1. What can I do to get the best 3D/4D pictures of my baby?

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

We do not require that you have a full bladder, however, we do ask that you follow the guidance of your prenatal care provider regarding hydrating throughout your pregnancy. Hydration can significantly improve the clarity of an ultrasound. The ability to obtain a good 3D picture is nevertheless still very much dependent on operator skill, the amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus and fetal position.  On the day of your ultrasound, eat normally but also try to have something light to eat and a glass of fruit juice about an hour before hand. This will help to get your baby moving.

2. Will I always get great pictures/video of my baby?

It is our priority to provide you with the best images with the given circumstances, guaranteed!  We are usually able to obtain the best 3D/4D ultrasounds of your baby, however, there are certain circumstances which hinder our ability to secure the best images for you. If the baby is persistently looking face down (towards your spine), it may be difficult to see baby's face. If this happens, trying again within the hour will usually be successful because the baby has had time to turn to a more favorable position. We cannot make any promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our own facility, or that we can always meet everyone's expectations, but it is our goal to assure that you are completely satisfied with the service that we have provided.

3. What if my baby is not active or in a great viewing position?

We do not have any control on how the baby will act during an ultrasound, or what position the baby will be when you come to our office. However, rest assured, we make every effort to obtain the best quality photos there can possibly be in the given situation, guaranteed! If the photos can not be obtained within your scheduled appointment, we reschedule you for another appointment at no additional charge.

4. I’m a plus sized mom. Will I be able to get pictures?

We work with moms of all sizes, and most of the time, yes, we’re able to get 3D pictures for plus sized moms. However, maternal tissue is an obstacle to 3D pictures since the sound waves must travel through the extra tissue. The 3D photos may be grainier than typical, but the most important part is that you’ll see and bond with your baby. We will make every effort to get you images of your baby. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink your doctor’s recommended daily allowance for water at least 4 to 5 days prior to your appointment, as hydration is the key to getting better quality images.

5. What is the quality or your photos?

We strive to provide the highest quality. We do not use any products that all "carbon-like" or fade with exposure to heat or light. We use high lab quality photo paper with dye sublimation printing which provides longevity. No ink jet printers that may become damaged by water or oily fingers. Some of our competitors use the typical medical ribbon prints which fade and tear easily.

6. When will I receive my pictures and video?

All pictures, CD's, DVDs, etc. will be ready to take with you when you leave your appointment.

7. Why do the Ultrasound images have a golden hue?

Our sonographers have the option of selecting different tints in reviewing images. GE has found that the golden hue is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and shows excellent shadow and highlights. However, if you would like to see your baby?s picture in a different tint, please let your sonographer know.

8. What will determine the quality of the images?

Unfortunately not every ultrasound session produces images like the ones you may have seen in magazines. We do our best, for every client, to obtain the very best images possible.  Regarding image quality, the following factors, outside of our control, impact the quality of the images:  Position of the baby. The baby's position has the greatest impact on image quality. Many cooperate with lots of open face views, smiles and yawns. Others however, hide behind feet, hands and the placenta. Some sleep through their sessions... and some babies seem a little too anxious for their first portrait, and press their face right against the uterine wall. Other camera shy babies face the mother's spine, giving us a great view of their back. If your baby is not in a good position, our sonographers will use appropriate approved procedures to encourage the baby to change position.  Since ultrasound waves must pass through the skin and uterine wall to reach the baby, the composition and thickness of skin tissue and the uterine wall can impact image quality.  Amniotic fluid levels. The amount of fluid surrounding the baby can also impact image quality. The more fluid, the better!  We want to walk away with at least a picture of your baby's face and If we can't get at least that, we'll let you come back for a return visit, but due to the factors above, we can not guarantee perfect pictures or a particular facial angle.