FAQ’s
The questions listed below are the most frequently asked questions about our elective 3D/4D ultrasounds and gender ultrasound packages. Should you have any questions that are not answered below, please contact us.
What Is An Elective 3D/4D Gender Ultrasound?
Reveal 3D/4DUltrasound offers elective 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 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.
Does A 3D/4D Ultrasound Take The Place Of An Ultrasound At My Doctor’s Office?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Women seeking an elective 3D/4D gender ultrasound with Reveal 3D/4D Ultrasound must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and may only rely on 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. Please note, at no time is this exam to be used in place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound.
How Is An Elective Gender Ultrasound Different Than The Ultrasound Performed Or Ordered By My Doctor?
Your doctor or sonographer may take pictures and video of your baby in 3D/4D but this is a very different experience than an elective ultrasound at our studio. A medical ultrasound is focused on looking for abnormalities and performing diagnostic measurements. While fascinating, we feel this focus detracts from the relaxed environment and interactive bonding experience we provide and with the lengthy, unhurried session we offer. In addition, the best pictures of your baby will be captured later in your pregnancy when the baby is bigger and more developed.
Is An Elective 3D/4D Ultrasound 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 scanning is exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound as 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. 3D/4D ultrasound will be similar to a conventional scan in terms of exposure.
Do I Need An Appointment?
Yes, appointments are necessary for all services at Reveal 3D/4D Ultrasound. We may have same day appointments available, contact us to inquire.
How Long Is A 3D/4D Ultrasound Appointment?
Your 3D/4D ultrasound session will last about 25-30 minutes. Heartbeat sessions and Gender Ultrasound sessions are about 10-15 minutes in duration. These are estimated times, some scans may take a little longer if baby is not cooperating. We do not want you to stress about watching the clock! If baby is not cooperating during the entire scan, at the technician’s discretion, we will gladly bring you back at no charge for another scan within 14 days.
Do You Accept Competitor Coupons?
Yes we do! Show us a picture from a competitor from the same pregnancy and receive $10 off your session or package.
How Far Along Should I Be Before I Have A 3D/4D Ultrasound?
If you plan on having only one 3D/4D ultrasound, we would recommend scheduling your appointment to take place between the 26th and 34th week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained any time after about 20 weeks of pregnancy and up until your baby’s birth. Many mothers choose to have more than one 3D/4D ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their second and third trimesters.
Will I Always Get A Beautiful Picture Of My Baby?
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 has 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 studio, or that we can always meet everyone’s expectations. Every baby scans differently depending on gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother’s condition. Since our owner/operator Sonographer is highly trained with a specialty in OB (some RDMS Sonographers are only registered in Abdomen), a breech presentation alone will not necessarily have a negative effect on image quality. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.
Ultrasound Redo Policy
Most babies cooperate for us the first time but if your baby is shy for your entire visit, your ultrasound technician may decide to schedule you for one of our complimentary redo visits to try again within 2 weeks. This will be up to your technician’s discretion and must take place within 14 days of your original appointment unless otherwise recommended by your technician.
How Can I Help Get The Best Possible Pictures Of My Baby?
Water! The single most important thing you can do is to stay well hydrated before your appointment since mom’s hydration levels will have an impact on the amount of and clarity of amniotic fluid. We recommend increasing your fluid intake for 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Second, have a cold beverage or fruity refreshment on the way to your appointment.
Third, schedule your appointment during baby’s active time of day.
Can I Bring Family And Friends To The 3D/4D Ultrasound?
Yes! We encourage you to bring your family and friends to share in your 3D/4D ultrasound, gender ultrasound experience. We have plenty of room to accommodate you and your guests. Children are welcomed to join in on the fun.
Are You Able To Tell The Sex Of The Baby?
Yes, in the majority of cases we can provide an indication of the gender of the baby with very high accuracy. 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 gender. Gender is determined with 2D gray-scale imaging. If we are unable to determine gender, we invite you back for a weekday appointment at no charge to try again within 14 days of your original appointment.
Is A 3D/4D Ultrasound Covered By Insurance?
Currently 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 and all major credit/debit cards.
What Kind Of Equipment Is Used To Perform 3D/4D Ultrasounds?
We use state of the art GE ultrasound machines to complete all ultrasounds. GE ultrasound machines produce the best 2D, 3D, 4D and HD images possible. Please note, many organizations claim to use “state-of-the-art” equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology. When was the last time you saw a tube tv? Ultrasound machine monitors have been flat screen for many years.
Will My Doctor Be Contacted About My Ultrasound?
We do not contact your doctor prior to the scan since this is an elective procedure. We do require that you currently are under prenatal care and if you have any concerns, you should ask your doctor. Ultrasound technicians in general cannot make a diagnosis.