Question 1

What’s the best time in the pregnancy for an ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

There are several important factors involved when producing a 3D/4D ultrasound. One factor is the amount of space remaining in the womb. 2D ultrasound sees through everything but when scanning in 3D, everything becomes solid. Therefore things like the umbilical cord or placenta can act as a barrier if sitting in front of the baby.

The most optimal time to see the baby is between 26 – 30 weeks because there is still room in the womb. The further into the pregnancy you are, the more the remaining space decreases. Another important factor is how much amniotic fluid is present. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the pregnancy. Extra fluid intake a few days prior to coming in for a 3D/4D baby ultrasound scan is known to help with the clarity of the pictures.

The placenta position is another element that affects a ultrasound. An anterior placenta is on the front side of the womb and in front of the baby while a posterior placenta is on the backside of the womb and in back of the baby. With 3D/4D imaging, the posterior is ideal however, it is possible to capture the baby with an anterior.

Question 2

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Ultrasound in Motion's 3D/4D Ultrasound studio welcomes family and friends! Our scan room has a 47" high definition television large enough for everyone to view and enjoy seeing the baby.

Question 3

What is ultrasound imaging?

Accepted Answer

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 state of the art machine that translates the returning sound waves into images for viewing on its computer monitor. Ultrasound in Motion's 3D and 4D Ultrasound machine is an FDA approved ultrasound machine.

Question 4

What is the difference between 2D, 3D, 3D Live and 4D?

Accepted Answer

2D, 3D Live and 4D are trademarked terminology, used by competing ultrasound manufacturers to attempt to distinguish their products from their competition. The technology is the same. It is safe, reliable and will provide wonderful pictures for you and your family.

2D ultrasounds are the traditional black & white ultrasounds you have probably seen before. The pictures show the skeletal structure (outline) of the baby. You also get to see the baby moving! This is the type of ultrasound that was probably used for your diagnostic ultrasound. It is still the best technology for gathering measurements of the baby and ensuring that the baby is developing as expected.

3D ultrasounds shows 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 live is the same technology. With this technology you can see the motion of the baby. Some companies call it 3D Live and some call it 4D Live. If your baby has a large, clear pocket of amniotic fluid around the face, is moving about and is developed enough, then we can get great clips of your baby moving (4D live). The 4D live clips are typically only a few minutes.

Question 5

Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasounds have been used and performed for well over 30 years. Many extensive studies over that time period have shown that ultrasounds are not known to cause any harm to mother or baby. Ultrasounds are a routine procedure that are used all over the country, especially in infertility clinics that specialize in high risk pregnancies. 3D/4D ultrasound is utilized because of the benefit of the clear picture and the fact that it is safe to use. 3D/4D ultrasounds use the exact same type and intensity of ultrasound that is used in conventional 2D scanning.

Question 6

Can you tell the gender of the baby?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to check gender, and this service is included in all of our packages. We prefer to check gender after the baby reaches 16 weeks. Gender determination cannot be guaranteed, however, since we must rely on the cooperation of the baby and several other factors outside our control.
But, if we can not tell the baby's gender, we will bring you back for free!

Question 7

Will my insurance pay for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

No, Ultrasound in Motion's elective 3D/4D ultrasounds are not based on medical necessity. They are for entertainment purposes only. This is not to be used as a substitute for doctor's care.

FAQ's