Extensive studies over 40 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/5D scanning is exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound that is used with conventional 2D scanning.

The greatest risks arising from the use of ultrasound are the possible over- and under- diagnosis brought about by inadequately trained staff and using poor equipment. Prenatal Vision Ultrasound employs RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographers)- highly trained medical personnel. We also use only a state-of-the-art Ultrasound machine, a Samsung WS80A Elite. You can rest assured that we are dedicated to your safety and always follow strict standards of practice.

Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with Prenatal Vision must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and preferably undergone a medical, diagnostic ultrasound ordered by their provider to confirm their due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues. The issues that we are evaluating in the elective prenatal ultrasound exam include confirmation of the heartbeat, the number of babies in the pregnancy, the position of the baby, and the placental location. Please note, at no time is this exam to be used in place of a complete diagnostic Ultrasound. Prenatal Vision offers Level I Diagnostic services, please refer to our diagnostic page for further information.

Your reasons for having a Pregnancy Confirmation package are to:

• Rule out ectopic pregnancy and check the pregnancy sac is located within the uterus
• Confirm viability of pregnancy
• Check there is a heartbeat present
• Calculate the gestation of pregnancy (number of weeks)
• Determine whether it is a singleton or multiple pregnancy

6 weeks – At this stage the pregnancy is of course small, but we should be able to see the gestation sac with a yolk sac developing in your uterus. We should be able to see and hear your baby’s heartbeat, which is very reassuring. If we cannot see a heartbeat then this is either due to the pregnancy being too early (this is the commonest reason) or that the pregnancy is found to be not viable.

7 weeks – At this stage we can see a fetal heartbeat and the early separation of the embryo from the yolk sac. We look at the heartbeat and measure the Crown Rump Length (CRL), this means the measurements are taken from the top of the baby’s head to its bottom. From this measurement we can work out how many weeks and days pregnant you are (this early measurement is approximate for dating).

From 8 weeks – At this stage often the baby can be seen making small movements (usually past 8 weeks) which are amazing to see.

9-10 weeks – At this stage the baby is now much more recognizable as a developing baby.

If no gestational sac or fetus is seen on an early ultrasound, many doctors will choose to do another ultrasound in a few days to a week. If an expectant mother ovulated late, a fetus would not be visible during the time frame when it would be expected.

A fetus can be detected as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. Many ultrasound technicians prefer to wait until at least that point in the pregnancy to do an ultrasound and many prefer waiting until the eighth week of pregnancy when more of the development of the fetus can be seen.

A fetal heartbeat appears on an ultrasound as a small flickering image. About six-and-a-half weeks into a pregnancy, most ultrasound technicians can clearly see the fetal heartbeat. Since a fetal Doppler many not be able to pick up the fetal heartbeat until later in the first trimester, seeing the heartbeat on the ultrasound screen can be very reassuring for an expectant mother.

We can determine the sex of the baby if you are at least 14 weeks – with 100 % accuracy. 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 determine sex. If that is the case we will have you to return at NO additional charge.

We would recommend having your ultrasound between the 26th and 34th week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained anytime during pregnancy. Please see our Gallery to experience images of all gestational ages.

Expectant mothers that are full-figured should consider scheduling their 3D/4D/5D ultrasound between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, as the ultrasound tends to be clearer and the results more desirable and comparable to the images in our picture gallery. Special Note: If you are expecting twins or multiples, the best time for 3D/4D/5D ultrasound is between 20-27 weeks. This allows for a greater chance of capturing interaction between the babies.

BE HYDRATED – DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!!! We do not require that you have a full bladder; however, we do ask that you are well hydrated throughout your pregnancy. Please drink slightly more water that you normally consume for 2-3 days before your appointment. Hydration can significantly improve the clarity of an ultrasound. Please have a snack or meal 15 minutes prior to your appointment as digestion tends to encourage movement from your baby.

We currently do not accept insurance.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, debit cards and cash. We no longer accept checks and apologize for the inconvenience.