Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in Moments Captured Ultrasound. Below you will find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you have a lingering concern or question that we did not cover, please feel free to contact us.
When is the best time to have an ultrasound?
28-32 weeks for 3D4D/HD Ultrasounds
14+ weeks for Gender identification
8+ weeks for Heartbeat Session
We can perform an ultrasound at any time during the pregnancy, but the best 3D/4D ultrasound results are generally between 28-32 weeks. Earlier in pregnancy baby is still small and skeletal. Very late in the pregnancy, the baby gets crowded, and can be difficult to view the face and obtain the images you expect. You must be at least 14 weeks for our gender determination guarantee. Many mamas can’t get enough of baby, so we do offer a return 3D4D scan for ½ price!! If this is your choice, we suggest 27/28 weeks along for the first visit and then again around at 32 weeks. If you are having twins, we recommend scans before 30 weeks (24 to 27 weeks for best results). Please note, our 8-week piece of mind heartbeat session is not for pregnancy confirmation or gestation dating. We do not advise if pregnancy is viable or not.
When can I find out gender?
8 weeks through DNA (blood draw) / 14 weeks+ through ultrasound
Through DNA testing (a quick blood draw performed by a certified phlebotomist); you can find out the gender as early as 8 weeks pregnant with a 99.9% accuracy rate!
Through a transabdominal ultrasound (on top of mama’s belly), we can determine gender as early as 14 weeks! Gender determination relies largely on the cooperation of the baby, but if you are at least 14 weeks along, we can normally identify the baby’s gender during a single visit. If we are not confident with what we are seeing, we will bring you back in 4-6 days for free! * Please do NOT schedule a gender reveal party immediately following your appointment, you will want to allow at least 2-4 days between in case a re-scan/confirmation is required.
What is the difference between 2D, 3D, 4D and HDlive?
- 2D Ultrasounds generate the flat, black-and-white image you have probably seen before, most commonly used in the medical field. You can see the skeletal outline of the baby as well as the baby moving in 2D! This is the best technology for gathering measurements of the baby and identifying gender.
- 3D Ultrasounds allow you to see the baby in three-dimensional images. They reveal more internal and external detail from different angles and are so much fun!
- 4D Ultrasounds, just like 3D Ultrasounds but with live motion!! Many mamas love getting to see baby “yawn” or “smile”!
- HD Live is the newest and greatest technology in the advances of ultrasound! HD uses a virtual light source to render more realistic views of the baby. It is a virtual digital flashlight adding shadows and light reflection to create a deeper and more refined 3D image with exceptional anatomical realism. Think just like HD TVs, the most realistic and humanist coloring to date!
Do I need to have a full bladder or drink a lot of water?
The more hydrated your body is, the more transparent the amniotic fluid is and the clearer the pictures. Being well hydrated can greatly improve the clarity of the 3D/4D ultrasound pictures. We recommend full bladder if you are less than 18 weeks. We also recommend a light sugary snack or juice before your session to help the baby wake up for the show.
How does the FREE Live Streaming work?
Our free live streaming is amazing! Just let your family know the date and time of your appointment ahead of time, then let us know that you are interested in live streaming when you are checking in. We will get everything set up so that you receive an EMAIL with a link and a 4-digit code you can forward through email or copy and paste into a text message to as many people as you like. They just have to click on a play button and put in the code to watch our screen in real-time!!! They will not be able to hear our conversation, but they will get to enjoy lovely music while they get to see and enjoy baby too!
Can I bring anyone with me to watch the ultrasound?
Absolutely! Our studio room is large enough to accommodate several family members and friends. Our current policy is mama +4 additional people. Bring anyone you want! We have 3 screens in the room including a huge projector screen!
*We do ask that children are closely watched and kept under control, so as not to damage any equipment or disturb our neighbors performing massages below.
How can I prepare best for my appointment?
WATER, WATER, WATER! You should be drinking plenty of water (over half your body weight in ounces) beginning at least 5 days before your scheduled appointment. Water can improve the quality of an ultrasound. Moms that are full-figured should consider scheduling their 2D 3D 4D ultrasound between 30 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, as the ultrasound tends to be clearer and the results are more comparable to those online and in brochures.
Is ultrasound technology safe?
Prenatal ultrasound is now the standard diagnostic examination. Extensive studies over 40 years have found that ultrasound has not been shown to cause any maternal or fetal harm. Routine diagnostic scanning of all pregnancies is now a normal procedure. 3D/4D scans use EXACTLY the same type and intensity of ultrasonic waves as in conventional 2D scans. A little-known fact, for at-risk pregnancies, the number of ultrasound examinations are actually increased.
The combination of increased data gathering (listening) by the transducer and software interpretation after data acquisition creates these amazing 3D 4D images and not a higher intensity, frequency, or ‘power’ output. Our guidelines dictate the systems to be used in the Obstetric Application Mode. This mode is capped by the manufacturer (GE) below the FDA limits (94 milliwatts/cm2) for exposure. In fact, the system takes simultaneous 2D scans in sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes and the software renders the 3D 4D images. It’s that simple! We recommend that parents discuss with their doctor regarding any safety concerns on 3D 4D ultrasound.
For more information, please visit the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Will my ultrasound images always be exceptional?
Typically, but not always. Unfortunately, many factors are out of our control during a scan, such as the baby’s positioning (sometimes the baby is facing towards your spine, and it is extremely challenging to get to the baby’s face). Additionally, anterior placentas can be an issue, as well as the mother’s habitus and hydration levels. If we are not able to get 2-3 decent images of the baby, we will be happy to schedule another visit within two weeks at no charge. If we achieve a couple of decent images, but mother would like to try again, we are happy to do this for a small rescan fee. We cannot promise that the images you will receive will be similar to those you might have seen elsewhere or that we can always meet everyone’s expectations. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother’s condition. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby can be seen!
How long will my appointment be?
Depending on the package you choose, the 3D 4D HDLive ultrasound session will last between 15 and 30 minutes. However, your appointment could take up to an hour depending on your baby’s positioning. We may need to have you move around, drink water, or try different positioning help the image acquisition. The actual ultrasound exam itself will take no longer than 30 minutes.
What kind of ultrasound technology does Moments Captured Ultrasound utilize?
GE, the true leader in HD 3D 4D Ultrasound technology and radiance system architecture. We use the state-of-the-art GE Voluson Series to complete all ultrasound sessions. The Voluson is one of the most advanced systems on the market today and offers the very best imaging. This machine is truly one of the finest 2D, 3D and 4D, and HD Live ultrasound machines available anywhere!
Do I need an appointment?
Yes!
Please book your appointment HERE or call our office at 970-413-6880.
We also appreciate 24-hour advance notice for cancellations.
Will my insurance pay for the appointment?
Since our ultrasounds are considered elective and not based on medical necessity, insurance companies will not cover our services. We do accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash.
I lost my images/video. Can I get a copy?
We do keep images and video on file which requires large electronic storage. We are happy to provide you with a thumb drive with your images and video file for $15.
Do I need a referral?
No, but we do require you to be under a doctor or midwifes’ care before visiting.
We recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions before visiting. Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with Moments Captured Ultrasound must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care. Your imaging session at Moments Captured is strictly an elective ultrasound. We demonstrate and document only the existence of a heartbeat. Please note, at no time is this elective experience to be confused with, or used in place of, a diagnostic ultrasound.
What if I’m past the recommended 34 weeks for a 3D/4D/HD scan?
You can certainly still come in! There is just a greater chance baby may be face down, facing mama’s back, and hands and things in their face — very tucked up and tight. This makes it very difficult to get clear face shots, but IF your fluid levels are extremely high and the baby is cooperative, these sessions can be AMAZING!!! The way we like to run these scans is that you sign up for a Premium Session to ensure we have the time blocked, you drink LOTS and LOTS of water before coming in (we’re talking 80-100oz a day for 3-4 days leading up to the appointment), and we will do our very, very best! IF we start scanning and after about 10-15 of trying to get good images, we decide it’s just not going to work out, we will bill the scan like a Heartbeat Session ($79.00), IF we are having great luck and things are working out — you’ll be amazed!