What is 3D ultrasound?
Prenatal 3D ultrasound is an amazing, new technology that allows you to see beautiful, color images and videos of your unborn baby. With 3D ultrasound, you can actually see what your baby looks like before birth, and you can watch your baby move while it is still in the womb. It is a wonderful way for mothers, fathers and siblings to begin bonding with the baby before he or she is born.
3D ultrasound photos are nothing like the standard, black and white, 2D ultrasound photos that most people get from their doctors. In the color photos produced by 3D ultrasound, the baby actually looks like a baby. The sophisticated technology behind 3D ultrasound enables the production of these spectacular images.
3D ultrasound differs from 2D ultrasound in the way in which the image of the baby is rendered. Ultrasound itself is the use of high-frequency soundwaves to create images of internal structures. A small, handheld device called a transducer is used to send soundwaves out and also to receive and record the sound waves when they bounce back. The soundwaves used in 2D and 3D ultrasound are the same. The difference lies in the sophistication of the transducer and the computer software within the ultrasound machine. Unlike 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound renders a volumetric image of the baby by almost instantaneously compiling multiple 2D images.
This provides a volumetric analysis of the ultrasound information which the computer uses to generate 3D ultrasound pictures. Because the baby can be seen in a 3 dimensional, volumetric space, the technologist can actually rotate the image of the baby's face on a computer screen to view the front and the sides of the baby's face. Your baby can be seen from several different perspectives during only one 3D ultrasound image acquisition.
Even more incredible is the movement of the baby that live motion 3D is able to capture. This is also known as 4D (the addition of time is the fourth dimension). You can watch color, 3D images of your baby as he or she sucks their thumb, yawns or kicks while still in the womb. 4D ultrasound can be saved on a video clip in mpeg format and stored on a CD to be emailed to friends and relatives.
3D ultrasound equipment operates with the same power output as 2D machines. Both are monitored and approved by the FDA for use in obstetrical ultrasound. Regular maintenance on our GE equipment is just part of our quality control commitment at little sprout imaging.
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What is the difference between a little sprout imaging sonogram and the sonogram I had in my doctor's office?
little sprout imaging provides reassuring 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound images of your baby. The purpose of these images is to provide you with beautiful photos and videos to keep and share with friends and family. A little sprout imaging ultrasound session is not a medical test and is not performed as a diagnostic medical ultrasound of your baby. A little sprout imaging ultrasound session should not be considered a substitute for any ultrasound studies that may have been recommended by your doctor.
Women with normal pregnancies typically receive only one diagnostic ultrasound from their doctor during their pregnancy, usually between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation. The purpose of this ultrasound is to conduct a fetal survey. A fetal survey is a medical examination and is performed to check for abnormalities that may be present in the baby. Fetal surveys are conducted using 2D ultrasound. Even if a woman is lucky enough to have a doctor with a 3D ultrasound machine, the baby is not very developed at 18 weeks and will not yet have cute, chubby cheeks and developed facial features. Insurance usually pays for only one ultrasound during the course of a normal pregnancy and it is very difficult to convince most obstetricians to conduct a second ultrasound examination if a pregnancy is proceeding normally.
Women who are in a higher risk group often have multiple diagnostic ultrasound examinations over the course of their pregnancy. The vast majority of these exams are conducted using 2D ultrasound. While a few doctors have 3D ultrasound machines, they do not have the time to spend with patients to capture a number of 3D images and video clips. In the time they have reasonably allowed for the exam, the sonographer must focus on obtaining diagnostic measurements and multiple images of the baby's internal anatomy, which produce very different pictures than a little sprout session. During a 3D little sprout session, attention is given to obtaining beautiful images of your baby's face, hands and feet.
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Do I need to have a diagnostic, 2D ultrasound performed by my prenatal care provider before coming in for a little sprout imaging session?
Yes, little sprout imaging requires that all clients have a normal diagnostic medical ultrasound (fetal survey) before coming in for a little sprout scan. These are typically performed during weeks 18-22 of your pregnancy. little sprout imaging provides reassuring ultrasound images of your baby. These are not performed as a diagnostic medical ultrasound of your baby. Our service should not be considered a substitute for any ultrasounds that may have been recommended by your doctor. Please click here for a prenatal verification form.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound technology has been studied over the past 30 years and has not been shown to cause any harm to the mother or baby. little sprout imaging maintains quality standards to ensure the safety of the mother and fetus. Ultrasound sessions are limited to 30 minutes and are performed by ARDMS Registered Sonographers specializing in obstetrics. We encourage you to speak with your prenatal care provider about your intentions to visit little sprout imaging. For more information, please view the WebMD article on this subject here:
Multiple Pregnancy Ultrasounds Safe for Child (www.WebMD.com)
The ultrasound machine used by little sprout imaging, the GE Voluson 730 Expert, is approved by the FDA for use in obstetrical ultrasound.
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What should I look for in a 3D Ultrasound provider?
There are a number of important factors to investigate when considering an ultrasound provider:
- Does the facility employ registered (ARDMS) sonographers to conduct the scans? ARDMS sonographers have extensive training and many specialize in obstetrics. Be sure to ask about this when making your appointment - you want a trained professional to conduct your scan. Combined, our sonographers have 19 years of experience in obstetric ultrasound.
ASSUME NOTHING! If you have heard the recent controversy surrounding the centers that have opened in the Mid-Atlantic with personnel other than registered Sonographers conducting 3D ultrasounds please do not confuse us with them. We are independently owned and operated and have had medically trained Sonographers perform our 3D sessions since we opened in 2004. Naturally, they are familiar with and adhere to the recommended energy output levels at the various stages of fetal development. While doing your due diligence, keep in mind that the term “ultrasound technician” refers to someone who repairs U/S equipment. A Sonographer operates the equipment safely and has the knowledge and experience to PROPERLY determine gender.
- What type of ultrasound machine does the center use? This is the number one factor that determines how good your photos will be. The best 3D ultrasound machine, and the only one that has a frame speed fast enough to allow you to see real-time movement, is the GE Voluson 730 Expert. While other machines may show movement, the frame speed is slower and as a result the movement may appear jerky and unrealistic.
Does the type or brand of a 3D ultrasound machine matter?
Yes. 3D ultrasound is an advanced technology and the right equipment makes all the difference in the quality of the photos and videos. The most advanced, state-of-the-art 3D and 4D imaging machine available is the GE Voluson 730 Expert. Other types of 3D machines have a much slower frame speed. Even within the GE brand there are significant differences to be found. For example, the GE Voluson 730 Pro has a frame speed of 16 frames per second compared with the GE Voluson 730 Expert frame speed of 40 frames per second. Frame speed is important to the video portion of your session. The higher the frame speed, the more natural it appears. Baby's movement may appear to be in slow motion playback mode or very "choppy" with slower frame speeds.
What is the best time for a little sprout imaging scan?
Sessions can start as early as 18 weeks gestation and continue to term. The best time to get quality facial pictures is between 24 and 34 weeks. Earlier ultrasounds allow you to see a more complete image of the baby. Later ultrasounds reveal improved facial features since the developing fat layer enhances theses images. Many parents-to-be choose to come in twice to see their baby at various stages of development. For multiple visits, we recommend coming in for your first session between 20 and 24 weeks; your second visit between 30 and 34 weeks. It is during this time that your baby's facial features are filling out and developing and you can see the cute, chubby cheeks.
We recommend our Itty Bitty Sprout and Wee Sprout sessions weeks 18-24.
We recommend our Baby Sprout session weeks 25-27.
We recommend our Little, Mama and Papa Sprout Packages weeks 28-32.
Having Twins? We recommend you choose a 30 minute session and come in weeks 26 or 27.
Have additional maternal tissue around the middle? We recommend you steer toward the end of week 32. Hopefully baby has turned head-down to improve the clarity of the images.
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Why do you recommend sessions based on various gestational ages?
It’s all about having the proper amount of time with baby. If you can appreciate, baby is not smiling, saying cheese for 15 minutes straight. Babies come and go in and out of position in the course of a 3D session. Week 28 baby begins gaining a half pound a week. By giving them week 28 and week 29 to gain a full pound; the facial images will be more desirable because the fat layers have begun to develop. However, with that increased size; often times come challenges with their position. A baby that is 31 weeks does not have the same freedom of movement as a baby that is 27 weeks. 15 minutes is usually ample time to spend with a 27 week old baby. Whereas clients leaving our office at 30 weeks following a 15 minute session often times say, "I wish my baby had been more cooperative." The recommendations we make are based on 4+ year’s experience. We are not saying you can’t do a 15 minute session week 30 in your pregnancy. We just want you making an informed decision about your session length and to have the proper expectation level. We want you to have a keepsake to treasure for a lifetime and do not want to fall down in your eyes.
Will I always get a perfect picture of my baby?
Many factors affect the quality of the images (fetal position, amount of amniotic fluid, amount of maternal tissue). We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of your baby. If the baby remains uncooperative through your session it may be necessary to repeat the scan at a later time when the position has changed. We want you to be happy with the quality of your product and encourage you to share any concerns with us prior to leaving your session.
Can you tell me the gender of my baby?
Yes, if that is your desire! We have two packages designed for gender determination. We will attempt to obtain the best images to assure accuracy. If we are unable to confirm gender during your visit, we will reschedule an appointment at no extra charge for a "quick peek" when the baby is in a more opportune position. If you wish to keep gender a secret please let us know and we will respect your wishes.
There is no magic to 3D ultrasound when determining gender. Most people come in for gender weeks 18-22. At this stage, gender is determined with traditional 2D ultrasound and a TRAINED EYE. We are proud of the fact that no one has called us since we opened in 2004 to tell us we got gender wrong. We agree that a registered sonographer is worth the investment for your peace of mind.
Vote for what you believe the gender to be on this 20 week old baby. We don’t guess gender at little sprout imaging. We hire professionals to get it right the first time!
Can I bring family members or friends with me?
Yes, we welcome your children, family and friends. Our studio comfortably seats 6 guests in addition to Mom but you are welcome to bring more. Everyone will be in the same room and watch the session on our flat screen monitors.
Who will perform my little sprout imaging scan?
Your scan will be performed by an ARDMS-OB Certified Sonographer with experience in obstetrics who has been specially trained in 3D and 4D ultrasound. Believe it or not, the state of Maryland does not regulate this industry. We are the ONLY free-standing 3D center serving the Baltimore region that invests in registered sonographers. That is precisely why the OB community recommends us. Even though there are centers in their neighborhoods, they recommend that their patients take the drive to Towson for the true professionals. They understand that an ultrasound machine is not a camera and should be operated accordingly.
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Will my insurance cover this?
Insurance companies do not cover our elective services. We do recommend that you place this through your employer provided Flexible Spending Account for reimbursement.
Do I need to do anything special before coming in for my session?
Eat and drink as normal. Eat a snack on your way to our office if it has been several hours since your last meal. You will want to wear comfortable clothing that is 2 pieces (top and bottom) so that you don't have to get undressed for your session. You are welcome to bring a music CD with you to serve as background music for your video or choose something from our library.
Do I need a full bladder?
No. We prefer that you be comfortable for your session. We recommend that you drink plenty of fluid for several days prior to your session so you are very well hydrated.
How long does it take?
You choose the length of your ultrasound session. It then takes another 20-30 minutes to print your pictures and prepare the CDs and DVDs.
What form of payments do you accept?
We accept cash and Visa/Mastercard.
What is the cancellation policy?
little sprout imaging has a fair and flexible cancellation policy. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment for any reason, we ask that you give us 48 hours notice. little sprout imaging reserves the right to charge a $40 fee for clients who cancel less than 48 hours prior to their appointments. If we can fill your appointment time there will be no charge. We also reserve the right to charge the full package value for clients who fail their appointments without any notification whatsoever. We appreciate your cooperation.
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