Keepsake 3D/4D Ultrasounds
Expecting a baby is such an exciting time for you, your family, and your friends. Our office offers a special service to pregnant women that allows you to save precious pictures and memories of your baby called, Keepsake Elective 3D/4D Ultrasounds. Women between their 22nd and 30th weeks of pregnancy are welcome to schedule an appointment for this fun ultrasound. You do not need to be a patient at LPWC, but you do need to be seeing a doctor/midwife for prenatal care.
Our registered Sonographer, Kati Hime will use her years of experience to make every attempt to get a great image of your precious baby. However, please understand that babies do not always cooperate. Please drink plenty of water throughout the several days prior to your appointment. About 30 minutes before your visit try to drink fruit juice to help wake your baby (unless you are told not to by your physician). See our FAQ’s section below for more tips and information about this service.
FAQs
What is an elective prenatal ultrasound? It is a 3D or 4D ultrasound that provides a positive bonding experience for family members with the unborn baby. It is not diagnostic, it is a way to get precious keepsake images of your baby.
Does this take place of ultrasound as part of my prenatal care? Absolutely not. Medical, diagnostic ultrasounds ordered by your provider are still absolutely necessary.
Do I need a provider referral? No, You do not need a referral but we do require that you are receiving prenatal care through a doctor/midwife.
Can I bring family and friends? Yes! We encourage that. It is an exciting day, one that you should share with friends and family. If some loved ones can’t attend your appointment don’t worry! We will provide you with a shareable link with your images and video.
When is the optimal viewing time? The baby starts gaining fat around 24 weeks, so typically they will have those nice chubby cheeks everyone loves to see between 22-30 weeks. Therefore it is generally ideal to have your 3D/4D ultrasound sessions within this time frame. Sessions can often be successful beyond this point, but with each week the space remaining decreases.
Do I need to be a patient at LPWC? No, we will gladly create keepsakes for any women in the region.
What factors can impact your 3D/4D ultrasound? The position of your placenta and/or umbilical cord can sometimes block portions of the baby due to a lack of space. Hydration is key! Staying hydrated is not only important for the health of your pregnancy but drinking a little extra for a few days prior to your appointment can help produce clearer pictures.
What are the benefits of a 3D/4D ultrasound? Although this appointment is not used for diagnostic or medical reasons, the benefits to the pregnancy can be significant. The bonding experience that the mother- and often even more so the father- can experience from this session is enormous. Seeing a realistic view into the womb and the baby makes the pregnancy much more real and can bring a sense of familial closeness during a very important time.
What should I wear to my appointment and do I need a full bladder? Wear something comfortable to your appointment. Only your belly will be exposed, so wearing something that allows easy access to your stomach area. Happily, you do not need a full bladder for your session so please feel free to use the restroom prior to your appointment.
Does insurance cover this appointment? Because this appointment is for non-diagnostic purposes and strictly for you to view your baby, insurance does not cover this. Payment for this appointment will be collected at the time of check-in.
Keepsake Package:
$99 for a 15-minute session. Includes 3 printed photos and a personal, secure link to 5 still images and a 1-minute video.
*We offer a 10% discount to first responders, military, veterans, and their spouses.