4D Ultrasound Questions & Answers

The questions listed below are the most frequently asked questions about our elective ultrasound packages. Should you have any questions that are not answered below, please call Window To Your Baby at (847)818-0777.

What happens if I arrive late?

Pregnant women are excited to see their baby and are often upset if they need to wait longer than 5 minutes. We understand people get lost, so we allow customers up to 10 minutes after their scheduled appointment time for tardiness. Please note: If you are more than 10 minutes late, we may need to shorten your appointment time or reschedule your appointment. If we need to reschedule, full payment is required prior to the appointment. Thank you for your understanding.

What time frame is best for twins for a 2D/4D/HD Live(5D) ultrasound?

The best time to get a 2D/4D/HD baby ultrasound for your twins is between 24 weeks and 25 weeks. This timeframe gives us the best opportunity to get clear images of both babies.

What can I do to help get great images?

Hydration is the key to great images. Please aim to drink 2 liters (8-10 cups) of water daily for at least 7 days prior to your appointment to help us obtain clear images of your baby. Please do not put oil or lotion on your belly prior to your appointment. We find it helps to bring some ice water, a cold and sweet drink, or unsweetened iced tea to your appointment to help keep the baby active and moving. Eating something light or drinking juice 10 minutes before your visit can sometimes assist in increasing the baby’s activity, so we can catch a glimpse of them moving around.

Regardless of your efforts, the baby may still be sleeping during the scan. We encourage you to enjoy your baby’s activity, and we’ll do our part to work with your baby and get the best view possible. We do have packages that have a free return package if needed.

Will I always get great images of my baby?

Unfortunately, we will not be able to determine if we can obtain clear images of your baby’s face until the time of the ultrasound. Babies all have different personalities and sleep at different times. If you know it, it’s best to come in during your baby’s active time. Please view our Ultrasound Calendar for the standard recommended timeframes that ensure we have a chance of getting great images. If you have an anterior placenta, it is best to schedule your appointment for earlier in your pregnancy, between 24-27 weeks.

We have years of experience and use the best technology on the market. We strive to get the best possible images of the baby’s face, hand, and feet. Sometimes if the baby is turned around towards the mother’s spine, or hiding against the placenta, we are unable to obtain images of the baby’s face. 

Please note: each scan is different based on the baby’s position, mood, size, and amount of amniotic fluid around the baby’s face. We do have packages that have a free return visit if needed. We hope you cherish looking inside your womb to see your baby and appreciating this unique “once-in-a-lifetime” 4D ultrasound experience.

I am over 200 pounds, will I be able to get clear ultrasound images?

Yes, we can successfully obtain great images, however, we urge you to wait until you are at least 30 weeks gestation, and it is very important that you drink 2 liters of water daily for at least 7 days prior to your appointment.

Can we obtain the baby’s approximate weight and obtain measurements?

No, our baby ultrasounds are not diagnostic. However, we are affiliated with a diagnostic imaging center that we can refer you to by calling us at (847)818-0777.

Does your facility have a Certified Sonographer?

Yes, we have an ARDMS Certified Sonographer on staff. Our technicians have over a decade of experience with an expertise in 3d imaging. We do not answer medical related questions. We are required to refer you to your physician with any medical concerns you may have.  

When is the best time for an elective ultrasound?

Gender Reveal: 14-22 weeks (under 200 pounds) and 17-22 weeks (if over 200 pounds)

Twins: The best time to see both babies clearly is between 24 weeks and 26 weeks. 

HD live and 4D Imaging: The best time to capture detailed facial images is between 28-30 weeks.

Many women come in three times during their pregnancy, so they can see their baby growing and developing: 14-22 weeks, 24-28 weeks, and 30-34 weeks.

If you have an anterior placenta, it is best to schedule your appointment for earlier in your pregnancy, between 24-27 weeks.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. We do not accept walk-ins, so an appointment is required for all baby ultrasounds. Please call us on (847)818-0777, email us at info@w2yb.com, or fill in our appointment request form to schedule an appointment. 

Our evening and weekend appointments are popular and fill up quickly, but we have same-day appointments available, and our phone lines are open until 10 pm, so give us a call, and we’ll schedule your appointment asap.

Please note: We require a notice of cancellation 48-hours before your appointments in order to prevent the $40 “no show” fee.

Is a full bladder required?

No, since our ultrasounds are elective and non-diagnostic, a full bladder is not required. However, if you are well-hydrated it may provide a better image

Does your facility offer medical diagnostic ultrasounds?

No, we focus ONLY on the pleasure of viewing your baby before it is born. Medical ultrasounds are to be obtained by your physician. However, we are affiliated with a diagnostic imaging center that we can refer you to by calling us at (847)818-0777.

What can we see in 2D?

Two-dimensional imagery appears as an outline of the baby. It is the standard black and white image that you usually see at your 20-week scan at your doctor’s office. It is ideal for viewing heartbeat, real-time fetal activity and gender. A regular 2D ultrasound can be performed anytime after 15 weeks.

Why do ultrasounds start in 2D, then transfer to HD Live or 4D?

In order to capture the correct angle of the baby for HD Live and 4D viewing, the ultrasound session needs to start in 2D. In order to see the front of the baby’s face in HD Live and 4D, the baby’s head needs to be in a profile position (side view, seeing the baby’s nose) in 2D.

Are 3D/4D ultrasounds safe?

Research in the last 50 years shows that ultrasound scanning causes no harm to your developing baby. Ultrasound is one of the safest means available for scanning unborn babies. When it comes to safety, there is no difference between 3D and traditional 2D Ultrasounds because both ultrasound methods use the same kind of sound waves. Since the beginning of ultrasound applications in pregnancy in the 1950s, there has been no reported short or long-term risk to unborn babies. Your physician is always your best source of information for any health concerns. 

Please note: you must be under the care of a physician to use our service.

Why should I get both an HD Live and a 4D ultrasound?

Seeing your baby’s facial features and watching them moving in the womb before he/she is born enhances the bonding experience for all family members. Increased bonding has been shown to improve the parents’ care of themselves and may increase the father’s level of participation in the pregnancy, which may also increase his sensitivity towards the mother.

What is the difference between 3D and 4D and HD Live technology?

3D is a still image and 4D is capturing the baby’s movement. HD live technology has a new rendering software that allows a more realistic view of the fetus by changing the way the ultrasound renders the 4D image. These images are crystal clear and allow you to see their facial features in stunning detail.

Can friends or family come with me for my appointment?

At this time, we are allowing 3 adults in the ultrasound room. You will receive keepsakes that you can share with your family and friends after your appointment. 

Please note: if you or your guests have had a fever or have traveled on an airplane recently, we ask that you wait until 14 days after the event to schedule your appointment. Thank you. 

When will I receive the pictures and video?

You will receive your photos and videos at the end of the session. You can save these photos to show your family and friends, and even your baby one day in the future.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

No. Unfortunately, insurance reimbursement is not provided for elective ultrasounds. We accept cash, MasterCard, or Visa.

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    1500 Carlemont Dr, Suite D 

    Crystal Lake, IL 60014

    Call (847)818-0777

    email info@w2yb.com 

    We are open 7 days a week, evenings and weekends, and we answer our phone until 10 pm.

    Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions you may have. In the event we are assisting a customer, please leave a message, and we will promptly return your call.