What you need to know about 3D/4D Ultrasound
What is the price of the service?
Is the 3D/4D ultrasound covered by my insurance?
Does this replace my ultrasound exam with my gynecologist?
What if my doctor does not sign the Prenatal Verification Form?
What is a report of limited Medical Ultasound?
Are there any special preparations for 3D/4D Ultrasound?
Is it better to come in later in the pregnancy to get a 3D/4D Ultrasound?
When is the best time to have the service done?
How long will my appointment last?
What factors affect the quality of the images?
Is 3D/4D ultrasound available to anyone?
Will I always get a clear view of my baby?
In case we do not get a clear view of the baby, is it possible to get a repeat scan?
Can I bring children or family members?
Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby?
What makes Motherhood Sonogram different from other facilities offering the same service?
What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform the 4D ultrasounds?
What is the price of the service?
The 3D/4D packages range from $119 to $179 depending on your needs. Gender determination is now only $75. (Please account for 5% sales tax on all VISA, Master Card and Discover sales. Cash sales are exempt from sales tax. Sorry no personal checks or Americal Express cards).
Is the 3D/4D ultrasound covered by my insurance or flexible spending account?
Generally speacking, health insurance companies do not cover elective procedures. Since there is no medical necessity behind this service, almost no insurance will cover it. You may consult with your insurance provider to find out the exact details of your particular plan.
We do accept flexible spending accounts. You may be able to write off the expense as an "Ultrasound." Again all programs are different and please make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your flex account contract.
Does this replace my ultrasound exam with my gynecologist?
Absolutely Not!
An elective 3D/4D ultrasound is a non-medical Ultrasound and is NOT intended to check for any abnormalities. That is why we highly recommend that you complete your second trimester ultrasound, aka Level 2 sonogram, prior to seeking an appointment with us.
Level 2 sonogram, which is usually ordered by your OB around your 20 weeks, is a detailed sonogram where all the measurements are done to ensure proper fetal developement and all organs are scanned. We reserve the right to deny our services to anyone not meeting this criterion or anybody not willing to abide by this criterion.
What do I need to bring in to provide a proof of prenatal care?
By choosing us as your 3D/4D ultrasound provider, you agree to provide us with a proof of prenatal care. You must certify that you are under a care of an OB, and you have completed your routine diagnostic scans (AKA Level II scan/ Anatomy scan) prior to seeking an elective ultrasound. If you are experiencing complications during your pregnency, you must disclose your intentions of getting a 3D/4D ultrasound to your OB. Please find out if he/she has any concerns for you in this regard.
No proof of prenatal care is required for gender scans!
For all others, please provide us with your previous sonogram pictures OR the radiology report from your ultrasound. You can also get a signed letter by your OB confirming your prenatal care.
Are there any special preparations for a 3D/4D ultrasound?
Please have a meal 90 minutes prior to your exam. Have a bottle of your favorite juice drink and wear comfortable clothing. Full bladder is not required for this ultrasound, but it does help to keep yourself hydrated. Please be sure to bring your proof of prenatal care.
If you wish to bring your own music, please make sure that you notify us upon checking in that you have your own CD which you would like us to play during your session. The CD must be handed to our office staff upon completion of your paperwork. The CD must be at least 30 minutes in duration and the tracks must be preformated. Music personalization is only available with the "Oh So Adorable" package.
Is it better to come in later in the pregnancy to get a 3D/4D Ultrasound?
No. The best time to come in for a 3D/4D ultrasound is between 26-32 weeks (22-26 weeks for multiple pregnancies!). Once the mother is well into her third trimester, the amniotic fluids shift because the size of the baby gets large. The maternal fluids, also known as the Amniotic fluids, are the most helpful aspect of this Ultrasound, since the ultrasound waves pass through the fluids to create a picture, more fluids will allow for clearer picture and better fetal movements.
Another important factor that affects the picture quality is the orientation, or positioning, of the baby. Later in the pregnancy, the head of the baby descends deeper into the pelvic area to prepare for the birthing process, and there may not be sufficient fluids in the area being scanned due to fluid shift, which will affect the image quality.
What is a 4D-Remote Webcast?
The 4D-Remote webcast is an exciting new feature which allows you to broadcast your ultrasound session live to any of your relatives. Your loved ones may be residing in another state or another country, as long as they have access to the internet, they can view your ultrasound session "live" as if they were right by your side. This feature is highly affordable for only $20 extra added to your 3D/4D package, which gives you two account logins. Additional accounts may be purchased at $5 extra. If you are interested in this feature you must let us know at least 24 hours prior to your appointment, along with the email addresses of two of your relatives.
Please note: 4D-Remote Webcast is free to military families, who have a military member deployed oversees on active duty. Please provide us with your military ID to qualify if you may be eligible.
When is the best time to have these services done?
Whether you wish to come in for gender determination, a full 3D/4D scan or expecting twins, following are the recommended times for these services:
For Gender Determination: 18-34 weeks
For Single Pregnancy: 26-32 weeks.
For Multiple pregnancies (twins or more): 20-28 weeks.
Usually by these times, a mother still has retained enough amniotic fluid to be able to observe fetal movements.
It is recommended that you call us to discuss your particular situation to determine the best time for your appointment.
How long will my appointment last?
Depending on which package you choose your session can be either 5, 12, 20 or 30 minutes in duration. We may extend your session maximum of five extra minutes only if the adequate images are not obtained sooner.
What factors affect the quality of the images?
Please understand that this is NOT photography! This is ultrasound. We have no way of communicating with the subject and thus we are completely dependent on the orientation of the baby. This is the limitation of any ultrasound!
There are several factors that can affect the quality of the image; however, two most important factors are the positioning of the baby and the amount of maternal tissue also known as the amniotic fluids. Amniotic fluids get lesser later in the pregnancy as the baby grows larger. Since ultrasound waves need fluid to travel through to create an image, lesser amniotic fluids will result in less than perfect image quality. In addition, later in the pregnancy the head of the baby gets positioned deeper in the pelvic area to prepare for the birthing process which also makes it difficult to scan the baby's face due to lesser fluids around the facial area.
Check out some examples of the photos and video you will receive.
Is 3D/4D ultrasound available to anyone?
No walk-ins are accepted. Appointments must be made ahead of time and proof of prenatal care must be verified prior to your scanning. Ideally 3D/4D appointments should be scheduled after the mother has completed her second trimester diagnostic ultrasound.
Will I always get a clear view of my baby?
Mostly 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. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother's condition. We make no promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our clinic, or that we can always meet everyone's expectations.
In case we do not get a clear view of the baby, is it possible to have a repeat scan?
Repeat scans are only done on a case by case basis. If you choose to come before (or after) the recommeded time listed on our calander for your scan, each additional session will be charged a separate fee. In addition, if the client designs their own package, each additional session will have to be paid for by the client.
By purchasing any one of our signature packages (Cute as a button & Oh so Adorable) you are giving yourself a peace of mind that if the baby was positioned unfavorably, you are guarenteed another session at no additional cost.
Please note that no one can ever guarentee a perfect shot of the baby's face. You pay for a chance to see your baby, not a guarentee! The idea is to get a glimpse into your child's most natural environment to watch them do whatever they would: yawn, smile, kick, punch, play or just sleeping comfortably facing the mother's back!
This is a non-refundable service under any circumstance. All payments are final unless a refund may be necessary due an incorrectable error on our part.
Can I bring my family and friends?
Friends and family are welcome. Please limit the number of people in your party to five or less.
Children are welcome only if they will be supervised at all times. Children must not be left unattended for any reason at any length of time due to safety and liability reasons. Also, it is a parents responsibility to keep children quite and constantly under supervision while in the lab. Please bring toys or distractions for children that will keep them occupied. The reading materials and the books in the waiting area are NOT intended for children. Eating is not allowed in the facility. You may step outside the facility to eat or to feed if you have to. Our goal is to provide everyone with an environment where they can enjoy this special time. Please be sensitive to others and treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my 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. 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. Please read the recent article about ultrsound and its safety. Web MD article
Please note! If your pregnancy is being monitored due to a particular medical condition, a complication or if you are considered high risk, please consult your OB prior to scheduling your appointment.
What makes Motherhood Sonogram different from other facilities?
Motherhood Sonogram is overseen by an accredited diagnostic lab. Our Sonographers are registered with American Registery of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Even if 3D/4D ultraound is considered an "Elective" or "Non- Medical" procedure, we are of the opinion that it should still be performed by qualified, registered technicians because it involves an unborn fetus.
What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform the 4D ultrasounds?
We use the state of the art GE Voluson 730 Expert to complete all ultrasound examinations. The GE Voluson 730 Expert has been seen in GE television commercials and many printed articles from around the world.
Fill out our customer inquiry form and have a staff member contact you with more information. To set up an appointment please call us at 888-538-8743.
