Frequently asked questions

Q. What is live 3-D ultrasound?
A. Live 3-D ultrasound provides surface depth to the images obtained. Your baby looks more like your baby really looks. As far as ultrasound is concerned, live 3-D is the latest ultrasound technology. It takes three-dimensional ultrasound images and adds the element of time to the process. This allows you to see your unborn baby in amazing real time detail so that your baby’s movement can be captured in life-like 3-D images.

Q. Is there any risk to me or my baby?
A. Over the last 30 years ultrasound studies have been conducted and have not shown any harm caused to mother or baby. In the United States it is now accepted and normal to have routine scans. Complicated or high-risk pregnancies often require multiple ultrasounds. 3-D ultrasound is the same intensity as conventional 2-D. Ultrasound works on sound waves that enter the body through the transducer that is placed on the mother’s abdomen. The echo that is generated is what crates the image that you see. Please address any concerns with your obstetrician.

Q. What is the best time in pregnancy to have a 3-D ultrasound?
A. This depends on how you would like to see your baby. Before 28 weeks, babies have a more skeletal appearance with 3-D, but you are able to see more of your baby’s body in a single image. From 28 to 36 weeks, babies are developing the fat layer that fills in their features so you will see more facial detail at this time. Between 28 and 32 weeks we are more likely to obtain the best image of your baby’s face. Successful 3-D imaging depends upon your baby’s position, size fluid and movement, so we cannot guarantee image quality due to those factors.

Q. Will this 3-D ultrasound take the place of my scheduled diagnostic ultrasound?
A. No. This is an optional service and is not part of or in any way replace any of your prenatal care. This is a non-diagnostic ultrasound and is not intended to evaluate your baby’s health condition. We will not provide measurements or due dates. You must be under the care of a physician to use our service and must have had at least one growth and anatomy survey ultrasound prior to the live 3-D ultrasound. We urge you to consult your health care provider if you have any concerns about your pregnancy.

Q. Do you accept medical insurance?
A. We do not accept insurance since this is a non-diagnostic service. Your live 3-D ultrasound is meant for your enjoyment and boding with your baby and not diagnostic purposes. The patient is responsible for payment. We accept cash, MasterCardâ and Visaâ.

Q. Do I need an appointment?
A. Yes, please call our office at 768-3632 to schedule an appointment several days in advance.

Q. May I invite my friends and family to attend?
A. Yes, anyone you would like. We can accommodate up to six visitors and the expectant parents. If siblings come, please bring a family member to care for them.

Q. What if my baby is uncooperative and we are not able to obtain high quality photos or videos?
A. We make every effort to obtain high quality photos or videos but sometimes the baby is not in a favorable position and we are not able to satisfactorily obtain high quality photos or videos. We cannot guarantee ideal pictures but will do everything possible to view and photograph your baby’s features.