Learning More About 3D / 4D Ultrasound
The questions listed below are the most frequently asked questions about our Elective Prenatal Ultrasound packages. Should you have any questions that are not answered below, please call us at (405) 715-3DUS (3387) or drop us an email at miraclewithinus@yahoo.com.
Q: What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?
We offer elective 2D, 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 3-D as used in this examination is performed to better assess the baby for abnormalities. A routine ultrasound examination must 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.
Q: Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor's office?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with Miracle Within MUST be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care for the current pregnancy and needs to have previously undergone a medical, diagnostic ultrasound to confirm their due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related concerns. During your elective ultrasound at Miracle Within, we will perform a limited diagnostic scan, which includes position of the baby, number of babies in the pregnancy and confirmation of the baby’s heart rate. Please note, at no time is this exam to be used in place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound.
Q: Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby?
Extensive studies over 30 years have found that ultrasound has not 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, 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. Rest assured that we only staff Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who are fully trained and understand the dynamics of the machine and how to utilize it correctly.
Q: Do I need a note from my doctor?
Yes, it is our policy that all women requesting an elective ultrasound provide documentation that they are receiving prenatal care. Before your ultrasound session, please have the following authorization form completed by your obstetrician, family practitioner, or midwife. Please fax or bring the completed form with you to your session. This form is a prerequisite before services can be completed. Click here to download our authorization form.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services. Please call to schedule an appointment soon as all prime weekend time slots fill fast.
Q: Do I have to be over 18 years old to come to Miracle Within?
No, although we do require a parent or legal guardian sign our admission forms. Please make prior arrangements in this case and call if you have any questions regarding this issue.
Q: How long does the 3D and 4D ultrasound take?
Depending on the package you choose, the 4D ultrasound session will last between 20 and 30 minutes. If you purchased the Gold or Platinum package, plan on spending an hour with us.
Q: What can I do to improve the quality of my ultrasound?
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!!! If you don't normally drink water daily you should consider doing so beginning at least 5 days before your scheduled appointment. Hydration can significantly improve the clarity of an ultrasound. Expectant mothers that are heavy or full-figured should consider scheduling their 4D ultrasound between 31 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, as the ultrasound tends to be clearer and the results more desirable and comparable to the images in our gallery.
Q: What should I wear to my appointment with Miracle Within Ultrasound?
Please, no dresses, two-piece outfits work best. This provides easy access to the baby and makes for the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Q: How far along should I be before I have a 4D ultrasound?
If you plan on having only one 4D ultrasound examination, we would recommend having the examination performed between the 28th and 34th week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained anytime after about 26 weeks of pregnancy. Many mothers obtain more than one 4D ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their second and third trimesters. Remember, expectant mothers that are heavy or full-figured should consider scheduling their 4D ultrasound between 31 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, as the ultrasound tends to be clearer and the results more desirable. Also, please come well hydrated.
Q: Will I always get a beautiful image 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 in one hour 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 clinic, 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 condition. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.
Q: Can I bring my family and friends?
Yes. In fact, we encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the elective 4D ultrasound session. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones. We can also comfortably accommodate up to 8-10 guests, however there is no limit to the number of guests an expectant mother can bring with her!
Q: Are you able to tell the sex of the baby?
Yes, in most cases we can provide an indication of the sex of the baby. 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 sex.
If for any reason Miracle Within Ultrasound cannot determine the gender of your baby after 18 weeks gestational age, we will invite you back to Miracle Within Ultrasound at NO ADDITIONAL COST to determine the gender.
Q: Is the 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, Visa or MasterCard.
Q: 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. This machine is the best 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound machine available.
Please note, many organizations claim to use "state-of-the-art" equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology. Only the GE Voluson 730 Expert generates 3D images with amazing clarity and gives you the same clarity with 4D imagery of your baby in motion. Our sonogram equipment allows you to see your baby in live motion video unlike any other equipment on the market today.
Q: How much does it cost?
We have packages to fit just about anyone’s budget. We continuously strive to provide the highest quality products and packages at the most affordable costs. We always have special discounts so please continue to visit our website or call us for details on our latest discounts at (405) 715-3387.
We do not provide Diagnostic Ultrasound services to determine an estimated due date, detect anomalies, or to estimate the weight and/or length of the baby.
Have any questions? Would you like to make an appointment? Click here! |
