Congratulations to you and your growing family! Below are the most frequently asked questions that most patients calling PregnantSEE Ultrasound ask. If you have additional questions that have not been addressed below, please contact us at 703-537-0410 or email us directly at maria@5dultra.com
Why choose PregnantSEE?
Our technicians have been performing 3D/4D/HD Ultrasounds since its inception and have been made available to the public, and therefore are very experienced and proficient in 3D/4D/HD renderings. We have scanned tens of thousands of baby’s over the past decade covering the VA, MD, DC and WV areas. We have truly mastered the art of this technology and have trained many others in the field. We have deployed and invested heavily in the best-rated GE 3D/4D HD medical equipment. This allows you to see the difference in your images of baby. Please note, many organizations claim to use “state-of-the-art” equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology. Only the GE E8 generates HD 3D/4D images with amazing clarity. Our sonogram equipment allows you to see your baby in live 4D motion video unlike any other on the market today. We have also wisely invested in having our own facilities vs. working out of a small room in a doctor’s suite so that you may have the benefit of bringing friends, family members, and even children with you to your appointment. Our extended hours are from 10am-8pm and weekends 10am-3pm. Our reviews and testimonials have been rated stellar. Our before and after comparison images are like no other out there in the entire industry. You will find out first hand that PregnantSEE genuinely cares about you and your baby as if we were scanning our own.
What is the difference between 2D, 3D 4D and HD?
3D 4D HD HDLIVE Ultrasound
2D is a black and white still image like you generally get at our doctor’s office. It is capturing a slice of an image. 3D is taking points from multi dimensions and creating a still 3 dimensional image like the photos you see displayed on our website or marketing materials. With most of our packages these images are saved in a jpg format on a CD so that you can email, print, facebook, etc. As for 4D~Instead of just one 3D image after another, computers have been able to do this so quickly that we now can stream to you what your baby is doing LIVE in the womb; hence the 4th dimension (4D) is time. When purchasing a 3D/4D session with PregnantSEE you will automatically see everything in both 3D and 4D. Your 4D-moving portion can actually be DVD recorded. You will have what baby was doing at that moment in time in mommy’s womb FOREVER.
HD (High Definition) is by far a much better version of the 3D/4D technology that has been available for the past decade. Our 3D/4D sessions at PregnantSEE are now ALL PERFORMED IN HD, where others are still using the dated 3D/4D. HD images are still in a slight bronze tone, they are so much clearer, lighter, brighter, smoother, have less speckle than before. The motion rendering as you watch baby move is not as delayed and much faster than the previous 3D/4D technology.
HDLIVE4D is even a step higher than the HD. It is an extraordinary rendering method that generates amazingly realistic images of the baby and the surface tone is no longer in that bronze color, but more realistic to flesh. HDLIVE4D also allows us to manipulate the light source and generates images that the industry has never before been able to produce.
When is the best week to come for an HD 3D/4D ultrasound?
The answer to the question has changed since HD and HDLIVE4D are so much clearer, more defined and now available. It varies based on your personal goal. Remember coming early allows you the opportunity to see the baby’s whole body and possibly even flipping, twisting and turning. Later in the pregnancy you trade that for more defined chunkier facial features.
14 weeks is the earliest we see patients if you want to find out the gender of baby. If you want to try and view the baby’s body then you want to come before 26 weeks. If you plan on having only one HD 3D/4D Ultrasound examination, we would recommend having the examination performed between the 26th and 34th week of the pregnancy.
For fuller more defined chunkier facial features then most moms tend to come 28-32 weeks. The longer you wait is NOT better. There comes a point where baby is too big, head can be tilted back in the pelvis, covered in placenta etc.
Take advantage of our VIP HD Program which allows you to see baby for a 14 week gender reveal and then 2 more times at different gestational ages so that you get to see gender, body movement, and chunky facial features. See our Packages Page.
Amazing 14wk vs Amazing 32 HD images
What package is best for me?
We have so many packages to cover the gamut of almost all of your desire and goals. Picking a package does not necessarily depend on price, but rather what your goal is. Sometimes our least expensive package serves for exactly that you want to see. If your goal is simply to find out the gender of baby, our 2D session will get you what you want. We perform gender at 14+ weeks. If your goal is “Wow let’s see what baby is doing right here right now” then our 15 min session is more than enough time, comes with all images on a CD and currently also includes a FREE DVD. Most moms under 26 weeks choose our 15 min session.Our most popular session is our HD 30 Min. If your goal is “Baby, turn your head, drop your arm, kick mommy, smile, I want to see your whole face, etc” then 15 min is NOT a lot of time. Most moms over 26 weeks tend to do a 30 min session. At this stage baby is naturally bigger, napping more often, generally head down facing the spine, arms and legs in the way. Doing a 30 min session gets you more images, priceless LIVE DVD video footage, wallet prints and more importantly DOUBLE the time for your baby to show you more. If you are bringing guests and want to entertain the family this is also by far the most popular package.
We have packages that include multiple visits. This is best for the person who wants to find out the gender of baby and also come back when baby is bigger to get the more defined facial features. It is also perfect for moms who already know the gender, but would love to see baby at different gestational ages. Our VIP HD program saves you Hundreds and is a cheaper way to go if you are coming more than once.
Can a 3D/4D or HD with PregnantSEE take the place of an Ultrasound requested by my doctor?
NO! Women who are seeking an elective prenatal Ultrasound with PregnantSEE must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care. You may be under the care of a Dr. Midwife or clinic. These woman have already or will undergo 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.
What 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. At no time is this exam to be used in lieu of a complete diagnostic Ultrasound.
Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby doing a 3D/4D/HD?
Extensive studies over 35 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 US. This technology uses sound waves. 3D/4D scanning uses exactly the same type and intensity of Ultrasound used with conventional 2D scanning. The technology is similar to the way dolphins communicate in the water. A probe is placed on the belly, 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. The difference is that instead of viewing one slice of a picture as in 2D we can now capture points from multiple dimensions.
Do I need an appointment/Can I decide what package I want when I get there?
To better serve you, appointments are necessary for all of our services and we currently cannot accommodate walk-ins. We are also out in the field doing community service, Pro-Life events and working with crisis centers so you may not even find us in the office certain hours. More importantly there are things that you need to do to be prepared for your session (see below). We book you based on the amount of time you want to spend with baby. Therefore we need to know in advance if you need a 10 min gender session or a 30 min long 3D/4D session. We do not allow you to extend your session last minute because the next family will be waiting for their time slot directly after yours. We generally have a wait list so for that same reason you may not downgrade your package last minute. Remember you are paying to see whatever baby is showing you live in his/her environment during your session.
How long does the 4D Ultrasound take?
Depending on the package you choose, the 2D gender session is ten minutes and the 3D/4D Ultrasound session will last between 15 and 30 minutes. Expect to spend additional time 10-15 min because you will need time to complete our registration forms, use the restroom, get paid up and we will actually have your CD, pics, and DVD video finalized for your prior to leaving our office. You are expected to arrive 5+ min early so that you have time to use the restroom, fill out paperwork and this way you are in the scanning room ready to go at the time you have scheduled your appointment for. This will allow you all of your appropriate viewing time with baby.
What is on my DVD?
Your DVD is the live moving portion of your session. It is not professional in the sense that nothing is cropped or edited. We are recording what baby is performing LIVE in the womb at that exact moment in time of your scheduled time slot. This will include 2D, 3D, and 4D. If you arrive late, you may not see that portion of your time slot recorded. The first several minutes of your session may not be on your finalized DVD. This is when we are explaining to you what the baby is doing and how the baby is situated so that you can better understand what you are looking at for the remaining portion of your session. At this time we may also be documenting the position of the baby, the placement of the placenta and verifying heartbeat. If you have to get up and use the restroom,or walk around to get baby to move that is also not recorded on your session. Not only are we recording your DVD video for you, but most packages will include all colored still 3D images of baby on a CD that you will have prior to leaving the office. Your DVD is formatted where you are more than welcomed to replicate copies if you choose.
Will I always get a beautiful picture of my baby?
Usually, but not always. There are so many factors involved. Every baby scans differently, depending on gestational age, position, amount of amniotic fluid, and mother’s condition, placenta location etc. Please be realistic and do not expect for baby to be all posed smiling and ready to say, “Hi mommy here I am.” We have been in the 3D/4D business of ultrasound ever since it has become available to the public so we have the systems and experience needed to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen. Be patient and realize that sometimes baby shows you more at the beginning, middle or the end. After doing this for so many years, we have found that everyone’s interpretation of beautiful is so different. The mom, who sees the baby in a gymnast position with arms and legs over the head, usually wants a profile view. The mom who gets the perfect profile view sometimes isn’t happy until the baby stops sucking the thumb or until she sees the full face. When the baby finally shows the whole face, others want the baby to drop the hand or even comment “the nose is huge.” We get it; our techs have all had children and had the 3D/4D. Enjoy the limited time you have with baby in the womb. Looking back you will find that sucking the thumb was the cutest thing ever, or lying on his/her side cuddled up against the placenta is exactly the way baby likes to lay up against mommy’s chest after birth. Yes the nose does look a little larger in 3D because a: we are passing the plane of the nose to try and get you a full facial and b: it’s sound waves we are working with, not a camera. You will be surprised when it’s all done and over with that there is no doubt genetics really works. Over time you will see everything the baby is doing in the womb will come full circle. Even the nose looks the same in all of the images submitted (just not as wide). We make no promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our own clinic with a previous pregnancy. Again, every baby scans differently. Clarity solely depends on how hydrated you are. Which brings us to the next question.
What can I do to be prepared for my session? Do I need a full bladder?
Once you book your appointment you will receive a confirmation email reminding you that this technology is a waste of money and DOES NOT work well if you do not drink enough water. WHY water? Water hydrates you and your body then increases the amount of amniotic fluid. This is the fluid needed and used to render your images. Positions of baby you cannot control, but you are the sole person that determines the CLARITY of your images. The more amniotic fluid the clearer the images tend to be, regardless of which way baby is facing. Also this helps push the placenta off of the baby’s face. You DO NOT need a full bladder, you may eat at anytime, but again you MUST drink the normal 2 Liters of water a day (8 glasses or 64 oz) for 3 full days leading up to your appointment time. We also recommend that you pay attention and book your appt based on baby’s movements. Does your baby go straight to sleep after you eat? Does she wake up and move after you eat? Is he active at 10 am or 7pm?
What are your office hours and how far in advance should I schedule my appointment?
Weekdays from 10am until 8pm and weekends from 10am-4pm. If you need a very specific date and time we tend to book about 2 weeks in advance. With that said we almost always have availability the same week and sometimes even the say day. It is usually just for random time slots that have not been filled yet.
Can I bring my family and friends?
Absolutely, children included. We encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the elective 4D Ultrasound session. This is the main reason we have extended our hours to evening and weekends. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones. If you are purchasing a 3D/4D session we can comfortably accommodate 8 people on our comfy sofa and raised seating. Your guest will be in the same room with you watching everything on our 120” theater size screen. Most moms who want to entertain guests tend to do a 30 min session so that you have ample time with baby, but guests can come with any package.On weekends our 2D gender sessions are performed in our cozy regular sized exam and you will still get the chance to see baby on a theater sized screen. This room can accommodate a max 3 guests. Note that you may upgrade to our family sized room by scheduling in advance. Pricing available in our packages’ section.
What do I wear?
We recommend that you come with comfortable loose clothing or even leggings. Jeans are very difficult to work with since the baby’s head is usually down. You will NOT have to de robe and this is ALWAYS an external ultrasound so only your belly will be exposed.
Are you able to tell the gender of the baby?
If you are 14 weeks or later we rarely ever let you leave until the baby shows the gender, even if it has exceeded our 2D gender time slot. We can not however guarantee that the baby will cooperate during your session. Certain factors such as maternal tissue, hydration, developmental stage and fetal position all affect the ability to determine gender. If your baby is not showing, we will invite you back during the week at no additional fee.
What kind of Ultrasound equipment do you use to perform the 4D Ultrasounds?
As the years go by PregnantSEE Ultrasound continually has invested in the best equipment available for this technology. We have upgraded yet again and use GE’s state of the art Voluson E8/E10 Expert. The GE E8 has been seen in GE television commercials and many printed articles from around the world. This machine is the best 2D, HD 3D/4D and HDLIVE 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 E8/E10 generates HD and HDLIVE 4D images with amazing clarity. Our sonogram equipment allows you to see your baby in live 4D motion video unlike any other on the market today. On a side note, each of our technicians know this machine like the back of their hand. They have scanned tens of thousands of babies and use ultrasound physics to work against all odds and get the baby to show you spectacular images in your favor! Trusted. Recommended. Respected at PregnantSEE.
Is the 4D Ultrasound covered by Insurance?
At this point, insurance does not cover the costs of our elective Ultrasound services. Since this is an elective procedure and is not intended to be a replacement for your doctor ordered Ultrasound. With that said our pricing is based on at out of pocket expense. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover and flexible spending accounts usually cover this service as well.
What is the difference between elective prenatal Ultrasound and one referred by my doctor?
You are choosing this ultrasound with us because you want to not because you have to. We offer 2D, 3D & 4D prenatal Ultrasounds to provide a positive bonding experience for the mother, father and family members with the unborn baby. Our realistic surface rendering of your baby’s images provide a connection between the parents and baby that can be beneficial to the entire 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 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.
Can you tell me measurements?
Since we currently only perform elective ultrasounds and not diagnostics, we will not perform measurements. These sessions take much longer than the elective procedure you would be getting at our office.
Do you offer in-home mobile 3D/4D Ultrasound?
We elect not to. Here are the reasons why.
At PregnantSEE we take our work seriously and try to provide a completely unique and comfortable experience for our customers and their families. The thought of 3D/4D mobile home visits may be perceived as beneficial, however we feel it cannot compare with the benefits of our in office 3D/4D experience due to a many factors.A mobile 3D/4D ultrasound is ideal for situations where you are bed ridden or incapable of traveling. If traveling is a big issue for you, then 3D mobile imaging will probably work for you. We feel that all the tools are right here in our office to get it done right every time. No variances from what works best.A 3D/4D mobile ultrasound, although performed in the comfort of your home, will not come with all the bells and whistles. A welcoming open reception area with a gallery full of images of before and afters, a Handicapped accessible bathroom, a family sized theatre type scanning room where you’ll have the best seat in the house only feet away from a giant 110″ movie screen, a super comfortable bed with a back wedge elevating and adjusting to your comfort at the correct height, soothing music and baby melodies playing softly on our premium sound system, LCD monitor screens to your left and right in times where turning to your side is necessary due to fetal position, surrounded by comfortable plush sectional seating for family and friends to be included. All media including Thermal images, color images, DVD/CD’s processed and ready to go within minutes after your scan has concluded. 3D/4D sessions at PregnantSEE at your request we accommodate as many as 10 guests so you can share the jubilation and tears of joy with the people you love most.For small children our room includes a small play nook which grabs their attention and keeps them busy and less fussy while we scan. Works great for babies attached to mommy’s hip. Not to be offensive, we find it hard to comfortably provide a comprehensive across the board experience for everyone involved in someones bedroom or by a sofa all staring at a laptop.Unlike mobile ultrasounds, In office visits do not require setup, everything is here and in place. You come in at the time of your appointment, and you’re off and on your way when your done. No looking for outlets or extension cords if battery drains, no figuring out where everyone will sit or where the ultrasound will take place, Improper lighting will affect what you will see, if there are window shades etc. Our rooms are equipped to adjust the required lighting, and distraction free where again you are viewing your bundle of joy from the right side the left side and straight ahead in remarkable detail on a 110″ viewing screen.
Our number one objective is to exceed your expectations. If we were to show you your baby on a 15″laptop, it would undermine the quality you really expect and deserve. We strive for you to see all of your babies details as thoroughly as possible as well as his/her movements in live 4D motion. We have been in the industry specifically performing elective 3D 4D ultrasound since it’s inception, almost a full decade! We know what it takes to get a great scan. We are EXPERTS at our job and it is an art. If we were using a mobile ultrasound laptop mommy would miss a huge portion of baby’s priceless LIVE movements because she would likely be staring in a different direction so that we can see baby in an optimal direction.
Omitting or varying any combination of these ingredients in the mix of our PregnantSEE 3D/4D salad just doesn’t taste right to us, that’s why we choose to avoid mobile ultrasound units and stand by our recipe for goodness with a life transforming experience!
Our testimonials and reviews over the past decade speak volumes. This combination holds us to the highest level of standards, ensuring safety, along with a name that is trusted and preferred by our industry’s professionals. Not all 3D/4D ultrasound systems are considered equal. Staying one step ahead of the rest, we remain at the forefront. Words alone cannot express the jubilation this treasured experience will bring to you. Watch in amazement and gleam with happiness as your blessed miracle begins to suck on their fingers and toes, yawn, twist and turn, respond to your voice and even smile.
Blood test for Gender or Ultrasound
Many moms call us debating if they should do gender ultrasound or just go with the blood test results.
Here are the pros for the gender Ultrasound at PregnantSEE.
- You get to SEE it with your own eyes by 14 weeks and its EXCITING!!! (alone or with 10 guests)
- You do not have stress until your 20 week diagnostic to confirm blood results
- Blood work is usually right, but not 100%, several of our clients have written testimonials our early gender was correct and blood work was WRONG
- We are one of few in the country who show you baby in HD and HDLIVE 4D.
- When you come for gender we give you a FREE HDLIVE 4D upgrade for your next visit. ($75 value)
- Gender is ONLY $50 when you bundle and save and almost all moms come back to see their baby grow
- Ask the OBs, we have a STELLAR gender and HD ultrasound reputation
Here js a 14 week gender clip
Need an ASAP Appointment or Extended Hours?
Our schedules are set at least a day in advance. We will do all in our power to accommodate you if you really need to come same day. The surcharge will be a $29 fee for a same day fee, IF the tech can manipulate the schedule to make this happen last minute for you. Aside from the Same Day Fee, If you need for us to take you before or after business hours there is $35 charge to extend our office hours.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND SAME DAY VISITS IF YOU DO NOT NORMALLY DRINK 2L OF WATER A DAY. Your images will not be clear if you are not hydrated enough and there are no redo sessions available.
How can I learn about cord blood banking?
If you are interested in Cord Blood Banking, we have never seen the pricing this good. If you wish to bank your own Baby’s cord, it’s A LOT cheaper than you think! To get FREE information about Cord Blood banking including any special pricing/promos, call or email Johanna with Viacord directly. Subject: CouponCode1277 Johanna.Reyes@perkinelmer.com or call 781-663-6209. All promos subject to change w/o notice so call today and payment is not due until after birth. Ask for payment plans.