FAQs
The questions listed below are the most frequently asked questions about our Elective Prenatal 3D/4D/HD Ultrasound packages and SneakPeek . Should you have any questions that are not answered below, please call us at (813)249-BABY (2229) or feel free to send us an email at info@meetthebabyultrasound.com.
SneakPeek®
SneakPeek Clinical is an early gender DNA detection test offered to women starting at 9 weeks into pregnancy. The genetic test is designed to work in conjunction with an ultrasound scan for expecting mothers. An on-site phlebotomist draws a blood sample in the comfort of the ultrasound studio, and then returns the sample to SneakPeek Labs for processing. The laboratories offer the fastest turnaround times in the industry, with a choice of receiving your results the same day the sample reaches the Sneak Peek Lab.
SneakPeek utilizes the natural process of shared fetal DNA circulating inside the mother’s bloodstream. Our PCR technology has the ability to detect the presence or absence of male Y chromosome in the blood sample provided starting at 9 weeks into pregnancy. If it is detected then the baby’s gender is male and if it is not detected then the baby’s gender is female.
Elective Prenatal 3D/4D/HD Ultrasound
We offer elective 2D, 3D,4D, 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. Click here to view an actual 4D Ultrasound clip
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 should 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.
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Women seeking an elective prenatal Ultrasound with Meet the Baby Ultrasound must already 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 ultrasound 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.
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 exactly the same type and intensity of Ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning.
Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services.
Depending on the package you choose, the 4D/HD Ultrasound session will last between 10 and 30 minutes. If you have purchased the Gold or Platinum package, plan on spending 40 to 50 minutes depending on the babies position and cooperation during the ultrasound.
If you plan on having only one 4D Ultrasound examination, we would recommend having the examination performed between the 26th and 34th week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained anytime after about 22 weeks of pregnancy. Many mothers obtain more than one 4D Ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their second and third trimesters.
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.
Yes. In fact, we encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the elective 4D/HD Ultrasound session. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones. All of our locations provide a spacious, comfortable family room setting, with an extra large viewing screen for your ultrasound visit. We can comfortably seat 8 to 10 guests, but there is no limit, so just bring’em all. Our seating is specifically arranged so that everyone in your party will have an excellent view of our large 100-inch screen 4D/HD images 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.
At this point, 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 both cash and credit cards.
We use the state of the art ultrasound equipment to complete all Ultrasound examinations. The machine along with our specialty trained sonographers will provide you with the best 2D, 3D, 4D, and HDlive ultrasound experience 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 E8 generates 3D/HD images with amazing clarity and gives you the same clarity with 4D/HDlive imagery of your baby in motion. Our sonogram equipment allows you to see your baby in live motion video unlike any other on the market today.
We have packages to fit just about anyone’s budget. Please refer to our Ultrasound Pricing page for more information on available packages.
What is the difference between 2D/3D/4D/HD ultrasounds?
Are 4D and HD ultrasound safe for me and my baby?
A Meet the Baby Ultrasound is safe for both mother and fetus. Our state of the art technology uses the EXACT same ultrasound waves used in a traditional 2D ultrasound scan at your doctor’s office.
The machine and software simply process the information differently to provide us with spectacular 3D ultrasound images and 4D/HDlive video. Meet the Baby has highly trained ultrasound technicians that are certified in 3D/4D/HD. You can rest assured knowing you are receiving the highest quality elective imaging available.
When is the best time for a 4D/HDlive ultrasound?
The best time to have your full 4D/HDlive ultrasound is between 26 and 34 weeks. It is possible to get 3D/4D/HD images at any time, but within this range the baby has well developed facial features, yet still has enough amniotic fluid for us to get great images.
Many expectant parents schedule an ultrasound at around 26 weeks to see a cute little face and much of the body. They return at around 33 weeks when the finest details of the face can be seen. With 4D/HD ultrasound scanning, you’ll see your baby in a way you never thought possible. From a yawn, to a stretch, a smile, or a wave, your ultrasound session will allow you to capture once in a lifetime moments on CD and/or DVD!
Also, many parents come in to see their baby moving in 4D/HD during the early stages (around 20 weeks) and to get a confirmation gender determination. They then come back at around 30 weeks to receive detailed images of the face (at a discounted rate). See our Packages and Pricing page for additional details.
It truly is amazing to see how much they change! Visit our 3D photo gallery for examples of the different weeks and to choose what week or weeks of development you would like to capture. Now you can enjoy a bonding experience that you’ll never forget!