1. All scans are performed by a RDMS sonographers (not nurses or lay people that have been trained just to take baby pictures) with years of experience in performing medical ultrasound scans for area OB's. Experienced sonographers help insure your safety and that of your baby and that the very best images are obtained.  
2. We use the state-of-the-art GE Voluson 730 Pro to complete all ultrasound scans. Nothing compares to the GE Voluson 730 in terms of image capture, capabilities and quality.
3. We follow the professional guidelines established for the length of scans and intensity of sound waves.  Not all centers do.
4. We have an affiliated Board Certified Perinatologist that consults with our sonographers as required.
5. Area OB's recommend us to their patients because they trust our sonographers!
6. If you want to know gender, we'll guarantee our accuracy... or your money back on our Gender Determination package.

Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use for over 35 years. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has issued the following statement regarding the safety of ultrasound:

"There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures from diagnostic ultrasound instruments. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present."

The ultrasound imaging performed by Becoming Mom uses ultrasound energy subject to the same limits as conventional (2D) ultrasound to create our 3D and 4D images.   The amazing pictures and videos generated at Becoming Mom are not the result of increased ultrasound frequency or power levels, but a combination of better transducer (the probe that rolls across mom's belly) technology and sophisticated software interpretation of the sound waves generated.

Believe it or not there are no regulations in most states for who can perform ultrasounds.  As a result, there are many facilities that do not employ medically trained sonographers.  In contrast, Becoming Mom ONLY employs Sonographers who have gone through an independant and accredited multi-year program in medical ultrasound and who also have extensive experience in OB/GYN scanning.   This allows us to provide you with both peace of mind and reliable imaging.

Be sure to ask if the person performing your ultrasound is an RDMS sonographer...  a nurse or someone that has been trained for a few weeks to take baby pictures is NOT the same thing and has not received the extensive training required to know what it is they are looking at on an ultrasound! 

Of course!   But, because packages may be structured differently at different centers, please let us know when you are making your appointment what your coupon says so we can let you know how that coupon will apply to our pricing.   Coupon must also be presented at time of appointment. 

Anytime is good for an imaging ultrasound, but you will see different things at different times. Many women choose to come in twice or more to see their baby at various stages (and we have specially discounted packages available for that reason).

Between 17-23 weeks, we can determine gender and you can see more of your baby at once and witness the amazing development already well underway.

Later, as babies build more fat, more facial features can be seen. More fat creates pudgy baby images, but the baby gets increasingly crowded at the end of term and may hide. 3-D and 4D imaging depends upon the baby's position, size and movement, so we cannot guarantee image quality due to those factors.

Between 24-26 weeks is a good time as facial features are defining.

Between 27-32 is the BEST TIME when facial features are well defined and baby still has room to move around.

Between 33-36 weeks is a good time, but there is increased crowding in the womb making it more difficult to get desired pictures. 

 

1. Position of the baby. The baby's position has the greatest impact on image quality. Many cooperate with lots of open face views, smiles and yawns. Others however, hide behind feet, hands and the placenta. Some babies seem a little too anxious for their first portrait, and press their face right against the uterine wall. Other camera shy babies face the mother's spine, giving us a great view of their back. If your baby is not in a good position, our sonographers will use appropriate approved procedures to encourage the baby to change position.  YOU CAN HELP BY DRINKING A GLASS OF ORANGE JUICE ABOUT 45-60 MIN BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME SO YOUR BABY HAS SOME ENERGY FOR HIS/HER FIRST PHOTO SESSION. 
   
2. Tissue density. Since ultrasound waves must pass through the skin and uterine wall to reach the baby, the composition and thickness of skin tissue and the uterine wall can impact image quality.
   
3. Amniotic fluid levels. The amount of fluid surrounding the baby can also impact image quality.  YOU CAN HELP THIS BY DRINKING PLENTY OF FLUIDS FOR THE FEW DAYS BEFORE YOUR ULTRASOUND (AS YOU SHOULD BE THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY!).

If we can't get you pictures of your baby's face, we will let you come back for a return visit, but due to the factors above, we can not guarantee perfect pictures.

We pride ourselves on our skill and accuracy and gender determination/verification when it is desired. However, we will never guess or give percentages on gender. If, for any reason, we cannot determine gender and you are at least 17 weeks pregnant, we will invite you back for a free return visit (must return within 2 weeks of original appointment for free return).  And you find out we were wrong after you have you're baby, just bring his/her birth certificate in and we will give you your money back on our Gender Determination package. 

If you want to know sooner than 1 weeks, we sell Intelligender Home Test Kits that predict the gender of your baby as early as 10 weeks. 

You don't want to know gender?  Not to worry.  Our sonographers always ask if you want to know gender before they get started.  If you don't want to know, they can insure that you won't.   

Anyone you want may join you for your experience at Becoming Mom. The benefits that you will share by viewing your unborn child will result in prenatal bonding between mother, father, siblings and the unborn child. Unlike other imaging centers, Becoming Mom Prenatal Imaging room is equipped with a 42" plasma screen and comfortable furniture so that your guests can relax and enjoy seeing your baby.

If you are having an elective procedure, you will need to pay the cost of this ultrasound as an out of pocket expense. We accept cash, checks, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards.

We do offer 2nd Trimester Anatomy Scans by physician order and support most major medical plans.  If you have a doctor's order, please contact us for more details. 

When you have an Elective Ultrasound performed at Becoming Mom, our RDMS Sonographers will provide a report to you and your OB/Midwife that includes the following information:

• Number of babies
• Heart rate
• Position of the baby
• Position of the placenta
• Fluid level

Our sonographers can also do a full diagnostic scan which will be read by our Perinatologist, but this must be ordered by your physician. 

Make sure you drink PLENTY of fluids during the says leading up to your appointment (as you should already be doing!).  This will help with your baby's amniotic fluid levels. 

On the day of your ultrasound, eat normally but also try to have something light to eat and a glass of fruit juice about an hour before hand.   This will help to get your baby moving. 

Extensive research has been conducted on the use of ultrasound during pregnancy.  Ultrasounds have been proven to increase the bonding between Mom and her baby and to produce improvements in the baby's health and size at birth.  Mom's who have "seen" their babies feel more connected to them and have a stronger sense of well-being/reassurance about their pregnancies.  Ultrasounds typically result in an increased commitment to healthier prenatal behaviors such as improved diet and exercise as well as smoking cessation.  And, it's probably no surprise that Moms who are more relaxed about their pregnancies also tend to sleep better. 

The benefits don't just apply to Mom....Studies have also reported significant reductions in stress for Dad after seeing his baby with an ultrasound.