FAQs – Mommy and Me 4D

Can you tell me more about prenatal ultrasound?
A prenatal ultrasound test uses high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, that are transmitted through the abdomen via a device called a transducer to look at the inside of the abdomen. With prenatal ultrasound, the echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of your baby. The ultrasound can be used to show images of the baby, amniotic sac, placenta, and ovaries. Major anatomical abnormalities or birth defects are visible on an ultrasound. Most prenatal ultrasound procedures are performed topically, or on the surface of the skin, using a gel as a conductive medium to aid in the image quality.
Will the way ultrasound works affect my baby?
No, having an ultrasound won’t affect your baby. Ultrasound sends sound waves through your womb (uterus), which bounce off your baby’s body. The echoes are turned into an image on a screen, so your sonographer can see your baby’s position and movements. The frequency or length of the sound waves depends on how far along your pregnancy is and the type of scan being carried out
Will my doctor be contacted about the 3D/4D Ultrasound?
We do not contact your doctor prior to the scan since this is an elective procedure. We do require however that you currently are under prenatal care and if you have any concerns, you should ask your doctor. Ultrasound technicians in general cannot make a diagnosis.
How can I pay for the Ultrasound?
We currently accept major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and cash.
Are family and friends welcomed to join?
Yes! We encourage you to bring your friends and family to share this special moment with you. Children are also welcome and we provide them with plenty of toys and books to keep the entertained.
How long is the 3D/4D ultrasound session?
Depending on the ultrasound package that you select, your session will last between 10 and 25 minutes. However, plan on spending 30 minutes to an hour at our studio so that we can send you home with memories to last a life time. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to fill out our paperwork.
What should I do prior to the 3D/4D appointment?
Drink plenty of water even several days before your appointment to ensure your amniotic fluid is clear. About a half hour before your 3D/4D ultrasound scan, try to drink cold water or a fruit juice so that your baby will be awake during your session (unless you are told not to by your physician). Read our ultrasound tips too.
How can I be sure to get the best possible 3D/4D pictures?
Most doctors recommend maintaining a healthy fluid intake, especially while you are pregnant. This will help to ensure your amniotic fluid is clear as well as full. There are many things out of the sonographer’s control like the baby’s position, the mother’s skin type and build, amount of amniotic fluid, etc.
What is the difference between 3D Ultrasound and 4D Ultrasound?
3D is a still image while 4D adds the dimension of motion so it looks like a video.
Is 3D and 4D ultrasound safe for me and my baby?
3D and 4D ultrasound use the same frequency as your doctor uses in the normal 2D ultrasound. Ultrasounds have been used for over 35 years and there have been no proven side effects from its proper use. We strictly adhere to the FDA’s standards.
Do you accept insurance?
No, Mommy and Me 4D Ultrasound does not accept insurance because this is an elective procedure.
When is the best time to have a 3D/4D Ultrasound?
That depends on what you are looking to see. Many mothers like coming in twice, early on, 16-26 weeks, when they can see the baby as a whole, and then again at 25-34 weeks to see a more detailed face. Between 28 and 32 weeks, your baby develops more fat and gets a more defined face. After 34 weeks, it becomes more and more difficult to obtain good pictures since the baby is running out of room. However all babies are different and we have been successful in obtaining great images all the way up to 39 weeks.
How good are you at determining the sex of the baby?
At 16 weeks we can determine the gender with a very high accuracy. If you are over 16 weeks and the gender can not be seen, we invite you back for a weekday return appointment and we will rescan you for free within the next 14 days. The need for a return visit at Mommy and Me, the best ultrasound in San Diego, is usually due to the baby’s position.