Question 1

What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

We offer elective 2D, 3D, & 4D prenatal ultrasounds to provide a positive bonding experience for the mother, father, and family members with the unborn baby. We feel that realistic surface images provide a connection between the parents and baby that can be beneficial to the whole family. We make no claims that 3D, as used in this examination, is able to better assess the baby for abnormalities. A routine ultrasound examination must have already been performed to assess the gestational age of the fetus and to evaluate for fetal anomalies, as well as the basic components of fetal anatomy recommended for screening.

Question 2

What is the difference between 3D and 4D?

Accepted Answer

3D is a still image while 4D adds the dimension of motion so it looks like a video.

Question 3

Is 3D/4D ultrasound safe for me and my baby?

Accepted Answer

3D and 4D ultrasound use the same frequency as your doctor uses during the normal 2D ultrasound. Ultrasounds have been performed for over 35 years and there have been no proven side effects from its proper use.

Question 4

Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor's office?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with Baby Belly Bumps, MUST be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for their prenatal care and have already undegone a medical, diagnostic ultrasound orderd by their provider to confirm due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues. Please note, at no time is any exam at Baby Belly Bumps to be used in place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound.

Question 5

Will my doctor be contacted about my ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

We do not contact your doctor prior to the scan since this is an elective procedure. We do require, however, that you are currently under prenatal care and if you have any concerns, you should ask your doctor. Ultrasound technicians in general cannot make a diagnosis.

Question 6

What is your facility like?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on being an inviting, relaxing, comfortable, and spacious environment for you and your family.

Question 7

Are friends and family welcome to join?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We encourage you to bring your friends and family to share this special moment with you. Children are also welcome and we provide them with plenty of toys to keep them entertained. At our location, our ultrasound room can comfortably seat 10 plus people, but more are welcome if they would like to stand and watch. We have a large projector screen viewable from any seat.

Question 8

How long is the 3D/4D ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the ultrasound package you select, your session will be between 10 and 30 minutes. However, plan on spending 30 minutes to an hour at our studio so that we can send you home with memories to last a life time. It is best to arrive a few minutes early for your appointment.

Question 9

How good are you at determining the gender of the baby?

Accepted Answer

At as early as 14 weeks, we can determine the gender with a very high accuracy rate. If you are over 14 weeks and the gender cannot be seen, we will invite you back for a return appointment and we will rescan you for free within the next 14 days. The need for a return visit is usually due to the baby's position.

Question 10

When is the best time to get a 3D/4D ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you are looking to see. Many mothers like coming in twice; the first time between 13-26 weeks (when baby can be seen as a whole), and then again at 25-34 weeks to see a more detailed face.   Between 28 and 32 weeks, your baby develops more fat and gets a more defined face. After 34 weeks, it becomes increasingly difficult to obtain a good image because baby begins to run out of room. However, all babies are different and we have been successful in obtaining great images all the way up to 39 weeks.

Question 11

How can I be sure to get the best possible 3D/4D picture?

Accepted Answer

Most doctors recommend maintaining a healthy fluid intake, especially while you are pregnant. This will help ensure your amniotic fluid is clear as well as full. There are many things out of the sonographer's control like the baby's position, the mother's skin type and build, amount of amniotic fluid, etc. A mother's abdominal girth CAN play a role in the clarity and image quality.

Question 12

What should i do prior to the 3D/4D appointment?

Accepted Answer

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure your amniotic fluid is clear. About 30 minutes before your scan, try to drink fruit juice or eat something sweet to help your baby wake up for the ultrasound; if you are on diet restrictions, please follow your doctor's guidelines.

Question 13

Will I always get a beautiful image of my baby?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, but not always. Sometimes if the baby is persistently looking face down, i.e. towards your spine, it may be difficult to see the baby's face. We make no promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our facility, or that we can always meet everyone's expectations. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother's condition. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen. This is a non-refundable service under any circumstances. All payments are considered final unless a refund may be necessary due to an unexpected error on our part. All sales are final.

Question 14

When do I get my pictures and videos?

Accepted Answer

Less than 5 minutes after your session has ended.

Question 15

What will determine the quality of my images?

Accepted Answer

Fetal position! Some babies come ready for viewing and great images are obtained. Others simply turn their back or cuddle up to the placenta or the uterine wall, or even put their hands and feet in front of their face. I will try my absolute best to make your baby move in  order to see and image the face. Drinking juice or having a sweet snack prior to your scan can help get baby moving (please stick to any diet restrictions given by your doctor).

Question 16

What can i do to improve the quality of my ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

WATER, WATER, WATER!!! You should be drinking plenty of water during the week leading up to your appointment. Water can drastically improve the quality of an ultrasound. Moms that are full figured or have an excessive abdominal girth should consider scheduling their 3D/4D ultrasound between 31 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, as the ultrasound tends to be more clear and the results are more comparable to those you may see from our facility.

Question 17

What if I come in for an ultrasound and do not get a complete package or leave with pictures?

Accepted Answer

It is our first priority at Baby Belly Bumps to obtain the absolute best images of your baby and to ensure your complete satisfaction. We use top of the line ultrasound equipment, however some factors that determine the outcome of your ultrasound are out of our control, such as: placenta location, amount of amniotic fluid, clarity of amniotic fluid, the baby's position, and the overall fetal environment. If we are unable to determine the gender of your baby at your scheduled appointment, due to these factors mentioned above, you will be asked to reschedule and come back within the next 14 days at no charge.

Question 18

If I am overweight or obese, will I be able to get clear pictures?"

Accepted Answer

If you are overweight, you should not be afraid to have a 4D ultrasound, however we strongly urge that you wait until after 32 weeks gestation to give the baby time to obtain more fat. If you are overweight, you will need a VERY high level of amniotic fluid to obtain clear images of the baby. If you drink the recommended amount of water in the weeks leading up to your appointment, there is no reason we should not be able to obtain great images!

Question 19

Will I be able to see if my baby has hair during my 3D/4D ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, 3D/4D technology does not distinguish hair very well. However, we are able to see hair using 2D ultrasound technology (black and white)!

Question 20

What if my baby is breech?

Accepted Answer

Breech position is when the baby's head is located at the top of your uterus, and the feet are down. If you know that your baby is breech prior to the ultrasound, we do advise you to reschedule your appointment a few weeks later to allow more time for the baby to turn. Good pictures can be obtained with breech babies, but they are not guaranteed and are much more achievable if the baby is head down. Some babies remain breech until very late in the pregnancy, or never turn, and if this is the case you can still do a 3D/4D ultrasound; as long as you have plenty of amniotic fluid, we should be able to obtain good images.

Question 21

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not accept insurance due to this ultrasound being an ELECTIVE scan.

Question 22

How can i pay for the ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

We currently accept major credit/debit cards and cash.

Question 23

What is the cancellation policy if i am unable to make it to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand things happen unplanned and life is busy....if you are unable to attend your ultrasound appointment for any reason, please call 48 hours ahead of time to let us know you need to cancel or reschedule. There are other expecting mothers just like you who can't wait to see their little one and would like to have your appointment time if you are unable to make it.

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