The most frequently asked questions about our elective 3D & 4D prenatal ultrasound packages are listed below.
WHAT IS 3D/4D ULTRASOUND?
Ultrasound is a technology that has been in use for more than 40 years. It uses sound waves that are translated by a computer into images. A probe is placed on the belly coated with a gel which decreases resistance to the reflected sound waves. 2D ultrasound represents these waves as an outline and is good for determining gender. 3D ultrasound gives depth to the image which makes it much easier for parents to understand. Three dimensions give you height, width and depth. The fourth dimension (4D) is time. At Look of Love you will see you baby in 3D as it moves around! You may also take home this movie of your baby.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
We schedule appointments generously, so our clients never feel hurried. Please come 15 minutes before your appointment to register and get settled in. Some sessions may last up to an hour if fetal position is an issue. While we do not scan for an hour, we allow time for you to eat or drink something and walk around a bit to help the baby find a better position!
WHAT WILL I SEE? WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO THIS?
Anytime is a good time to see your growing baby!
The images you will see depend largely on the timing of your appointment and we strive to get the best facial shots of your baby possible. Appointments scheduled during weeks 16-22 will allow you to easily see all of your baby’s body, though the face will still look fairly skeletal. From 22 –28 weeks, your baby begins to develop fat under the skin which rounds out the images. By 30-34 weeks your baby is too big to see in one photo! Hands, toes and facial features are well developed and visible.
We do see women up to full term, but with variable results. The baby is increasingly crowded and may hide! Position, size and movement determine the images we are able to obtain during this last portion of pregnancy.
Many women opt for two or more 3D ultrasound sessions to enjoy the different stages of their
baby’s development. We suggest the first ultrasound be done between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy so you
can see most of the baby at one time and capture images of this stage. The second ultrasound should
be between 32-34 weeks.
At this time you can get great images of the baby’s face and see how much
your baby has grown and developed.
Please see our
SERVICES page.
- Take a quick peek at the various stages of fetal development.
- Let our Appointment Calendar help you decide on the perfect time to schedule your ultrasound session with Look of Love. Click here.
WILL YOU GET BEAUTIFUL IMAGES OF MY BABY?
We are very skilled at getting beautiful images of your baby. As we do our scan we determine the baby’s position. In the event that we find some factor of your pregnancy, for instance a baby whose head is facing your spine- to make the scan less than optimal, we will offer you another appointment at no further charge.
ARE FRIENDS AND FAMILY WELCOME?
Yes! We encourage our clients to invite family and friends to share in your elective 3D/4D ultrasound session. It is a joyful experience and one meant to be shared with those closest to you. The studio comfortably seats 6 adults- but we have had as many as 8!! Small children are welcome as well. We ask that an adult be present to keep an eye on them, however, because concentrating for the whole appointment is a big challenge!
CAN YOU DETERMINE THE GENDER OF MY BABY?
We can identify gender beginning at 16 weeks.
DO I NEED A NOTE FROM MY PRENATAL CARE PROVIDER?
You do not need a note from your PNC. We do require all women be under the care of a doctor or midwife. Your Look of Love session is strictly an elective ultrasound and does not substitute for any part of your prenatal care, including any ultrasounds ordered by your PNC. As a courtesy, we send a note to your PNC when you have had your ultrasound.
IS IT SAFE? ARE THERE ANY RISKS TO ME OR MY BABY?
Extensive studies conducted 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. These routine scans would be considered irresponsible if there were even a small risk to mother or baby. In 3D/4D ultrasound scanning, the exact same type and intensity of ultrasound wave is used as with conventional 2D scanning.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THIS ULTRASOUND?
No, your medical insurance will not cover an elective ultrasound done at Look of Love.
WHAT PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE?
Please see our services page for a full list of available options and prices. We accept cash and credit/debit cards only. We do not accept checks.
Have another question?
Please call us at 828-271-4700
Schedule your appointment today! Email us: info@lookofloveasheville.com
Evening and Saturday appointments available.
Please include your due date and any special concerns or requests.
Half mile North of Exit 5B off Interstate 240
Just after 3rd traffic light on Charlotte St.
between Kimberly and Lenox