FAQs
What is the difference between 3D and 4D?
TThe 4th dimension or 4D is an element of time, added to the 3D image of your baby, so in 4D we are able to watch the baby's movements in real time. This is what is recorded on the DVD or the video clip on the CD. The 3D pictures are the still images captured during your session.
My doctor’s office offers 3D/4D ultrasound – is this different?
Although the technology is the same, the experience is completely different. You may have noticed that most doctors’ offices schedule ultrasounds approximately 15-30 minutes apart, which makes you feel rushed when you want to take time to experience the excitement of seeing your baby. Our ultrasound sessions are never scheduled less than 30 minutes apart. We do this so that we can take time to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests. We will do everything we can to obtain the best images possible including having mom walk around, or repositioning mom if we need the baby to change positions. Most doctors’ offices simply do not have the time to try to obtain the best images possible for an “elective” procedure. In addition, doctor’s offices have a very “clinical” setting that isn’t very relaxing or enjoyable. At Stork Belly Studios, your ultrasound will be done in a very warm, relaxed, family focused setting. Your entire session will be viewed on a large flat screen monitor so that everyone can see. Keep in mind also, we can accommodate up to 10 friends and family members- bring the kids, too! Remember, however, that this experience does NOT REPLACE a DIAGNOSTIC ultrasound done by your physician.
WHEN DO I GET MY 3D/4D PICTURES?
All your keepsake items will be ready for you to take with you about five minutes after your session has ended.
What we have to say about "PERFECT PICTURES"
Most of the time we are able to capture beautiful, amazing photos, but not always. Every baby photographs/scans differently and end results can vary. Sometimes factors that we cannot control can affect the clarity of the images and will prevent the sonographer from obtaining perfect pictures.
Factor such as: Amniotic Fluid, Fetal Position, Excessive Body Tissue
*Amniotic Fluid levels, specifically the amount of Amniotic fluid around the effects outcome of your session. Murky Amniotic Fluid also poses visibility issues as with any murky fluid. Review our Tips Section for tips on how to try to avoid this situation.
*The Position of the Baby also effects outcome of your session, specifically the baby’s face. If your baby is looking downward, has his face all cozied up to the placenta for a nap, or if the baby’s head is tucked right up under mom’s pelvic bone, it can be more difficult to see and image his or her face.
*Excessive Fat, Tissue or Skin also effects outcome of your session. If the placenta is located anteriorly or if maternal obesity is involved the penetration level of the sound beam can be greatly hindered.
We promise to make every effort obtain the most magnificent photos possible of your baby and capture best possible images of whatever parts of the body that can be seen.
Do I need a FULL Bladder
No, after early 2nd trimester having a FULL bladder does not help much with 3D ultrasounds. But it is best to have something in your bladder; this lifts the baby out of the pelvis. If the baby is positioned facing the back or if your baby is in a particular awkward location, emptying your bladder can sometimes get the baby to turn. More important than a full bladder is amniotic fluid levels for great 3D/4D – so stay well hydrated.
BUT...
Yes -if you are having a gender sonogram it is best to have a full bladder. If you are in your 1st or early 2nd trimester, or if you have a little extra tummy tissue having a full bladder can make a positive difference in the outcome of your scan.
What's all the fuss about Drinking so much water?
Being well hydrated is a HUGE factor in amniotic fluid volume and clarity, especially two weeks prior to your scan. You should drink the amount of water per day that is recommended by your physician. Medical providers usually recommend that pregnant women drink 8-10 glasses of plain water a day during their pregnancy. This can increase the amniotic fluid levels around the baby to allow for better imaging of the baby’s face and features. Being well hydrated also increases the transparency of the amniotic fluid to become nice and clear which greatly affects the clarity of the pictures and videos. The more hydrated you are, the better the chance for clearer images.
Also, in addition to the proper WATER intake, only drinking clear fluids and avoiding coloreful fluids has also be rumored to be beneficial.
CATION: It doesn't do much good to only drink water the night before or the morning of your 3D ultrasound, the fluid prep can take days to weeks if you were not already drinking the proper amounts of water.
Do we need baby asleep or do we need to wake up baby?
If you are worried that your baby will be asleep at the time of your ultrasound appointment and you want to make your baby move, there are a few tips for you to try. You may want to drink a glass of fruit juice, orange juice or soda on the way to your appointment or try consuming a snack, chocolate or fruit that is naturally high in sugar content, these can often wake your baby and get them moving (unless you are told not to by your physician).If you are here and your baby is still asleep or in a difficult imaging position, we can try different body positions and have you walk around to help the baby wiggle out of its comfy spot.
The most successul trick needs to be ok'ed by your Dr..... Caffine and or sugar usually do the trick unless you regularly ingest these ingrediants.
What will I see in 3D around 15- 20 weeks?
Full Body in One Image: 15- 20 weeks:
Many parents enjoy this stage with when they can see the baby as a whole, the whole body in one image. As baby keeps growing this stage is one of the last times your baby may be able to stretch his/her entire body out from head to toe. As the growth continues beyond 20 weeks you can see the face and different parts of the body in separate pictures but not all together anymore. Please note at 20 weeks your baby only weighs 10-12 ounces, so the 3D/4D face images will be of a skinny baby face. As your baby grows and gains more weight, the 3D/4D pictures become better.
What will I see in 3D around 20-27 weeks?
3D/4D Sneak Peak: 20-27 (Growing Stage):
These scans are a lot of fun because the baby developing habits and play and is just so darn adorable. At this stage gender is easily identifiable if you have not had it revealed yet. This is not necessarily the time to splurge on a 3D/4D session but a 2D session with a 3D/4D sneak would be perfect at this stage. Prior to 27 weeks the fat has not yet defined the baby although 3D ultrasounds images are obtainable, truly beautiful ultrasound images require fat deposits and fetal development
What will I see in 3D around 28-33 weeks?
3D/4D Viewing: 28 - 33 weeks:
Generally we can capture impressive images any time after 23 weeks. The weeks between 24 -33 weeks usually offer good 3D, and the best pictures are between 27 and 32 weeks. Prior to 24 weeks the fat has not yet defined the baby although 3D ultrasounds images are obtainable, truly beautiful ultrasound images require fat deposits and fetal development.
*Note: If you are heavy or full-figured, we recommend scheduling your ultrasound between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy for optimum clarity.
When is the best time to get a Close Up Baby Face?
Close Up Baby Face: 28 -34 weeks with 28 weeks being the Best:
Between 28 -34 weeks usually offer good face images of your baby, with between 28 weeks usually being the best time for a close-up shot of the face. As your baby grows, gains more weight, and develops more fat the face becomes more defined resulting in the 3D/4D pictures getting better and better. The incredible face pictures seen in magazines and TV are usually taken after 26 weeks.
When is the 3D/4D BEST OVERALL VIEWING
3D/4D BEST OVERALL VIEWING: 28-32 weeks:
Enjoy viewing your baby’s face, feet, fingers, heart beating and so much more. During these weeks you may see the most activity from your baby such as yawning, moving hands and feet and you may even see your precious baby looking right back at you.
Unpredictable Viewing: 34-37weeks:
After 34 weeks baby is sometimes just too crowed to get a clear view as baby become squished. It can become difficult to achieve good 3D/4D images due to the limited movement from the baby and the face up against the womb. The baby may have already descended into the pelvis, making getting any clear view of the baby almost impossible. If you are past 34 weeks it is more difficult, but not impossible. You may still be able to receive an occasional good 2D image, just be aware that it is unlikely to receive successful 3D/4D images as earlier in your pregnancy.
