What is an elective 3D ultrasound?
An elective prenatal 3D/4D ultrasound is a non-medical scan now being provided for mothers to be across the country by studios like Bellyssimo Imaging. The ability to have a non-diagnostic ultrasound has been created mainly in response to a mothers desire to share this bonding process with her family and friends in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. During your elective ultrasound we will be able to identify the baby's heartbeat, check baby's position, identify gender if desired, confirm the number of babies, and obtain prenatal pictures that are so life like it is unbelievable.
Is this harmful to me or my baby?
Ultrasound has been studied and implemented in prenatal imaging for over 40 years and there is no evidence that either mother or baby is adversely affected. During your 3D/4D ultrasound session we will utilizes the same type of ultrasound as a regular 2D ultrasound performed in your doctor's office. The power or intensity does NOT change when going from 2D to 3D/4D/HD mode. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) recognizes that parents are pursuing elective ultrasounds and encourage them to make sure that practitioners performing their ultrasound have received specific training in fetal imaging. You can rest assure that the ultrasound technician at Bellyssimo Imaging has both mother and baby's health and safety as the highest priority at all times. Also, many local OBs refer their Mom's to us for this experience.
How is Bellyssimo Imaging's elective ultrasound different from my prenatal providers diagnostic ultrasound?
Your diagnostic ultrasound ordered by your prenatal provider is a 2D scan specifically done for very important medical reasons. These reasons are to confirm due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for other pregnancy related issues, among other things. The session at Bellyssimo Imaging is specifically focused on enhancing the bonding experience for the mother, father and family members with the unborn baby. The realistic 3 dimensional images provide a connection between mom, dad, siblings, family, friends and baby that can be beneficial for everyone. Please remember at NO time is the scan that you receive at Bellyssimo Imaging to be used in place of a comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound ordered by your prenatal caregiver.
Is an elective ultrasound covered by my health insurance?
Unfortunately, medical insurance does not cover this service at this time.
When is the best time to have my 3D/4D ultrasound?
While anytime is a great time to see your baby, gender determination is most accurate if made at or after 14 weeks. The best time for 3D visualization of the baby is between 25-40 weeks, with 30 weeks being optimal. Prior to 25 weeks, fat deposits have not yet begun to developed under the baby's skin and while 3D ultrasound images are obtainable, truly beautiful ultrasound images you are accustomed to seeing require fat deposits and fetal development. While excitement surrounding your pregnancy and the ability to see your future bundle of joy is overwhelming at times, experience has led Bellyssimo Imaging to encourage mothers to wait for the appropriate time so we are able to get the most from her visit.
What if we do not want to know the baby's gender?
If you do not want to know your baby's gender, you can still come in and enjoy the ultrasound experience, we will just stay far away from the gender area.
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What if we already know the baby's gender?
If you already know your baby's gender, you can still book one of the gender packages to enjoy the experience. The packages are named for the time period during your pregnancy.
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What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
We do not require a full bladder for your session. However, it is beneficial to keep yourself well hydrated for pregnancy in general, and especially 24 hours prior to your appointment. We also recommend drinking something sugary (juice, soda ect.) about 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to wake the baby up a bit. When selecting your outfit for your appointment, two piece outfits are best and dresses are NOT recommended.
Will I always get beautiful pictures of my baby?
Usually, but not always. There are many factors that affect the outcome of your pictures and every baby scans differently. Some of the factors include gestational age, baby's position and amount of amniotic fluid. For our fuller figured mommy's to be, or if the placenta is in the way, the images may be a bit fuzzier. We do our very best to get the most ideal images that we can. However, we can make no promises that the images will always meet your expectation or look like images you may have seen elsewhere.
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