What is Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves. The waves bounce off tissue and return to the ultrasound machine at different frequencies, depending on the density of the tissue. We use a GE Voluson 730 Expert which is used by the world's finest prenatal clinics and is as safe as the ultrasound machine used at your doctor's office. Our ultrasound machine is a highly specialized computer that translates the returning sound waves into images for viewing on its computer monitor. Our machine is a FDA approved ultrasound machine. Ultrasound technology has been the subject of hundreds of clinical studies over the past 30 years and has not been shown to cause any harm to the mother or baby. We urge you to speak with your doctor about the safety of ultrasound. The owners of Belly & Sole are specially trained Registered Nurses who have more than 46 years combined experience in labor and delivery, postpartum and newborn care. Your ultrasound takes place in our warm, friendly family theater style environment for you to enjoy your experience. We have three viewing screens in the room. We can accommodate several guests. Children and siblings are always welcome. This is a fun and exciting time for kids and the realistic images of "their" baby help make the pregnancy more real to them.

What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D imaging?

2D, 3D and 4D are trademarked terminology used in the industry to distinguish the different types of pictures and videos that can be provided.

2D ultrasounds are the traditional black and white ultrasounds you have probably seen before. The pictures show the skeletal structure (outline) of the baby. You also get to see the baby moving in 2D! This is the type of ultrasound that was probably used for your diagnostic ultrasound. It is still the best technology for gathering measurements of the baby and ensuring that the baby is developing as expected.

3D ultrasounds show the tissue of the baby, which is more like real pictures. We can see the roundness of the baby's face, the shape of the nose and the contours of the lips. The color is actually not the color of the baby, it is computer enhanced to make the pictures more appealing.

4D ultrasounds show the tissue of the baby - as the baby is moving. This will provide moving clips of your baby in action! The 4D video clips of your baby are similar to the 3D pictures - but moving!

AT NO TIME IS THIS EXAM TO BE USED IN PLACE OF A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND.

When is the best time to have an ultrasound performed?
We can perform an ultrasound at any time during the pregnancy, but the best 3D/4D imaging results are generally acquired between 25 and 34 weeks. We recommend 27 or 28 weeks, if at all possible. Very late in the pregnancy, the baby gets very crowded and it is difficult to view the face. You must be at least 19 weeks to determine gender.

When will I receive the pictures and video?
All your keepsake items will be ready for you to take with you! The DVD offered in the 4D package is a video recording of your entire session. We film the entire session so you don't miss anything. We want you to get to see the baby yawn, stretch and hiccup!

Will we be able to tell if the baby is a girl or a boy?
We are happy to check gender, and this service is included in all of our packages. We prefer to check gender after the baby reaches 19 weeks. Gender determination cannot be guaranteed, however, since we must rely on the cooperation of the baby and several other factors outside our control. But, if you are at least 19 weeks along and we can't tell the baby's gender, we will bring you back for free!

Do I need to have a full bladder?
No, you do not have to have a full bladder during the session, but the more hydrated your body is, the more transparent the amniotic fluid and the clearer the pictures. Being well hydrated can greatly improve the clarity of the 3D/4D pictures.

Will my insurance pay for the appointment?
No, Belly & Sole's elective ultrasounds are not based on medical necessity. Insurance does not cover the costs of our Ultrasounds. Since this is an elective procedure for entertainment and is not intended to be a replacement for your doctor ordered Ultrasound, you will need to pay the cost of this Ultrasound as an out of pocket expense. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and debit cards.

Can I bring anyone with me to watch the ultrasound?
Absolutely. Our studio room is large enough to accommodate several family members and friends. Bring everyone and anyone you want! We have 3 screens in the room.

Do I need an appointment?
Yes. See our address, phone numbers and email to the left.

Do I need to bring a blank CD or DVD to the appointment?
No. We provide everything. However, if you prefer to bring a CD with music for your 4D DVD video, you are more than welcome to do that.