FAQ · Prenatal Miracles

What is ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound is high-frequency sound waves, whose frequency is above the upper limit of the range of human hearing (approximately 20 kilohertz). The waves are transmitted through the mother’s abdomen and creates an “echo” where the sound wave bounces off of the object, or in this case, the part of the baby that is being examined using a special device (the probe that moves across your tummy). The echoes are then converted into a picture called a “sonogram”. Ultrasound imaging, referred to as “ultrasonography”, allows you to get an inside view of the developing baby without using invasive techniques.

Is it safe?

Extensive studies have found that ultrasound has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. Ultrasonography is safe for mother and baby and has been used in obstetrics since the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. It is non-invasive and has multiple purposes during pregnancy including confirming the pregnancy, checking for defects and the growth of the baby. Ultrasound does NOT use any radiation, such as X-ray. It only uses sound waves to look inside the body to view the baby.

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

A 2D ultrasound is most often the ultrasound that you will get at your doctor’s office as part of your routine prenatal care. It visualizes the baby in planes (or layers). The images are in black and white. It is often used to determine baby’s heartbeat and anatomy or determining gender.

A 3D ultrasound is a three-dimensional “still” view of your baby in color. It is like a photograph. The results provide an amazingly clear view of the baby. You can see surface detail such as their adorable little noses and precious little toes. You can even see bits of their hair growing! It’s that amazing!

A 4D ultrasound streams 3D ultrasound images together into “real” time live motion, which can be captured on video. With 4D imaging, or “3D Live”, you can capture what your baby is actually doing; every kick, smile, stretch, or yawn. Just imagine that! You could actually see your baby’s first smile before he or she is ever even born! This is what makes 4D imaging so great, it allows for you to develop such a special connection with your baby before it is even born. You no longer have to “imagine” what he or she will look like…you will know!

HDLive is an industry leading technology that brings anatomical realism to the next level. It uses a light source that gives the best depth perception, clarity and most details of the baby.

What is an “elective” ultrasound?

An elective ultrasound, also known as a “limited diagnostic ultrasound” only identifies the fetal number & presentation, heart beat, location of placenta, and amniotic fluid volume. It does NOT in ANY way replace the full diagnostic ultrasound you must receive at your doctor’s office to check the biophysical profile, screen for the presence of any anomalies or defects, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues.

Do I still need to get an ultrasound at my doctor’s office if I have one at Prenatal Miracles?

ABSOLUTELY!!! No question about it. In order to receive an elective prenatal ultrasound at Prenatal Miracles, you must already be actively receiving prenatal care with a physician. The elective ultrasound you will receive at Prenatal Miracles is only serving to provide a positive bonding experience between you and your baby!

Do I need a note from my doctor saying it is OK for me to get an elective 3D/4D ultrasound?

No. However, you do need to provide your doctor’s name, address, and telephone number at the time of the appointment in case an anomaly is incidentally detected during the elective ultrasound so that we may notify your doctor at once. No doctor information is needed for early gender DNA testing.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

Yes, appointments are necessary. We recommend that you schedule your appointment 2-3 weeks in advance as our appointment times fill quickly, especially if seeking an evening or Saturday appointment. However, we do have cancellations from time to time, so you are more than welcome to call at any time. We will do our very best to meet your needs.

What if I want an ultrasound but I don’t want to know the gender (sex) of my baby?

Not a problem! If you don’t want to know, we won’t tell you. You can have an absolutely wonderful time bonding with your baby without having to worry. We always ask if you would like to know your baby’s gender before we begin your ultrasound.

When is the best time to schedule my ultrasound?

We are happy to give you the bonding experience with your baby anytime after 6 weeks. Between 15 weeks and 24 weeks is the best time to see the entire baby at once and to get gender determination (if desired). This produces a more exciting video because there is more room for your baby to move around and be active. Prior to 26 weeks, babies have not yet started putting on fat, so they won’t have that “Gerber Baby” look you might be expecting in 4D, however, you will get to see their entire body when they are moving. It’s very exciting!

Between 27 weeks and 34 weeks of pregnancy is the best time if you plan on having only one 4D ultrasound. This is when you will see facial features best. You’ll be able to pick out daddy’s chin, mommy’s lips, and big sister’s adorable little nose. Our absolute favorite time for face images is between 28-32 weeks.

For full-figured mothers, it is best to schedule between weeks 27 and 32 of pregnancy.

After 36 weeks space can become an issue and it becomes more difficult to obtain high quality pictures. The baby may also be facing your spine, preparing for birth.

**Please note: If you are having twins or multiples, the best time for 4D face images is between 24-28 weeks. You are welcome to come anytime but there is less room with multiples which can make it more difficult to obtain good images.

What do I need to do before my appointment? Do I need a full bladder?

You do not need to have a full bladder for this type of ultrasound (thank goodness!). However, we do ask that you hydrate yourself well (with water) the 3 days before coming in for your ultrasound. It will maintain your amniotic fluid level, which will result in improved clarity and better images. We recommend eating food right before your appointment to help stimulate your baby for the session.

What should I expect during my ultrasound?

It’s best if you come with a comfortable shirt that you can raise easily. You will lie on a padded examining table and a small amount of warmed water-soluble gel is applied to the skin over your abdomen. The gel does not harm your skin or stain your clothes. A small device, called a transducer (or probe), is gently applied against the skin on your abdomen. You will be able to view the baby on our large HD television screen, perfectly positioned for you and your family members. All packages come with thermal ultrasound images to take home. Depending on your package it may include high resolution digital images that will be sent to your phone or email through Tricefy. The images should be downloaded within 30 days and can be shared with unlimited friends or family for free. You will be able to print pictures, email, or post online. Some packages are come with professional grade 5×7 photos. These images make perfect keepsakes for you, your family, and your unborn baby.

Who will perform my ultrasound?

All ultrasounds are performed by sonographers who are board certified with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARMDS). Many other studios claim that they are a “certified provider” or use a “trusted seal”. They may even display emblems or group accreditation in their windows. What this in fact often means, is that they have no previous experience in ultrasound and have only completed a 3-day course in ultrasound training. This does not conform to the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. The use of non-medical persons, who do not have adequate training, even though they are claiming to only provide “keepsake photos”, is discouraged and believed to possibly give women inaccurate or even harmful information. Additionally, many of the other companies are often unsupervised by a physician.

Do you have a physician on staff?

Yes. We are the ONLY ultrasound studio that has Board Certified Radiologist on staff. If, during the course of providing an elective limited ultrasound, we suspect an anomaly or defect, we will notify your ob-gyn doctor at once. However, at no time does the ultrasound you receive at Prenatal Miracles replace the full diagnostic 2D scan you must receive at your doctor’s office. You must actively be receiving prenatal care from your doctor.

What is an ARMDS sonographer? Do you need special training?

ARMDS (American Registry for Medical Diagnostic Sonographers) is a globally recognized standard of excellence in sonography. An ARMDS sonographer has at a minimum a 2-year associate’s degree and has attended medical classroom lectures and received clinical training. They have taken courses in anatomy, general physics and obstetric sonography and fetal anomalies. However, before becoming an ARMDS sonographer, they must then pass two comprehensive examinations, which includes a specialty. We use only ARMDS sonographers with a specialty certification in obstetrics & gynecology (OB-GYN). Other studios may either use someone who has no background in sonography at all, or had “on-the-job” training and have no formal certifications.

Can I bring family and friends? What about children?

All are welcome to share your very special moment with you! We never limit the age or amount of loved ones our clients wish to bring with them to share in their baby’s “big debut”. Our ultrasound room will comfortably seat 8, however, if you don’t mind standing room only, we don’t either! Our HD LCD television is large enough that everyone will have a great view of your baby.

Is the 3D/4D ultrasound covered by my insurance?

No. This is a completely elective limited diagnostic ultrasound to promote the bonding of you and your baby, therefore, is not covered by insurance. Only a full diagnostic 2D ultrasound you receive at your doctor’s office is covered by insurance since it is done solely for medical purposes.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and ATM/Debit cards. We do not accept personal checks.

How much will the ultrasound cost?

We have packages fitting just about anyone’s budget. We, at Prenatal Miracles, provide superior service with very competitive pricing. Click here to see our list of packages and pricing. Packages start at $60.

Do you have gift certificates?

Of course! What makes a better gift to an expectant mother than the gift that will truly last a lifetime? Don’t bother with candy or flowers. A 3D/4D/HD Live ultrasound is the perfect gift for any occasion or “just because”. It’s something she will never forget as long as she lives.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that you please give us at least 24 hours advanced notice, as there are many mothers waiting to see their own baby’s “debut”. Therefore, less than 24 hours notice will result in a $50 no show fee.

Should you have any questions that have not been answered, please call us at 757-961-PEEK (7335) or send us an email at: info@prenatalmiracles.com

What is the cost of SneakPeek Clinical?

$129. You may upgrade for $20 and get your results 1 day early between 4pm – 8pm Eastern Time.

I’ve previously had a boy. Will that skew my results?

Clinical studies have shown that fetal DNA clears from mom’s bloodstream between a few hours to 2 days after birth.

I’m having twins. Can SneakPeek determine fetal sex for each one?

In the case of identical twins, if male DNA is found, then both babies are boys. If no male DNA is found, then both babies are girls. For fraternal twins (or more), finding male DNA will confirm at least one baby is a boy, but cannot distinguish if the second is a boy or girl.

Do hormone disorders such as PCOS affect my results?

SneakPeek is a DNA-based test, so hormones do not impact results.

Do blood thinners affect my results? SneakPeek looks only for the presence of Y chromosomes and is extremely sensitive and accurate. No blood thinners or other drugs are known to affect SneakPeek gender results.

Is this test safe?

SneakPeek Clinical is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), and it’s safe for both mother and baby.

How quickly can I get my results? Your sample is mailed to SneakPeek Labs via Priority Mail Express (overnight mail).

Standard customers: Expect your result email between 1-5pm Eastern Time the day after your sample is received by SneakPeek.

For $20 Upgrade you can become a Fast Track customer and receive your results a day faster. Expect your result email between 4-8pm Eastern Time the day your sample is received by SneakPeek.

If your blood sample was taken on Saturday, you will receive your emailed results on Tuesday 1-5pm Eastern time. If you upgrade $20 to Fast Track you will receive your emailed results 4-8 pm Eastern Time Monday.

If your blood sample is taken Wednesday evening you will receive your emailed Saturday 12-5 pm Eastern time. If you upgrade $20 to Fast Track you will receive your emailed results Friday 4-8 pm Eastern Time.

If your blood sample is taken weekdays during the morning you will receive your results 2 days later. If you upgrade $20 to Fast Track you will receive your emailed results the next day 4-8 pm Eastern Time.

Are results guaranteed?

How are results given to me?

You’ll get an email from sneakpeekresults@sneakpeektest.com with the subject line “Your SneakPeek Results Is In!”

Be sure to check all your folders including promotions and junk mail in case your email filters redirects it.

SneakPeek Clinical is the most accurate early gender test on the market. If the test result does not match the gender of your newborn, you’ll receive a full refund.

Does a prior miscarriage affect my results?

Clinical studies have shown that fetal DNA clears rapidly from the maternal bloodstream, within 1-2 days. Therefore, a miscarriage will not affect your current results.

Can gender results be sent to a different email address?

Yes! You have the option to provide your email address and a Results email address. So if you don’t want your gender results to be sent to your email- no problem!

How is my privacy protected? We know your DNA information is personal. To protect you privacy:

SneakPeek tests only for baby’s gender. No data is gathered about disease states or other health-related information.
After the test is run, your DNA sample is disposed of by a professional chemical management company in compliance with federal standards.
SneakPeek never shares your results with anyone other than the email address you provide.

Where can I learn more? Visit www.sneakpeektest.com

Link to SneakPeek pregnancy calculator: https://sneakpeektest.com/pregnancy-calculator/

One Comment

Prenatal Miracles

April 30, 2019 at 9:05 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to send us the feedback! I’m so happy you had a wonderful visit and you were able to get great pictures! We wish you and your little one all the best!

Thanks again!
Sheena
Prenatal Miracles

One Comment

Prenatal Miracles

Leave a Reply Cancel reply