Frequently Asked Questions
The following are common questions asked by our clients.
If you have a question that is not covered here, or if you are unclear on an answer,
please feel free to call or e-mail us and we would be happy to assist you.
Are there any risks of a 3D ultrasound?
3D ultrasound uses sound waves to create images similar to (regular) 2D ultrasound. Ultrasound has been around since the 1950s. Indeed, ultrasound exam in pregnancy is accepted all over the world today, as is 3D for high risk and multiples.
What are the benefits of a 3D ultrasound?
Although there is no direct medical benefit of receiving an elective 3D ultrasound, there may be many indirect benefits on the individual level, a pregnant woman may have any of the following benefits for herself personally: - Makes motherhood "more real" - Better able to visualize the baby - Able to share pictures with family and friends - Keepsake record, pictures for the baby album - May improve bonding between mother and child - May improve bonding with the father. - Ability to determine the gender, which helps with planning for the baby and helps increase bonding Because the 3D pictures and videos are more life-like, there is potential for stronger bonding between parents, siblings, and the baby. ***Please note that none of the above statements has been documented or proven medically or meant to replace the advice of your doctor.
What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D?
- 2D is the traditional black and white, where it looks like a flat image of the baby, from a single point. - 3D is adding depth to a 2D image. This is done in the same manner as your eyes, where it is taken at two points a short distance apart. The machine also adds a sepia color to the images to bring out the contrast and detail. [CD of pictures is 3D] - 4D is viewing baby in real time mode (such as moving or yawning).
Why is gender not guaranteed for 3D viewing, and listed as 2D?
Our main reason for listing gender as a 2D session is because finding gender in 2D is more easily obtainable than finding gender in 3D, especially if the baby is still very early in weeks of pregnancy. - With 2D ultrasound, we view the baby in planes (or layers). We can visually remove these layers if needed (for example: in diagnostic ultrasound, they have to look beyond the baby's skin to see if the organs are developing normally). - With 3D ultrasound, we view the baby only from the surface (called surface rendering). Therefore, if the legs or the cord are by the gender then it would be in the way because it would be seen as part of the same surface. What this means is that when looking for the gender, unless the baby is in a perfect position with nothing in the way, we will not be able to see the gender in 3D. With our 3D packages, because we are looking at the baby for a longer period of time, there is a fair chance that the baby will move into position and show us their gender. However, we will still check and confirm gender in 2D, so that we can provide you with the most accurate reading possible.
When are the ultrasounds done, and when is the best time?
All of our 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging sessions are done between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. 16-25 weeks the baby is very small and skeletal, you can see lots of movement and acrobatics. 25-30 weeks the baby is more developed and filled out, good for seeing facial detail. 30-32 weeks the baby gets very large very quickly, both in size and in chubbiness. 28-30 weeks is the best or most preferred time to come in, as the baby has lots of facial detail but isn't yet squished. In circumstances where the mother's body habitus (shape) is thicker around the middle, we recommend coming in around 30/31 weeks so that the baby will be larger and easier to view in the ultrasound. Gender can be determined successfully anytime after 15 weeks. Every week over 30 weeks there is a decrease in the success chance of the ultrasound session. Please see "what happens if I cannot get good pictures of the baby or the gender" below for more specific details. With twins, triplets, etc., we like to do the ultrasound session before 25 weeks, as multiple babies get squished fast.
How many guests can I bring with me?
While there is no limit to the number of guests you are welcome to bring, please note that we provide 3-4 extra seats comfortably due to the size of the room. If you have more guests than this, they are welcome to rotate in and out during the session or stand if they prefer.
How much time does 3D ultrasound need?
It depends on the package you book. The 20-minute sessions we book you for 30 minutes and gender only/heartbeat for 15 minutes. All bookings are longer than the appointment length itself. This is so the expecting parents are not rushed when filling out paperwork and if the baby is being uncooperative the mother has time to walk around or eat something sweet.
Can 3D ultrasound always give good pictures of the baby's face?
Please see: "What happens if you cannot get good pictures or gender of the baby?" below for a detailed explanation of factors that affect clear images, and what happens in those cases.
How many pictures would I get on the CD?
It mostly depends on the baby's cooperation. With 20 minute packages we are able to get a minimum of 12 pictures, but usually, results are around 40-60 within the time frame we reserve for you. Every baby and pregnancy is different, and this number is just an estimation.
Can one find out the sex of the baby during the 3D ultrasound?
Absolutely. However, 2D ultrasound is more easily obtainable for finding gender then a 3D ultrasound. We always check gender in 2D first and try to confirm in 3D. 3D viewing of gender may not always be possible, as it mostly depends on how the baby is positioned. Please see 'Why is gender not guaranteed for 3D viewing, and listed as 2D' for more detailed information.
What happens if I don't want to know the sex of the baby?
There are a couple of ways that we can still do the ultrasound session, and leave the surprise of the baby's gender for birth. Option 1, during the session we avoid the gender area of the baby, focusing more on the face, hands, and feet of the baby. Option 2, during the session the technician does not confirm nor deny the gender of the baby, if you happen to see something it is completely left to your interpretation.
Do I have to have a full bladder?
The best part of having a 3D ultrasound is that there is no need to have a full bladder. The reason being in early pregnancy ultrasound technicians use the full bladder to move the uterus into a more favorable position for viewing the baby. When our clients come into our office for a 3D ultrasound they are far enough along that the baby is already stretching and moving the uterus into the position that we require. Keep in mind that we DO recommend drinking 1-cup fruit juice 15 minutes BEFORE you arrive. This trick works to wake up most babies but there is no guaranteed way to wake up the little one!
Who is performing the 3D ultrasound session?
Precious Peeks only uses a registered and experienced ultrasound technician who has obtained extra 3D training.
Do I need an appointment and doctor's referral?
Our clients do not need a doctor's referral. This is because ALL of our ultrasound sessions are strictly non-diagnostic. We do not create reports for doctors and no personal information regarding your session is given out for any reason. Our clinic is not covered by OHIP as we are "in addition to" your regular diagnostic ultrasounds ordered by your doctor pertaining to the baby's health. We accept all of our clients on an appointment basis. We are usually booking appointments for our full packages about 2-3 weeks in advance. For Saturdays, it can be as far as 4-6 weeks in advance as they more preferred. Gender/2D Only/Heartbeat we are usually booking a few days to 2 weeks in advance.
What happens if you cannot get good pictures or gender of the baby?
For reasons beyond our control, it is not always possible to obtain good facial pictures or to provide 100% sex determination due to a number of factors. These factors include; the baby's position and movements, the mother's size and condition, the position of the placenta, the gestation period, and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. These factors also determine the quality, quantity, variety, and clarity of all images viewed and/or printed. If any of the aforementioned factors lead to a scan that reveals no discernible images of the baby, we would end the first session and you would have the option to return another day and retry the rest of your session. [In situations where the mother is 30-34 weeks, we would bring everyone into the room and show what we can see of the baby and listen to the heartbeat. Due to the gestation stage, as well as the aforementioned factors, the retry session may not be offered in these specific cases.] [All retries must be done within three weeks, if a retry is done after this time frame it will be charged as a new session.]
Do I need to arrive early?
We do our best to schedule and run our office on time, therefore you do not need to arrive more than five minutes early. Please feel free to take advantage of the plentiful free parking in front of our office when you come for your session.
What happens if I am late?
Please let us know ASAP if you are going to be late for your appointment. We try our best to keep our office running on time and we appreciate you letting us know. Depending on how late you are, we may have to reschedule your appointment [at no charge].
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that if you cannot make your appointment that you let us know at least 24 hours in advance (or as early as possible) by phone or e-mail so that we can keep our office running smoothly and in a timely fashion. Please note that there is NO CHARGE to cancel or reschedule any appointment.
Do I need to supply my own USB/CD/DVD?
All USB/CD/DVD for the session are provided for you.
How is the payment made?
Payment is made at the time of your 3D ultrasound. There is no fee to book, reschedule, or cancel any session. We accept online e-transfer or cash only. Unfortunately, we do not accept any cheques. Did you know that "elective ultrasound" may be covered under your extended health care provider [ex: work benefits]? Check with your extended health care provider to see if they cover elective 3D/4D ultrasound, and how to receive reimbursement for your session. Please note that Precious Peeks does not do direct billing of any kind.
Do you offer live broadcasting?
Precious Peeks does not offer live broadcasting at this time. You are welcome to Facetime your family and friends during your session.
Can I copy and share my DVD/CD/USB photos?
Absolutely! Customers sign a consent form when they enter the office that Precious Peeks can use their images and/or video in our various media, as long as personal information is not be released along with them. However, Precious Peeks does not claim any copyright on any of the images and/or video, and you may copy it as many times as you like. For customers who are not able to copy them at home, or would prefer the USB/CD/DVD with our labels, or like our high-quality photos; we can replicate any of the media within the seven business days listed under the defective section. Unfortunately, we cannot do this after the seven business days as it is automatically cleared from our system for new sessions. DEFECTIVE MEDIA POLICY: It is our policy to store recorded ultrasound sessions in our backup system for SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS ONLY. Customers are responsible to check their USB/DVD/CD and notify the receptionist if they are defective within this time frame. Defective USB/DVD/CD's will be subject to inspection in the office, and we will trade you for a new copy if it is found to be defective. We cannot guarantee them after the seven days, nor will any credits/discounts/refunds or monies be given for them after this time.