FAQs
Your Questions Answered
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 or send us an e-mail at [email protected].
Cancellation Policy: We ask that you please provide as much notice as possible if you are not able to make your appointment so we can open the time up to others who may be waiting to schedule an appointment.
Rescan Policy: All rescans must be completed within 2 weeks of your original scan date.
Q: What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?
We offer elective 2D, 3D/4D and HD 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 MUST be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and have already undergone a medical, diagnostic ultrasound ordered by their provider to confirm their due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues.
The issues that we are evaluating in the elective prenatal ultrasound session include a limited diagnostic scan to confirm heartbeat, the number of babies in the pregnancy, the position of the baby, and the placental location. 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 been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is now normal throughout the United States. In 3D/4D, HD scanning it is exactly the same type and intensity of the ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. 3D, 4D and HD Ultrasound both utilize sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image. 3D/4D, HD ultrasound will be similar to a conventional scan in terms of exposure.
Q: What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform the 4D ultrasounds?
We use the state of the art GE Voluson with HD Live system to complete all ultrasound examinations. The GE Voluson with HD Live has been seen in GE television commercials and many printed articles from around the world. This machine is the best 2D, 3D, 4D and HD ultrasound machine available. Please note, many organizations claim to use "state-of-the-art" equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services. For evening and weekend appointments we recommend scheduling well in advance.
Q: How long does the 3D and 4D ultrasound take?
Depending on the package you choose, the 4D ultrasound session will last between 15 and 45 minutes. Overall, it will be about 30 minutes as we have to have some time to print the pictures and finalize the digital videos and pictures.
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 24th and 31st week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained any time after about 22 weeks of pregnancy. The most prime week is actually the 28th week. At this point the baby has all their facial details and there is as much spacing as possible for picture clarity. If you have an anterior placenta the 28th week is the best. Many mothers obtain more than one 4D ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their second and third trimesters. You can come in as early as 15 weeks for gender determination.
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 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, the 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: Will I have to pay if I am not satisfied with the results?
Our best customer is a happy one. We get more business from word of mouth than anything else. In the event, the baby is in a position that does not allow for satisfactory pictures we’ll make arrangements to have you try again.
Q: Can I bring my family and friends?
Absolutely, this is a family event. The more the merrier. We can comfortably seat 6 but the room is plenty big for more, it is a more relaxed seating if you decide to bring a larger crowd.
For those family members and friends who can’t accompany you to your ultrasound, we offer a Livestream whereby they can watch your ultrasound session live, in real-time over the internet from the comfort of their home or office!
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 we can’t get your little one’s gender, we will bring you back for a rescan
Q: Is the 4D ultrasound covered by Insurance?
This is an elective procedure so they do not cover it. We do accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover and cash. We cannot accept personal checks.
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. Visit our website for pricing or call us for pricing details at (610) 797-3232.
Call (610) 797-3232 today for your appointment or to get driving directions to our facility.
Bountiful Babies
4989 Route 309
Center Valley, PA 18034