Frequently Asked Questions...and Answers

What is your current COVID-19 POLICY?

1) We are only allowing TWO GUESTS. Absolutely NO kids and NO exceptions. 2) You will be asked to wait in your car until you are called for your appointment. A staff member will meet you at the back door to let you and your 2 guests into the building. Please park in the back parking lot off of Illinois. 3) Everyone MUST BRING & WEAR A MASK upon entering the building. 4) Before your session, you & your two guests must wash hands in the restroom before entering First Look office. 5) Absolutely no sick person will be allowed in our facility. If you are experiencing symptoms, you must reschedule your appointment. 6) All appointments, payments & signed waivers will be completed online through our booking site. 7) We are spreading out our appointments so we can adhere to our COVID-19 sanitizing policies and ensure that only one appointment is at our facility at a time. 

What is 3D and 4D ultrasound?

3D ultrasound is the frozen (still) image that will show you the surface of your baby- much like a photograph. Unlike 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound will not show your babies organs, and skeletal system.  4D ultrasound is 3D ultrasound in real time- that is you will be seeing your babies movements as they are actually occurring in the womb. 

What is the difference between the CD and the DVD you get with some of the packages?

What should I wear to my ultrasound?

You should always wear very comfortable loose fitting clothing to your ultrasound. Please do not wear a dress because we need to get to your belly. If you have a belly ring, you will have to remove it prior to your ultrasound session.  The 3D/4D ultrasound probes are specially designed with crystals and should never come into contact with metal. The best way to dress is in maternity pants with a loose belly band, and a shirt.

How early should I arrive to my appointment?

You should arrive five to ten minutes before your scheduled appointment. There will be one form to complete. Your ultrasound session will begin at the time your appointment is scheduled, so please arrive on time to ensure maximum viewing time.

Do I need to have a full bladder for my ultrasound?

No, but we do require all moms to please arrive well hydrated.

What if I am unable to make it to my appointment?

We understand life is busy, and plans change...if you are unable to attend your session for any reason please call at least 24 hours in advance to either cancel or reschedule prior to your appointment.  Charges will apply for cancellations or no shows less than 24 hours.  Please review our complete Confirmation / Cancellation Policy.

Will insurance cover my ultrasound?

No. Currently insurance does not cover the cost of the ultrasound. This is a completely elective procedure, and should not take the place of your physician’s diagnostic ultrasound.  Payment will be required at the time of service.  We have very affordable packages to meet everyone’s budget.

Does this replace my Doctor’s ultrasound?

No.  Please remember that our ultrasound sessions are completely elective, non-diagnostic exams, and should in no way be used in place of your physician’s diagnostic exams. We due require that all of our customers are receiving prenatal care from a physician.

Is it safe? Will the baby or myself be at risk?

Extensive studies over the past 30 years have found that ultrasounds have not shown any harmful effects to mother or baby.  3D/4D ultrasounds use the exact same intensity as a normal 2D ultrasound. No ultrasounds use any type of radiation or harmful agents; the images are simply created with the use of sound waves.  If you have any questions regarding the safety of the ultrasound, you should consult your physician.  In addition, Our technician is a certified diagnostic medical sonographer.

When is the best time to receive my 4D ultrasound?

This depends on how you would like to see your baby! Prior to 24 weeks, babies still have a lot of room to move around which makes for a very fun video, however their appearance is much more skeletal at this time. After 27 weeks, babies get fatter which make for great pictures of the babies facial features. We have observed the best time is between 28 and 34 weeks ; with 29-30 weeks being the most optimal. To see when is your best time check our best-time calendar.

How soon should I schedule my appointment?

We advise that you call to schedule your ultrasound session as soon as you decide this is something you are interested in doing.  Our schedule books 1-2 weeks in advance.  We will always try to get you in at a time convenient for you and your family; however we can not guarantee availability at the last minute.

Will I always get beautiful pictures?

In most cases you will. Sometimes babies are not in the mood to be photographed, and we can have a difficult time getting clear images of their face. If this does happen we will ask you to roll to either side, or get up and walk around, most of the time the baby will change his or her position, and we will try again to obtain better images. We cannot promise that your babies pictures will look the same as ones you have previously seen, however we will always do our best to ensure the highest quality images possible.  It is important to us that every customer has a great experience.  Therefore, if we are unable to obtain pictures that we feel are acceptable, then we will schedule one return visit at no additional charge.

What can I do to ensure the best pictures of my baby?

In many cases the 3D/4D images are incredible in their detail; however, the quality of the pictures is dependent on the position of the baby, movement of the baby, placental location and amount of amniotic fluid. The most important thing you can do to ensure good pictures is to drink plenty of water (minimum of one gallon per day) in the days and weeks leading up to your scan! The more hydrated you are, the clearer the pictures will be! By drinking plenty of water you can increase the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Unlike standard 2D ultrasound (black and white), 3D/4D ultrasound requires a significant amount of amniotic fluid in order to see the baby with great clarity. Without an ample amount of fluid you WILL NOT get good pictures of your baby. We understand this seems like a lot of water and a bit impossible, but it is the best thing you can do, and a sacrifice most moms are willing to make in order to obtain beautiful images.

In addition, we advise our moms to limit caffeine and sugar intake as it can sometimes have an adverse effect on the baby's cooperation during the session.  Some moms who are able to drink fruit juice choose to bring a bottle of orange juice to the session just in case it's needed to try and get baby to cooperate.   

Can you tell me the sex of my baby?

Yes! If you are at least 15 weeks pregnant we will be able to predict the sex of your baby.  

Can I bring my family and friends?

Absolutely- we encourage you to share this amazing experience with everyone. We have a very comfortable atmosphere and are able to accommodate up to 10 family members and friends. Please inform our staff in advance if you plan on bringing more than 10 guests.

How long will I have to wait for my pictures?