Frequently Asked Questions
At Baby Belly, we want to answer all your questions.
Click on the Question.
Why should I choose to have an ultrasound performed at Baby Belly?
These simple reasons:
1. All scans are performed by RDMS sonographers with years of experience in performing medical ultrasound scans for area OB's. Experienced sonographers help
insure your safety and that of your baby and that the very best images are obtained. (Wherever you have your ultrasound performed, make sure that they are
REGISTERED sonographers.)
2. We use the state-of-the-art Medison X8 to complete all ultrasound scans. Nothing compares to it in terms of image capture, capabilities, and quality.
3. We follow the professional guidelines established for the length of scans and intensity of sound waves. Not all centers do.
4. If you want to know gender, we'll guarantee our accuracy... or your money back on our Gender Determination package.
What is Ultrasound?
Diagnostic ultrasound is the use of high frequency sound waves to visualize structures within the body. A small device called a transducer is used to send sound waves
into the body, which are then reflected off of internal structures. The returning sound waves (echoes) are captured by the same transducer and sent to the attached
equipment which electronically changes the echoes into a picture (image) of the internal structures.
What is 4D Ultrasound?
"4D" is shorthand for "four-dimensional" - the fourth dimension being time. As far as ultrasound is concerned, 4D Ultrasound is the latest ultrasound technology. 4D
Ultrasound takes three-dimensional ultrasound images and adds the element of time to the process. The result: live-action images of your unborn child. We use the
state-of-the-art Medison X8 to complete all ultrasound examinations, as seen in the television commercial 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.
Is it safe?
Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use for over 35 years. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has issued the following statement regarding the
safety of ultrasound:
"There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures from diagnostic ultrasound instruments. Although the
possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic
ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present."
The ultrasound imaging performed by Baby Belly uses ultrasound energy subject to the same limits as conventional (2D) ultrasound to create our 3D and 4D images.
The amazing pictures and videos generated at Baby Belly are not the result of increased ultrasound frequency or power levels, but a combination of better transducer
(the probe that rolls across mom's belly) technology and sophisticated software interpretation of the sound waves generated.
Why do you still offer two-dimensional (2-D) Ultrasound?
Two-dimensional imaging is ideal for viewing heartbeat, real-time fetal activity, hair (after 27 weeks) and gender. We always include 2D ultrasound with 3-D as they
work together to show a full picture of the baby's features and activity. The benefit of regular ultrasound is its ability to look "through" some obstacles, such a hand on
the face. Also, the real-time movement shown in 2D ultrasound as well as your 4D session can be recorded on your video.
Do I Need a Note From My Provider to Visit Baby Belly?
It is essential that you are under the care of an OB/GYN and that he/she knows that you have requested our services. We are an optional service and do not replace
any element of your prenatal care. The issues that we are evaluating in the ultrasound session include a limited diagnostic scan to confirm heartbeat, the number of
babies in the pregnancy, the position of the baby, the placental location and the fluid level in the uterus. If you have medical concerns, we urge you to notify your health
care provider. We give you a report and send a copy to your doctor which contains our minimal information.
What kind of training do your Sonographers receive?
Believe it or not there are no regulations in most states for who can perform ultrasounds. As a result, there are many facilities that do not employ medically trained
sonographers. In contrast, Baby Belly ONLY employs Sonographers who have gone through an independent and accredited multi-year program in medical ultrasound
and who also have extensive experience in OB/GYN scanning. This allows us to provide you with both peace of mind and reliable imaging.
Be sure to ask if the person performing your ultrasound is an RDMS sonographer... a nurse or someone that has been trained for a few weeks to take baby pictures is
NOT the same thing and has not received the extensive training required to know what it is they are looking at on an ultrasound!
Do You Accept Competitor Coupons?
Of course! But, because packages may be structured differently at different centers, please let us know when you are making your appointment what your coupon
says so we can let you know how that coupon will apply to our pricing. Coupon must also be presented at time of appointment.
When is a Good Time for a 3-D or 4-D Ultrasound?
Anytime is good for an imaging ultrasound, but you will see different things at different times. Many women choose to come in twice or more to see their baby at
various stages (and we have specially discounted packages available for that reason).
Between 16-23 weeks, we can determine gender and you can see more of your baby at once and witness the amazing development already well underway.
Later, as babies build more fat, more facial features can be seen. More fat creates pudgy baby images, but the baby gets increasingly crowded at the end of term and
may hide. 3-D and 4D imaging depends upon the baby's position, size and movement, so we cannot guarantee image quality due to those factors.
Between 24-26 weeks is a good time as facial features are defining.
Between 27-32 is the BEST TIME when facial features are well defined and baby still has room to move around.
Between 33-36 weeks is a good time, but there is increased crowding in the womb making it more difficult to get desired pictures.
What will determine the quality of the images?
Unfortunately not every ultrasound session produces images likes the ones we see on the GE commercials. Because we use the best imaging technology available
coupled with licensed/certified sonographers, we feel you have the best chance of obtaining quality mages by having your ultrasound completed at Baby Belly. We do
our best, for every client, to obtain the very best images possible.
Regarding image quality, the following factors, outside of our control, impact the quality of the images:
1. Position of the baby. The baby's position has the greatest impact on image quality. Many cooperate with lots of open face views, smiles and yawns. Others
however, hide behind feet, hands and the placenta. Some babies seem a little too anxious for their first portrait, and press their face right against the uterine wall.
Other camera shy babies face the mother's spine, giving us a great view of their back. If your baby is not in a good position, our sonographers will use appropriate
approved procedures to encourage the baby to change position.YOU CAN HELP BY DRINKING A GLASS OF ORANGE JUICE ABOUT 45-60 MIN
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME SO YOUR BABY HAS SOME ENERGY FOR HIS/HER FIRST PHOTO SESSION
2. Tissue density. Since ultrasound waves must pass through the skin and uterine wall to reach the baby, the composition and thickness of skin tissue and the uterine
wall can impact image quality.
3. Amniotic fluid levels. The amount of fluid surrounding the baby can also impact image quality. YOU CAN HELP THIS BY DRINKING PLENTY OF FLUIDS
FOR THE FEW DAYS BEFORE YOUR ULTRASOUND (AS YOU SHOULD BE THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY!)
If we can't get you pictures of your baby's face, we will let you come back for a return visit, but due to the factors above, we cannot guarantee perfect pictures.
Will You Be Able to Determine The Gender of My Baby?
We pride ourselves on our skill and accuracy and gender determination/verification when it is desired. However, we will never guess or give percentages on gender. If,
for any reason, we cannot determine gender and you are at least 16 weeks pregnant, we will invite you back for a free return visit (must return within 2 weeks of
original appointment for free return). If you want to know soon than that, we sell Intelligender Home Test Kits that predict the gender of your baby as early as 10
weeks.
You don't want to know gender? Not to worry. Our sonographers always ask if you want to know gender before they get started. If you don't want to know, they
can insure that you won't. We have NEVER had a situation where one of our clients learned the gender when they didn't want to during their session .
Can I Have My Friends and Family With Me?
Anyone you want may join you for your experience at Baby Belly. The benefits that you will share by viewing your unborn child will result in prenatal bonding between
mother, father, siblings and the unborn child. Unlike other imaging centers, Baby Belly Prenatal Imaging room is equipped with a 42" plasma screen and comfortable
furniture so that your guests can relax and enjoy seeing your baby.
Do I Need a Full Bladder for My Baby Belly Session?
No. However, we do recommend keeping your body hydrated several days before your visit. Water, not soda, gets the best results.
Is the 4D ultrasound covered by Insurance?
If you are having an elective procedure, you will need to pay the cost of this ultrasound as an out of pocket expense. We accept cash, Discover, American Express,
Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards.
Do I Need an Appointment?
Yes, we schedule by appointment. We are usually not able to accept walk-ins. Occasionally, same day visits can be accommodated; however, we strongly
recommend that you call for appointment availability. Please note that weekends and evenings are in high demand and do fill up quickly.
When Will I Get My Pictures and Video?
All pictures, CD's, DVDs, etc. will be ready to take with you when you leave your appointment.
Why do the Ultrasound images have a golden hue?
Medison has found that the golden hue is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and shows excellent shadow and highlights.
Why would I want my images to be saved on a CD?
Images stored on a CD are done so in a digital format that will not deteriorate over time, unlike printed images. Further, CD's are non-magnetic and are not prone to
file damage that can occur to images stored on a floppy disk. Kept in the right environment, CD's are estimated to have a shelf life of 25 years or more. Clients who
store their CD's in a safe, secure environment and who backup their images to another CD or similar technology, help ensure access to all the images on the CD for
many years to come. If a printed image is destroyed or turns yellow over time, the image can be accessed on the CD and reprinted in its original resolution. Clients
want the images stored on a CD so that they have access to the original digital images that were created during the ultrasound session. They can reprint favorite images
as many times as needed, they can send copies of the images to family and friends over the Internet and they can backup the images to help ensure access to their
precious keepsake over the years.
So what can I do with the images on my Baby Belly CD?
The images on your CD include one or more of the following; high resolution 4D AVI file, 3D rotational, high resolution Jpeg and BMP images. These are full digital,
high resolution images and can be cropped, edited, cut and pasted as needed. What a client does with these images is only limited by the client's imagination. Here are
a few things we know other client's have done with their images:
1. Emailed selected images from the CD to family and friends.
2. Placed selected images on an Internet web site.
3. Placed images in a MS PowerPoint presentation to be shown during a baby shower or family reunion.
4. Printed images from the CD for invitations to a baby shower.
5. Printed images from the CD for scrapbook purposes.
6. Placed printed images from the CD for a baby book of remembrance.
7. Printed images can be framed to place on the walls at home.
What is Included in the Limited Diagnostic Report?
When you have an Elective Ultrasound performed at Baby Belly, our RDMS Sonographers will provide a report to you and your OB/Midwife that includes the
following information:
• Number of babies
• Heart rate
• Position of the baby
• Position of the placenta
• Fluid level
How Should I Prepare for My Ultrasound to Get the Best Pictures?
Make sure you drink PLENTY of fluids during the days leading up to your appointment (as you should already be doing!). This will help with your baby's amniotic
fluid levels.
On the day of your ultrasound, eat normally but also try to have something light to eat and a glass of fruit juice about an hour before hand. This will help to get your
baby moving.
What are the Benefits of Prenatal Ultrasound?
Extensive research has been conducted on the use of ultrasound during pregnancy. Ultrasounds have been proven to increase the bonding between Mom and her baby
and to produce improvements in the baby's health and size at birth. Mom's who have "seen" their babies feel more connected to them and have a stronger sense of
well-being/reassurance about their pregnancies. Ultrasounds typically result in an increased commitment to healthier prenatal behaviors such as improved diet and
exercise as well as smoking cessation. And, it's probably no surprise that Moms who are more relaxed about their pregnancies also tend to sleep better.
The benefits don't just apply to Mom....Studies have also reported significant reductions in stress for Dad after seeing his baby with an ultrasound.
Can I use Spa Finder Gift Certificates for My Ultrasound?
Absolutely! We also take Spa Wish gift certificates.
