FAQs

How do I prepare for my elective 3D ultrasound?
Two days prior to your visit:
1. HYDRATE your body.
2. Drink a minimum of 8-12 8oz. glasses of fluid (preferably water) for both days prior to the visit. However, we encourage you to drink this much daily because it is healthy for you and your baby.

The day of the appointment:
1. HYDRATE your body.
2. Drink as much as possible the day of the exam up to 1 hour prior to the exam time.
3. One hour prior to appointment, go to the restroom and completely EMPTY your bladder.
4. If you are not having any sugar/diabetic issues drink one 8 oz. glass of a sugary drink (soda, juice, lemonade, kool-aid, etc.).
5. While drinking your sugary drink, also eat a meal (sandwich, fruit & yogurt, cheese & crackers, etc) This process will help to get the baby awake and moving for us. If you have a sugar/diabetic issue, then substitute the sugary drink for another 8 oz. of water.

Download and Print the following two forms and bring them with you on your appointment date:
Download our Patient Information Form
Download our Waiver and Release Form

Does it really matter what brand of ultrasound machine is used?
No. Whether the technician uses a GE machine or a Medison machine, the main difference in the quality of the scan is the competence of the person using the machine. Click here to compare pictures from the GE and Medison 8000 machines and see for yourself.

What does the FDA have to say about elective ultrasound photography sessions?
The FDA has issued warnings about the use of ultrasound for non medical purposes. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement recently issued a paper that states that after 50 years of constant use of ultrasound technology, NO adverse health impacts have been found. There is no radiation. The FDA concern of “prolonged exposure” is addressed by Womb with a View™, by following all FDA guidelines and recommendations for length of scan and sound wave strength. By staying within the guidelines, body temperature/amniotic temperature is raised no more than if the Mommy were to take a walk around the block, or if she were outside in hot weather.

Will this ultrasound take the place of an ultrasound by my doctor?
NO! Our service is an elective 3D ultrasound. Our mommies must be receiving prenatal care and have already undergone a diagnostic ultrasound by their provider of care. This exam is never to be used in place of a complete medical diagnostic ultrasound.

Do I need an appointment?
Yes. we recommend scheduling 1-2 weeks prior to the time you will be having your session if you are able to come during the day. But if you need an evening or Saturday appointment, it’s best if you schedule at least 2-4 weeks in advance. However, since we are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm, our scheduling is much more flexible than in the past. We can schedule gender checks in the same week if you are so excited to find out the sex of your baby and don’t want to wait!

How long is the appointment?
Depending on the package you choose, anywhere from 15 minutes to 50 minutes. (It takes about 20-25 minutes to burn the CD & DVD and to print the photos).

Do you have cancellation policy?
We do not charge for canceled appointments but we do hope that people will have the courtesy to cancel their appointment 24 hours in advance so that we might give someone else the opportunity to see their baby. Remember, when you make an appointment, we reserve that time just for you. Please give us a call if you cannot make your appointment rather than be a no show.

Do you charge extra for twins?
No, we do not charge extra for twins. Because it takes more time to scan twins, we start with our Sneak Peek Package and go up from there.

Does the type of ultrasound machine make a difference?
All 3D/4D manufacturers make quality machines. You will hear one manufacturer say theirs of course is better than another…but the fact is…the machine is only as good as the person operating the machine. At Womb with a View, we use the Medison 8000. Medison invented the 3d/4dD technology and has now sold the technology to other manufacturers (GE, Phillips, Acuson etc). Our machine produces the same(/or better in most instances), beautiful images of your baby that any other ultrasound company can give you, regardless of the hype. We have been taking keepsake photos of babies in the Central Valley with absolutely beautiful results!

What is the difference between 3D and 4D?
3D is the still picture of the baby and 4D is the live motion of the baby where we can enjoy watching him or her move, yawn, stretch and do all kinds of fun things. Medison calls this technology Live 3D. 4D and Live 3D are exactly the same thing. We enjoy watching babies moving in the womb and love capturing these precious moments with expectant families.

What determines picture quality?
Picture quality is affected by several factors
• Position of the baby
• The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding baby
• The amount of maternal tissue between the probe and the baby

At what age do you start checking for gender?
We start at 17 weeks where we can guarantee the gender of your baby. If we are unable to tell you for sure what you are having, we will invite you back one time for no additional charge. It is important for you that we are accurate.

Are you able to get pictures of every baby?
As much as we would like to, sometimes it is not possible to get a picture of the baby. The best pictures are taken when mothers have large amounts of amniotic fluid and have an average amount of body tissue between the baby and the probe. We will do our best to take a fantastic picture.

If I do not get a good picture or any pictures, do I get a refund?
If we are unable to obtain a picture of a baby, we do not offer a refund. If the baby is in a non-photographical position (i.e. face down towards the mother’s spine), we will invite you back one time for no additional charge.

What should I bring?
First, we need your physician’s name, address and telephone number. We also need the date of your diagnostic ultrasound that your doctor ordered. This is how we confirm your prenatal care. You may download this form and bring it with you by clicking here.

Who is allowed to come with me?
The ultrasound room has space to accommodate up to 15 people. We encourage you to bring whomever you want to share this experience with. Children are more than welcome to attend the session. Please make sure they have a supervising adult with them at all times.

What should I not bring?
Please do not bring food and drinks (water is OK for pregnant moms).

Do you have a payment plan?
Payment is due in full at time of service. We accept VISA, MC, Discover, debit cards, money orders and cash. Personal checks are not accepted.

Do you accept insurance plans?
Insurance plans do not cover elective keepsake photography sessions. While we are performing limited diagnostic services (heart rate, gender, fetal position) we are an elective service and supplemental to your physician care.