hydrated, so drinking lots of water in the days leading up to your exam will also help improve the images.

Can I get a heartbeat animal or recording in the first trimester?

While you are welcome to buy an animal at anytime we cannot and should not play baby’s heartbeat out loud in the first trimester.  Other facilities offering this are not registered sonographers and are not educated on using the pulse doppler on the machine. Heartbeat checks and scanning in the first trimester should always be performed by a diagnostic medical sonographer with your doctor aware and providing an order for a diagnostic exam.

How many people can I bring to my elective 2D or 3D/4D ultrasound?

For non-medical exams we do not limit the amount of people you bring with you. We only see one family at a time, so we can allow guests without limiting or having restrictions on age. Our ultrasound room has seating for 7.

Does insurance cover 3D/4D or gender ultrasounds?

More than likely, no.  Most insurances will not cover an elective ultrasound.  We can print you an itemized receipt if you would like to try and be reimbursed by insurance. Flexible spending credit cards do work here.

My insurance hasn’t kicked in so I have not been able to see a doctor.  Can I come in and make sure baby is ok and see how far along I am?

Unfortunately even if you are paying out of pocket for a diagnostic ultrasound we still need a doctor or midwife to write us an order.  Even for elective gender and 3D/4D ultrasounds you need to be under someones care.  Although it is unlikely, there are times when something is seen that needs to be followed up by your healthcare provider.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. We are a very busy facility and typically book out a week or two in advance.  If you are wanting our latest appointment or a Saturday appointment we recommend scheduling a month in advance.

Are you the same facility that was located on 104th street in South KC close to the Overland Park area?

Yes, we just moved our location to be more centralized.  We only have the one location on Barry Rd. Many people get us confused with another facility that moved close to the same time to Independence.  That is not us. We are still located in Kansas City and most areas surrounding the metro  are 35 mins or less from us.

Do you offer a military discount?

Yes.  If you or your significant other is active military we offer 10 dollars off any exam.

Are there more fees once I get to my appointment?

No! We do not have any added fees, whatever package you pick is the price you will pay unless you decide to add additional baby items from our small boutique.

Can I come in around 15 weeks for a gender ultrasound?

While it is recommended to wait until 16 weeks for us to determine gender we will let you come in a little sooner. If we can not tell the gender at the time of your appointment we will let you come back for a recheck.  This needs to be done at 16 weeks or greater. While 95% of the time we can see gender we do not recommend scheduling a gender reveal party the same day as your appointment. Please do not schedule yourself for this exam in the first trimester.  We do not do any elective ultrasounds before 14 weeks and any patient that we scan here has to be under a doctor or midwifes care.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require a 24 hour notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. The full policy can be found under the pricing section at the bottom of the page in bold.

What if the weather is bad and I can’t make it to my appointment?

Your safety is the most important thing.  If you feel like the weather is bad enough that is it unsafe to make it to your appointment just let us know.  We do not charge your card for cancellation or reschedule if it is because of winter weather. We do have to be notified that this is the case, please do not just no show for your exam.  If it is non business hours you can leave a voicemail or even email us.