To keep it simple, ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves which reflect off of tissue and return to the machine. Depending on the density of the surfaces they encounter, the waves come back at different frequencies. The machine then process this data and generate (render) it into realistic surface images.

2D is the traditional black & white ultrasound you have probably seen before. The pictures just show flat, two-dimensional outlines of the baby. A 2D ultrasound is the diagnostic procedure that you will experience as part of your prenatal care. This specific ultrasound is ordinarily used to listen to the fetus’ heartbeat, gender determination and It is still the best technology for gathering measurements of the baby, and ensuring that the baby is developing as expected.

3D ultrasound is an advanced method which captures a true, three-dimensional image of your baby. The transducer (sound wave transmitter) sends out sound waves from numerous directions and as a result makes a life-like realistic images, which easily display the little one’s attributes. You 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 ultrasound is the exact same technology as 3D with the difference that you can see the motion of the baby . A number of shots are taken continuously showing real time imagery of the baby. It’s like a window straight into the womb that allows you to have a look at the fetus moving about, perhaps yawning, smiling or sucking it’s thumb! If your baby has a large, clear pocket of amniotic fluid around the face and is developed enough, then we can get great clips of motion.

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 and around the world. In 3D/4D scanning, exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound waves is used as with conventional 2D scanning.

Prenatal Imaging Centers can perform an ultrasound at any time during the pregnancy, but the best 3D/4D imaging results are generally acquired between 26 to 34 weeks. If you are a small framed girl, you may want to consider coming in earlier rather than later. For average to plus sized women usually 28-32 weeks is a good time. As always, drinking lots of water and other fluids is the best thing you can do to get better images. This increases the amniotic fluid and makes it more clear.

Of course! We encourage and welcome you to bring your friends and family to your ultrasound session. Your 3D/4D ultrasound session is a special chance to share your baby before birth, so please bring guests! Our theater seats 15 comfortably, although we can easily accommodate 25 people. With our two 60’ TV monitors and theater seating, all of your guests can see your baby without a kinked neck. We provide the most enjoyable experience for mom and her guests!
For your friends and family who cannot attend the session, you can invite them to view your session through our Skype Station. Your guests can view your 3D/4D ultrasound from their own internet-connected device from anywhere on the Globe. Please contact us for details.

To help you obtain the best pictures, be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids 4 to 5 days before your appointment. Hydration can increase the amniotic fluid and improve the clarity of your ultrasound. You don’t need to have a full bladder.

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 will have 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 office, or that we can always meet everyone’s expectations. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother’s body type. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.

The most frequent type of picture we see shows one-half to two-thirds of baby’s face. The reason for this is because of your baby’s position. For instance, your baby may be positioned toward your spine or have one arm on her face. Some families do see 100% of their baby’s face while others see more of a profile. Your baby is the director of the show! Your baby will determine how much of her face you get to see. Many of our families will schedule multiple sessions, like our Double Premium Package, so they can watch their baby grow throughout the pregnancy. Every session is different in amazing ways!