What is ultrasound imaging?
What is ultrasound imaging?
Ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves. The waves bounce off tissue and return to the ultrasound machine at different frequencies, depending on the density of the tissue.
Our ultrasound machine is a highly specialized computer that translates the returning sound waves into images for viewing on its computer monitor. Our machine is an FDA-approved ultrasound machine.
Are 3D/4D and HDlive ultrasounds safe?
Yes! Ultrasound has been a routine practice in prenatal care throughout the U.S. for decades. It has been studied for over 35 years, and has been shown to cause no harm to either mother or baby. Your 3D/4D ultrasound session utilizes the same type of ultrasound as a regular 2D scan performed in your doctor’s office.
What is the difference between 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging?
2D 3D 4D
2D, 3D, and 4D are trademarked terminology used in the industry to distinguish the different types of pictures and videos that can be provided.
2D ultrasound is the traditional black and white ultrasounds that you have probably seen before. The pictures show the skeletal structure (outline) of the baby. Gender is usually found easily using 2D ultrasound. If you choose a 3D/4D gender ultrasound, the gender portion will be found in 2D, then the 3D 4D fun begins for the remainder of the session.
3D images show the tissue of the baby, which is more like real pictures. We can see the roundness of the baby’s face, the shape of the nose and the contours of the lips. The color is actually not the color of the baby, it is computer enhanced to make the pictures more appealing.
4D imagine shows the tissue of the baby as the baby is moving. 4D ultrasound is when your baby is moving in real time! The 4D video clips of your baby are similar to the 3D pictures – but moving!
HDlive goes a step beyond by enhancing the ultrasound pictures with a light source. The baby’s skin tone will be lighter, and the added shadows maximize the details of your baby.
See our YouTube channel for more!
Do I need an appointment for a 3D/4D or HDlive ultrasound?
Yes, appointments are necessary, however, if you call early in the day, there is a chance that we can get you scheduled that same day! For weekend and evening appointments, we encourage you to schedule well in advance. Click here to schedule.
Do I need to have a full bladder?
No, not always, but the more hydrated your body, the more transparent the amniotic fluid and the clearer the pictures. Being well-hydrated can greatly improve the clarity of the 3D/4D pictures. However, if you were overweight prior to becoming pregnant, then having a full bladder may help us get clearer pictures. Please ask us if you have any questions.
Will my insurance pay for the visit?
No, A New Conception’s elective 3D and 4D ultrasounds are not based on medical necessity. However, you may use your flex spending debit card to pay for your ultrasound.
When is the best time to schedule my 3D/4D ultrasound?
We can perform an ultrasound any time after 8 weeks during your pregnancy. If your looking for CHUBBY CHEEKS, the best 3D/4D imaging results are generally seen between 26 and 33 weeks. Very late in the pregnancy, the baby can get very crowded, and it is difficult to view the face, although we have gotten terrific 3D ultrasound pictures in babies as late as 39 weeks! You must be at least 14 weeks to determine gender.
What if I am having multiples?
We recommend that you come in between 22 to 28 weeks for best face shots. (Add a $25 fee for twins and a $40 fee for triplets.) Please let us know when you book your appointment that you are expecting multiples, so that we may allocate extra time for your appointment.
How early can we find out the baby's gender?
Today, ultrasound technology makes it possible to find out the gender of the fetus as early as 14 weeks, without the guessing game. During this time, diagnosis of fetal gender is about 95% to 100% accurate. However, with that said, there are still factors that will prohibit any sonographer to clearly determine the gender.
To accurately determine the sex of the baby, a sonographer needs to be able to see evidence of the penis and scrotum, in the case of a boy, and the labia, in the case of a girl. An absence of the penis alone must not be taken as sufficient evidence that the baby is a girl. If the baby is uncooperative during the session and we are unable to confirm gender, we will schedule a complimentary repeat scan within two weeks.
What if I don't want to know the gender of my baby?
No problem! Many parents think that because this technology creates such clear images, that there is no way to hide the sex. NOT TRUE! We have had many families request that we not determine gender. When this is your wish, we will accommodate you with no questions asked. We simply stay away from that area of your baby and focus on other areas, such as the face, hands, arms, etc. Just let us know your wishes and we would be happy to hide the gender for you. Even better, why not take home one of our gender reveal boxes?
Will the location of my placenta impact the quality of my images?
Not necessarily. Many clients with an anterior placenta (in front) often ask if it will be difficult seeing their baby with a 3D/4D ultrasound. A large percentage of our clients have an anterior placenta, but we are able to scan from the side and around the placenta to see the baby. In some cases, the baby will face into the placenta, whether it is anterior, posterior (along the back) or fundal (along the top), in which case, we will work to try to get the baby to move away from the placenta. Some of the images will have parts of the placenta in them; after all, we are imaging the baby inside the womb. We will do our best to get as much of the face as possible, but a full face shot is not always possible.
Similarly, babies are often putting their hands and feet over their face, obscuring part of the face. Many moms write back to tell us that their babies make the same gestures as they did inside the womb, and it makes them treasure the ultrasound images even more.
Will my 3D ultrasound pictures be perfect?
Well, the answer to that question is . . . hopefully, but not always. However, we promise to make every effort to obtain the best images. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother’s condition. Unfortunately, we cannot make any guarantees that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our own studio, or that we can always meet everyone’s expectations. We have learned that a great picture is determined differently from person to person. If we are unable to get clear pictures due to the mother's condition, then we are under no obligation to redo the ultrasound free of charge. The reality is, it is simply physics that sometimes makes it difficult to see a baby clearly in some women.
Perfection is subjective! We love action shots!
What can I do to help get a great scan and pictures?
You can help by staying hydrated. The clarity of the picture depends on the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby’s face. By staying hydrated, you can help keep your amniotic fluid clearer. Please drink at least 64 ounces of water a day in the week leading up to your appointment.
We ask that you drink some orange juice, apple juice, or even caffeine on the way to your ultrasound so baby will be active.
What kind of equipment do you use for the ultrasounds?
We use state-of-the-art equipment from GE to complete all ultrasound examinations. We use a GE E8 Expert ultrasound machine loaded with up-to-date software. Our equipment has been seen in GE television commercials and many printed articles from around the world. This machine is the best 2D, 3D, 4D and now HDlive ultrasound machine available.
Please note, many organizations claim to use “state-of-the-art” equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology. Only the GE equipment generates 3D images with amazing clarity and gives you the same clarity with 4D imagery of your baby in motion. Our sonogram equipment allows you to see your baby in live motion video, unlike any other on the market today.
What will be recorded on my DVD and on my Babyflix account?
We are recording in real time, so what you see at the time of your ultrasound is what will appear on your DVD. There may be short time spans of blank recording while mom is being re-positioned. We do our best to pause your DVD recording to limit the amount of downtime on your DVD. Your Babyflix Internet movie may be edited later.
Can I bring anyone with me to watch the ultrasound?
Absolutely! You may invite as many people as you wish. Our scanning suite is large enough to accommodate 12 or more people. The more the merrier! We have 5 screens and ample seating, so everyone has a front row seat for the big show. We also have “kid” zones to occupy children.
Ask us about LIVE Internet streaming for those who cannot be with you at our studio during your scan. You will also receive an OnDemand Internet stream saved to your own personal Babyflix account to keep forever!
When will I receive my pictures, videos, and other items?
All your keepsake items will be ready for you to take with you the day of your appointment! Huggable Heartbeat Bears, belly cast kits, grandparent gifts and cards, and special ultrasound frames are all available in our studio.
Do you make pregnant belly casts in your studio?
Not yet, but we do carry belly cast kits for purchase.
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes! We thank military families for their service by offering
- $10 off any 3D/4D & HDlive 5D ultrasound
- Free upgraded Babyflix account for deployed daddies (non-deployed will receive an intro level package)
- Copy of the DVD or CD to send to Daddy (ultrasound package chosen must include CD/DVD in order for us to make an extra copy)
- 20% off any second Huggable Heartbeat Bear to send to Daddy
Be sure to mention military mom special when booking your appointment and let us know if the daddy is away due to military duties so we can set up your upgraded Babyflix level account! (We will need your Military ID.)
