Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Ultrasound, 4D Ultrasound & HDLive Ultrasound
The questions listed below are the most frequently asked questions about our limited diagnostic prenatal ultrasound packages. Should you have any questions that are not answered below, please send us an e-mail.
Q: What is a limited diagnostic prenatal ultrasound?
We offer limited diagnostic 2D, 3D, 4D & HD prenatal ultrasounds to provide a positive 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 performed 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.
Q: Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor’s office?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Women seeking a limited diagnostic prenatal ultrasound MUST 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.
The issues that we are evaluating in the limited diagnostic prenatal ultrasound session include a limited diagnostic scan to confirm heartbeat, the number of babies in the pregnancy, the position of the baby, and the placental location. Please note, at no time is this exam to be used in place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound.
Q: Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby?
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/HD scanning exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. 3D, 4D and HD 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?
Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services.
Q: How long does the 3D, 4D and HD ultrasound take?
Depending on the package you choose, the 4D ultrasound session will last between 10 and 30 minutes.
Q: How far along should I be before I have a 2D/3D/4D/HD ultrasound?
We do gender starting at 15 weeks. If you plan on having only one 4D ultrasound examination, your absolute perfect time is between 30 and 33 weeks. If you plan on having two 4D ultrasounds we recommend between 26 and 34 weeks. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained anytime after about 25 weeks of pregnancy. Many mothers obtain more than one 4D ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their second and third trimesters.
Q: Will I always get a beautiful image of my baby?
Unfortunately there are no guarantees. There are things that are beyond our control. The babies position, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the mothers body type. We have an experienced sonographer who is innovative and this rarely becomes a problem. If it does happen we encourage you to come back another day. We want everyone to be totally satisfied.
Q: Will I have to pay if I am not satisfied with the results?
Our best customer is a happy one. We get more business from word of mouth then anything else. In the rare event the baby is in a position that does not allow for satisfactory pictures we’ll make arrangements to have you try again.
Q: Can I bring my family and friends?
Absolutely, this is a family event. The more the merrier. We can comfortably seat 8-10 people, but bring whomever you’d like. We have couches, chairs, and 50″ plasma TVs for viewing.
Q: Are you able to tell the sex of the baby?
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 body tissue content, developmental stage and fetal position all affect the ability to determine sex.
Q: Is the 4D ultrasound covered by Insurance?
This is a limited diagnostic procedure so they do not cover it. We do accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and cash. We cannot accept personal checks.
Q: How much does it cost?
We have packages to fit just about anyone’s budget. We continuously strive to provide the highest quality products and packages at the most affordable costs. We always have special discounts so continue to visit our website or call us for details on our latest discounts at (832) 932-5632.
Q: What is SneakPeek® Clinical?
SneakPeek Clinical is an early gender DNA detection test offered to women starting at 9 weeks into pregnancy. The genetic test is designed to work in conjunction with an ultrasound scan for expecting mothers. A blood sample is drawn in the comfort of the ultrasound studio, and that sample is returned to SneakPeek Labs for processing. The laboratories offer the fastest turnaround times in the industry, with a choice of receiving your result the same day the sample reaches the SneakPeek Lab.
Q: How does SneakPeek® work?
SneakPeek utilizes the natural process of shared fetal DNA circulating inside the mother’s bloodstream. Our PCR technology has the ability to detect the presence or absence of male Y chromosome in the blood sample provided starting at 9 weeks into pregnancy. If it is detected then the baby’s gender is male and if it is not detected then the baby’s gender is female.