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Common Questions
frequently asked questions
We recommend waiting until at least 6 weeks when baby and heartbeat are typically visible:
• Development changes very quickly in the first trimester, and factors such as late ovulation or irregular cycles can affect what is visible on ultrasound. If you are unsure of your exact dates, we often recommend waiting a few extra days for the most reassuring and enjoyable experience.
• All Precious Peek sessions are elective, non-diagnostic, and do not replace prenatal care.
• To schedule an appointment, you must be under the care of an OBGYN or midwife and have an upcoming prenatal appointment. By booking an appointment and signing our waiver, you are confirming that you are currently receiving prenatal care and have an upcoming appointment scheduled.
3D and 4D/HD 5D ultrasound use the same frequency as your doctor uses in the normal 2D ultrasound. Ultrasounds have been used for over 40 years and according to the FDA, there have been no proven side effects from its proper use.
Usually, yes—but not always. Every baby scans differently. Factors such as your baby’s position (for example, facing toward your spine), gestational age, amount of amniotic fluid, and maternal anatomy can all affect what we’re able to see during your session.
If a baby is persistently face-down or in an unfavorable position, it may be difficult to capture clear facial images during that visit. In many cases, a repeat scan is successful once baby has shifted into a better position.
While we make every effort to obtain the best possible images of your baby, we cannot guarantee specific views or that images will match those seen online, on social media, or from previous sessions—whether from our studio or elsewhere. What we do promise is to give our best effort to capture beautiful images of whatever parts of your baby are visible at the time of your session.
Anytime in pregnancy is special!
The best time for a 4D/5D ultrasound is between 26-34 weeks. At this point in pregnancy, baby has a fuller face with chubby cheeks and are well-positioned to get the pictures you’re hoping for.
After 35 weeks, baby’s size may limit visibility, but every pregnancy is unique, and we’ll always do our best to capture beautiful moments.
Yes! You are welcome to bring as many guests to your appointment as you’d like, including children. Our family-friendly facility was designed with a mother’s sensibility and our services are presented as a way to celebrate alongside your loved ones. Most doctors office’s (for good reason) will limit the number of guests patients can bring along to their appointments—that’s why Precious Peek is a great addition to your routine prenatal care if you come from a large family, have lots of friends wanting to see your bundle of joy, or if you’re just wanting to mix it up with something a little more intimate. We can comfortably seat 5 people, more can join if they don't mind standing!
Ask about our livestream capabilities!
At 16+ weeks we can determine the gender with high accuracy. If you are 16+ weeks and the gender cannot be seen, we invite you back for a return appointment and we will rescan you for free within the next 7 days. The need for a return visit is usually due to the baby's position.
You can enjoy our full spectrum of services even if you’re keeping baby’s gender a surprise ‘til the end! Just let us know at the time of booking and remind us on the day of your session. We can get awesome photos of baby’s face while steering clear of spoilers. If you're coming in to find out the gender, but have a designated "Gender Keeper", we can write the gender down and place it in our "Top Secret" envelope, or text/call a family member.
No. Because our ultrasounds are elective and non-diagnostic, they are not billable to insurance. Payment is required at the time of service.
We know life happens, so here's how cancellations and reschedules work:
-48 hours or more before your appointment:
Cancel or reschedule anytime - free of charge.
-Within 24-48 hours of your appointment:
Your deposit is non-refundable and cannot be applied to a future booking.
No-shows/No Call (no notice given):
Your deposit is non-refundable and cannot be applied to a future booking.
Water, water, water! Hydration is your best friend! 3D/4D/5D/HD imaging quality is directly related to how much amniotic fluid is surrounding the baby, which is influenced by mom’s water intake. Throughout your pregnancy, but especially in the days leading up to your appointment, we recommend following ACOG guidelines (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-water-should-i-drink-during-pregnancy#:~:text=During%20pregnancy%20you%20should%20drink,helps%20waste%20leave%20the%20body.)and drinking 8 to 12 cups of water daily.
Please review our thoughtfully created 'Ultrasound Prep Guide' for tips specific to your appointment type.
Yes—many clients who are overweight are able to obtain beautiful 4D/5D images. That said, a few factors can influence image quality. For the best results, we strongly recommend scheduling your session after 30 weeks gestation, as baby will have developed more facial fullness, which helps produce clearer images.
Image clarity can also be affected by the amount of amniotic fluid present. Staying well-hydrated in the weeks leading up to your appointment can help support optimal imaging.
Every pregnancy and body is different, and while results can vary, we will always make every effort to capture the best possible images based on what baby allows at the time of your session.
No, referrals are not required for elective imaging at Precious Peek.
2D (Developed in the 1950s): Basic, black-and-white, flat images of your baby.
3D (Developed in the 1990s): Three-dimensional fetal evaluation by processing 2D images on a computer to enhance the assessment of fetal structures.
4D (Developed in the early 2000s): Adds real-time motion to 3D images for dynamic, moving visuals of your baby.
5D / HD Live (Developed in the 2010s): High-definition, lifelike 3D and 4D imaging with enhanced lighting and shadowing for exceptional detail and realism. The terms 5D and HD Live are interchangeable and refer to the same imaging technology, with the name varying by ultrasound machine manufacturer. For example, HD Live is the term used by GE ultrasound systems, while 5D is used by Samsung.
All of our ultrasounds are done transabdominally, which means on top of the belly!
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