3D/4D ULTRASOUND FAQ'S
Frequent Questions About 2D/3D/4D Ultrasound.
Q: What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?
A: We offer elective 2D, 3D & and 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 3-D as used in this examination is performed to better assess the baby for abnormalities. A routine ultrasound examination should 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.
Q: Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor’s office?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with Advanced Ultrasound must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and have already undergone a medical, diagnostic ultrasound ordered by their provider to confirm their due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues.
Q: Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby?
A: Extensive studies over 30 years have found that ultrasound has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is now normal throughout the United States. In 3D/4D scanning, exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. 3D and 4D Ultrasound both utilize sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image. 4D ultrasound will be similar to a conventional scan in terms of exposure.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services.
Q: How long does the 2D, 3D, 4D ultrasound take?
A: Depending on the package you choose, the ultrasound session will last between 10 and 25 minutes.
Q: How far along should I be before I have a 2D, 3D, 4D ultrasound?
A: If you plan on having only one 3D/4D ultrasound, we would recommend having the examination performed between the 24th and 30th week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained anytime after about 22 weeks of pregnancy. For 2D ultrasound, any time after 16 weeks would be suitable.
Q: What can I do to improve the quality of my ultrasound?
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!!! If you don't normally drink water daily you should consider doing so beginning at least 5 days before your scheduled appointment. Hydration can significantly improve the clarity of an ultrasound. Expectant mothers that are heavy or full-figured should consider scheduling their 4D ultrasound between 28 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, as the ultrasound tends to be clearer and the results more desirable.
Q: Will I always get a beautiful picture of my baby?
A: Usually, 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. If this happens, a repeat scan will usually succeed because the baby will have turned to a favorable position. We make no promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our office, 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 body type. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.
Q: Can I bring my family and friends?
A: Yes. In fact, we encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the elective 4D ultrasound session. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones.
Q: Are you able to tell the sex of the baby?
A: Yes, in most cases we can provide an indication of the sex of the baby. We can't however guarantee that the baby will cooperate during your session. Certain factors such as maternal body tissue content, developmental stage and fetal position all affect the ability to determine sex.
Q: Is the 4D ultrasound covered by Insurance?
A: At this point, insurance does not cover the costs of our ultrasounds. Since this is an elective procedure and is not intended to be a replacement for your doctor ordered ultrasound, you will need to pay the cost of this ultrasound as an out-of-pocket expense. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards.
Q: What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform the 4D ultrasounds?
A: We use the state-of-the-art GE Voluson 730 Expert to complete all ultrasound exams. The GE Voluson 730 Expert has been seen in GE television commercials and many printed articles from around the world. This machine is the best 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound machine available. Please note, many organizations claim to use "state-of-the-art" equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: We have packages to fit just about anyone’s budget. Please refer to the "Package Pricing" section of the website or call for pricing.
