Question 1

What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

We offer elective 3D & 4D prenatal ultrasounds to provide a positive bonding experience for the mother, father and family members with the unborn baby. We feel that realistic surface images provide a connection between the parents and baby that can be beneficial to the whole family. We make no claims that 3-D as used in this examination is performed to better assess the baby for abnormalities. Our sessions are purely for bonding and keepsake imaging — we are not a diagnostic facility and do not perform diagnostic exams.

Question 2

Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor's office?

Accepted Answer

No. Our sessions are elective, keepsake ultrasounds created for bonding and memory-making — we are not a diagnostic facility and cannot perform diagnostic exams. Anything medical stays with your healthcare provider; we're simply here to help you meet your baby.

Question 3

How is this different than the ultrasound performed or ordered by my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Many women have a medical ultrasound performed at 18-20 weeks. In some cases, your doctor or sonographer may even take some pictures and video of your baby in 3D/4D, but this is a very different experience than an elective session at our studio. A medical ultrasound is clinical by nature, and we feel that focus detracts from the relaxed environment and interactive bonding experience we provide and with the lengthy, unhurried session we schedule you for. In addition, the best pictures of your baby will be captured later in your pregnancy when the baby is bigger and more developed.

Question 4

Is it safe? Are there any risks to me or my baby?

Accepted Answer

Extensive studies over 30 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 United States. In 3D/4D scanning exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. 3D and 4D ultrasound 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. Ultrasound is safe, and a 4D scan uses the very same technology as the conventional scans you've already had.

Question 5

Do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services. You can book online any time, or call or text us at 865-444-1992. Same-day appointments are often available.

Question 6

How long does the 3D/4D ultrasound take?

Accepted Answer

We schedule a full 45 minutes for all of our 3D/4D ultrasound sessions and the ultrasound itself will last between 25-30 minutes. The end of the session will be used to choose the pictures of your baby you would like to print.

Question 7

How far along should I be before I have a 3D/4D ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you're wanting out of the ultrasound session. If you're wanting more detailed and clear images, then we recommend 26-32 weeks. Some mothers like to come in at 15 weeks to try and get a gender indication and then return later for a more detailed session.

Question 8

Will I always get a beautiful picture of my baby?

Accepted Answer

Usually, but not always. Sometimes if the baby is persistently looking face down, i.e. towards your spine, it may be difficult to see the baby's face. If this happens, a repeat scan will usually succeed because the baby has turned to a favorable position. We make no promises that the images will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or even from our clinic, or that we can always meet everyone's expectations. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother's condition. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.

Question 9

How can I help get the best possible pictures of my baby?

Accepted Answer

First, pay attention to when your baby is most active during the day and try to schedule your appointment during that time. Second, pay attention to whether eating and drinking impact your baby's energy levels and try to eat or not eat right before your ultrasound. Many babies seem to perk up after mommy drinks cold and/or fruity beverages, so we recommend having a fruit smoothie on your way to your appointment. Hydration matters most: start drinking plenty of water about a week before your appointment and keep it up daily. Well-hydrated moms tend to have better amniotic fluid levels, which means clearer, sharper pictures of your baby. Finally, many times the best pictures of your baby will be obtained when he or she has turned head downward, so if you know that your baby is breech, you may want to postpone your appointment a week or two to increase the chance of your baby turning before your appointment.

Question 10

What communities do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are located in the Bearden area of Knoxville, TN and serve all surrounding areas: Alcoa, Clinton, Concord, Farragut, Kingston, Kodak, Lenoir City, Louisville, Madisonville, Maryville, Morristown, Pigeon Forge, Powell, Oak Ridge, Sevierville and Seymour.

Question 11

Can I bring my family and friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In fact, we encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the elective 3D/4D ultrasound session. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones. All family and friends are welcome, and we can accommodate a lot of guests. Both of our rooms have large couches and chairs — our small room seats 12 comfortably (and more if needed), and our large room holds many more.

Question 12

Do you have more than one viewing room?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have two rooms, each with its own booking calendar. Our small room seats 12 comfortably (and more if needed), and our large room accommodates a lot more. When you book online, check the availability for both rooms — if your preferred time is full in one, it may be open in the other.

Question 13

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — ideally two pieces so your belly can be exposed easily without changing. We use warm lotion, but we recommend leaving anything you'd hate to get gel on at home.

Question 14

When will I receive my photos and video?

Accepted Answer

Most of your digital media is delivered within an hour of your appointment via a private link. Every session includes free 8K imaging, and you can purchase printed photos, heartbeat bears and other keepsakes in studio to remember this special time.

Question 15

What is HD Live (5D) ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

HD Live ultrasound is an evolution of 4D technology that adds a movable light source, giving your baby's images realistic shading, depth and skin tone. It produces the most lifelike prenatal images available today, and it's included in our 3D/4D Experience session.

Question 16

Are you able to tell the sex of the baby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases we can provide an indication of the gender of the baby. We can't, however, guarantee that the baby will cooperate during your session. Certain factors such as body tissue content, developmental stage and fetal position all affect the ability to see clearly. If we are unable to get a good look, we will bring you back at no charge to try again.

Question 17

How much does a 3D/4D ultrasound cost?

Accepted Answer

We have packages to fit just about anyone's budget, starting at $65 for a heartbeat session, $99 for a gender session and $125 for the full 3D/4D HD Live experience. Every session includes free 8K imaging. Visit our pricing page to see all packages, add-ons and keepsakes.

Question 18

Is the 3D/4D ultrasound covered by my medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Because these sessions are elective keepsake imaging and are not a replacement for the ultrasounds your provider orders, insurance does not cover them and payment is out of pocket. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Question 19

What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use?

Accepted Answer

We image on professional-grade GE ultrasound equipment with HD Live and 8K rendering, and we keep it maintained and current so your pictures are as clear as the technology allows. Many studios advertise “state-of-the-art” equipment while using older systems — we're happy to show you exactly what we scan on when you visit.

Question 20

What is your redo policy?

Accepted Answer

We make every effort to get great, clear pictures of your baby's face, but there are times when the baby's position makes it impossible. In those situations we will bring you back for one FREE redo appointment to try for better photos. If we still can't get clear photos after the redo, we're unable to book additional redo appointments, and we do not offer refunds — the cost of the appointment pays for your technician, the equipment and the unhurried Toes to Nose experience. The free redo is our way of making every attempt to send you home with images you love.

Question 21

Can you see hair on a 3D ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, yes — and it is one of everyone's favourite surprises. Hair does not show up as individual strands, but by the third trimester a good head of hair often appears as a soft, wispy halo floating around the baby's head, especially where there is fluid between the scalp and the uterine wall. Babies with fine or very little hair usually look smooth. It is not a reliable way to predict how much hair your baby will be born with, but when we can see it, we will point it out.

Question 22

Will we see the baby move, yawn or suck their thumb?

Accepted Answer

Very often. 4D is simply 3D in motion, so you watch your baby in real time on the big screen rather than looking at stills. Stretching, kicking, yawning, hiccups, hand-to-face and thumb-sucking are all common, and awake, active babies give us the most to watch. Nothing is guaranteed — some babies nap through the whole appointment — but we schedule an unhurried session so there is time to wait for them to wake up and put on a show.

Question 23

Will my baby actually look like the ultrasound pictures?

Accepted Answer

Often you can see a real family resemblance — the nose, the lips, the shape of the chin. Keep in mind that 3D images are a rendered surface, and the baby is still packed in fairly tightly with fluid and cheeks that will fill out before birth, so features can look a little squished or a little older than they will at delivery. Plenty of our families pull the photos back out after the birth and see the same little face.

Question 24

Can you tell if we're having twins?

Accepted Answer

If you already know you are expecting twins, we can absolutely scan them — just let us know when you book so we can allow the right amount of time and room. Because we are a keepsake studio and not a diagnostic facility, we do not perform the exams that confirm or rule out a multiple pregnancy; that stays with your healthcare provider.

FAQs

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