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,HD, and 8K?
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 look even more real. HD is also referred to as 5D at other facilities. 8K is a digital post processing technique. It is not done by the ultrasound machine.
What can I do to improve my images?
Hydrate! The number one reason for unclear images is lack of fluid in front of baby’s face. We recommended upping your water intake the week leading up to your appointment. This will greatly increase the overall clarity of the exam. If you are wanting baby to be active, do whatever you know makes baby move. It is also best to schedule your exam at the time of the day that you notice baby moves more. 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 we are unable to get any images of baby’s face 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 32 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, no. We require all clients to be receiving prenatal care for any of our exams including elective gender and 3D/4D sonograms. Although it is unlikely, there are times when something is seen that needs to be followed up by your healthcare provider. If we are checking in on baby or making sure baby is ok that would be considered a diagnostic exam. Those have to be order by a doctor or midwife even if you are paying for the exam out of pocket.
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 of the day we recommend scheduling a month in advance.
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 for a gender ultrasound?
We start gender scans at 15 weeks. If we can not tell the gender at the time of your appointment we will let you come back for a recheck. 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 the second trimester 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.
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.