FAQs
Q: Does It Matter What Ultrasound Machine Is Used?
A: Yes, very much so! Peek A Baby uses the world's best 3D/4D ultrasound machine, the GE Voluson E8. The best ultrasound machine, and the only one that has a frame speed fast enough to allow you to see real-time movement, is the GE Voluson E8. This machine uses the latest technology providing the best possible pictures and real-time clips. No other machine compares, so don't be fooled by claims that other machines can do this. It's simply not true. The GE has been featured on NBC's Today Show and in many commercials. Your sonographer is also a very important aspect of your session. Our sonographers are certified, professionally trained, and very capable. However, the best sonographer can only produce what the machine allows. That's why we have invested so much more in our machine to ensure you receive the best. If your provider is not utilizing the GE Voluson E8, you are not receiving the best service or best pictures.
Q. How Many Weeks Do You Have To Be for a Peek a Baby Ultrasound Session? See Our Calendar!
A: Peek A Baby offers different packages. The amount of weeks pregnant you are depends on how you can view your baby. The earliest we recommend to determine the sex of your baby is 17 weeks. 3D/4D may be done from 17 to 24 weeks; however, the baby will have a more skeletal appearance. During this time, you are able to view more of your baby on the monitor and witness the amazing development already underway because the baby is smaller at that time. When you become 22 weeks, your baby starts developing a fat layer that fills in their features, so you will see more facial detail at that time. Many soon-to-be parents choose to come in twice or more to see their baby at various stages. Peek A Baby believes the best time to visit us is 17-34 weeks into your pregnancy. We do see women up to full term, but with variable results. More fat does create pudgy images, but the baby gets increasingly crowded and may hide. An ultrasound image depends upon the baby's position, size, placenta positioning, and maternal tissue, so we cannot guarantee images quality due to those factors that are beyond our control.
Q: Is Ultrasound Safe?
A: Ultrasound has been used for over 50 years, and there has been no indication of any harmful effects on the baby or mother from it. There is no radiation involved. In 3D/4D scanning, exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as conventional 2D scanning. 3D and 4D ultrasounds both utilize sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo, and generates an image. Peek A Baby follows FDA guidelines for time and soundwave intensity.
Q: What Are 3D and 4D Ultrasounds?
A: 3D is the still images that will show you what your baby looks like; 4D is live motion video images of your baby—this is where you may see your baby yawn or make facial expressions. 3D images are captured in color photographs or saved to a CD-ROM from where you can email or print them. 4D is captured on a DVD. All Peek A Baby 3D/4D packages include a DVD at no extra charge.
Q: Why Do You Still Do (Black and White) Two-Dimensional (2D) Ultrasounds?
A: Peek A Baby includes a 2D ultrasound with 3D and 4D, as they work together to show a full picture of the baby's features and movement. Two-dimensional imaging is used for viewing heartbeat, real-time fetal activity, hair, gender, and fetal anatomy. Most women are offered one diagnostic 2D ultrasound as part of their regular prenatal care with their physician.
Q: What Will Determine the Quality of the Images?
A: Many factors are involved in obtaining clear images. We use state of the art equipment and are professionally trained exclusively in obtaining 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound images. Some of the following factors may challenge our session, like the amount of amniotic fluid, fetal position, maternal tissue, and fetal activity. However, we often find we are able to image even the shyest babies, and we do our best under all circumstances.
Q: I’m a Plus-Sized Mom; Will I Be Able To Get Pictures?
A: Most of the time, yes. However, maternal tissue is an obstacle to 3D pictures, and we try our best to get pictures but are not always able to. There is just no way to know until the session is performed. The sound waves must travel through the extra tissue, which does hinder the quality.
Q: Will You Tell Me What My Due Date Is or How Much My Baby Weighs?
A: No. Peek A Baby is an optional service and does not replace any element of your prenatal care. We offer a non-diagnostic ultrasound. We will not provide any measurements that determine the baby's weight or due date. We require that you are under the prenatal care of a physician to use our service. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, we encourage you to consult your physician.
Q: Will I Always Get Clear Pictures?
A: As much as we try, we cannot guarantee that pictures will always be produced. Too many factors beyond our control play a major role in the quality of pictures, such as fetal position, amount of amniotic fluid, maternal tissue, placenta position, fetal activity, and gestational age. We do our best and try our hardest to produce quality pictures and most of the time do; however, there are a few difficult cases. If we are unable to get any face shots, as a courtesy we will bring you back one time for a repeat of your scan at no charge. This must be performed within a week of your original appointment and is valid Monday thru Friday only. Due to the reasons stated above, we are never able to guarantee the gender or the quality of the pictures.
Q: I’m Having Twins. Can I Have a 3D Ultrasound?
A: Yes. We recommend having the session done between 22 and 26 weeks for the best chance of capturing images of both babies. The further along the mother is, the larger the babies become, and the more difficult it becomes. Our sonographers will do their best to attempt to photograph them together; however, please keep in mind that twins are much much more difficult to photograph. There is a $25.00 twins fee that will be added to the price of any package due to the increased difficulty of this scan.
Q: Can I Have My Family and Friends With Me?
A: YES, PLEASE! Anyone you want may come to experience this amazing time with you at Peek A Baby. This is a bonding experience that your family and friends will never forget. Our rooms can fit 10 people comfortably.
Q: Do I Need a Full Bladder for My Session? How To Prepare?
A: Eat or drink as usual. However, we do recommend that you keep your body hydrated with water several days prior to your appointment for the best results. We also recommend that you empty your bladder and then drink a tall glass of water 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Q: Do You Accept Health Insurance?
A: No, since we are strictly a "keepsake" 3D ultrasound service, you must pay out of pocket. We are an elective non-diagnostic service; therefore, health insurance does not cover it. We accept several forms of payment at the time of service.
Q: What Form of Payment Do You Accept?
A: We accept all contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards as payment only. No cash or checks.
Q: Do I Need an Appointment?
A: YES. We schedule by appointment only. But. we always do our best to get you so simply call our office to schedule or click here to schedule now through our online system. We recommend scheduling well in advance. We do schedule evenings and weekends; however, those appointments fill up quickly.