Our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some common questions we have been asked and the answers to them. If you have a question about our non-diagnostic ultrasound service that is not addressed here, please contact us and we will get the answer to you as soon as we can.
 

Things to know about making appointments
Q How far in advance should I book my appointment?
A Appointments should be booked 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure that you get an appointment that is convenient for you.

Q If I want to know the gender of my baby, when is the best time to book an appointment?
A This is the most common question we are asked. We may be able to identify the gender of your unborn child after 20 weeks. The ideal time is 24-28 weeks. If gender is not confirmed after 20 weeks gestation, your next appointment after 24 weeks is free.

Q I have just found out I'm pregnant and I was wondering how long I should wait before I have an ultrasound done?
A There is no bad time to come in. Ultrasound imaging at any stage of pregnancy offers exciting features. Before the mother-to-be can feel the unborn child move, they are amazed to watch how much the unborn child moves during the ultrasound scan. The pregnancy then seems more "tangible" and many women improve their own health behaviors on behalf of the unborn child. The later stages provide an opportunity to view the soft tissue details of the unborn child. It is a special treat when the unborn child's face can be seen during a yawn, swallowing or sucking. A compromise may be to come at 24 - 28 weeks along.
Here's a list of what you might see at each trimester:

1st Trimester

	heart beat is visible
	unborn child is the size of a peanut
	arm and leg buds can be seen
	unborn child demonstrates rest periods and twitches of activity

2nd Trimester

	movements peak at 17 weeks but are not always felt by the mother
	unborn child is about 6-12 inches long and can easily be seen on the monitor
	arms, hands, legs and feet are fully molded
	thumb sucking can be observed

3rd Trimester

	unborn child can be seen swallowing
	organs are easily identified
	breathing motion is seen approximately one third of the time
	hiccups are common
	from the 7th month to term, the unborn child's length increases 13-20 inches and its weight nearly triples

Safety considerations (more information on ultrasound safety)
Q I am 4 months pregnant and I want to have an ultrasound, however, some of my friends say that it may be harmful to the baby. Is this procedure safe?
A We discuss this issue with everyone who chooses to have a non-diagnostic scan to ensure they are making an informed decision. To the best of scientific knowledge there have been no documented side effects of ultrasound imaging. You may be reassured that Governing Health Officials would not allow the non-diagnostic service if there were known adverse affects to the unborn child. I am not a research scientist but, in more than 25 years of ongoing testing, there has never been any conclusive evidence of harm to the unborn child through ultrasound imaging.

Q I have had 3 normal pregnancies and my doctor ordered routine ultrasounds with each pregnancy. I was never told of any risks. I am really confused lately about the safety. Has there been new research that proves it's an unsafe procedure?
A There are no new findings to indicate ultrasound is unsafe. In 1993, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine released an official statement regarding safety of Ultrasound Imaging. It states that ultrasound has been in use since the 1950s including use during human pregnancy. No confirmed biological effects when using typical intensities have ever been reported.

Services that we offer
Q How much time does an ultrasound session usually take?
A They usually take 30 minutes for 2D or 45 minutes for 3/4D, with an actual scanning time between 10 and 20 minutes. Expect an extra 10 minutes for 3/4D ultrasound scans.

Q Why don't I have to have a full bladder for this ultrasound?
A The reason that you don't  need a bursting bladder is we need only enough fluid to see the birth canal to compare it to the size of the baby's head. In the medical ones we need to see the lower uterine segment to rule out a placenta previa, or mass in that area that may complicate a vaginal delivery.

Q Can you explain the procedure of ultrasound, particularly how you operate?
A We offer a personal scan to expectant mothers. It allows you to bond with your unborn child by using a non-diagnostic approach to ultrasound imaging. The emphasis of the procedure is on the emotional benefits and our very realistic and recognizable 3/4D images of the child, as well as top-notch 2D images.

Q Does my doctor have to refer me to you or can I just have an ultrasound done on my own?
A You do not need a referral from your doctor. Many pregnant women discuss having a non-diagnostic ultrasound with their doctor and the medical acceptance has been favorable. Attending physicians are hesitant to order expensive ultrasound testing through Alberta Health Care when there are no underlying medical problems. People recognize that there are intangible benefits of viewing the unborn child in a comfortable, informal setting.

Q What factors determine the quality of my images?
A Many factors, such as the position of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the amount of tissue between the probe and the baby can affect the quality of the images. Although our highly-trained sonographers always try to get the best images, the quality does vary from one scan to the next.

Q How many people am I really allowed to bring?
A You may bring as many people as you like with you. Keep in mind that the room is quite small, but your guests are allowed to enter in and out of the room if they wish. Keep in mind that all sounds in the room are recorded so too many voices may interfere with what the technician is explaining on the video.

Q I've already had a routine ultrasound ordered by my doctor. How is Ultrasound Preview different?
A With healthcare cutbacks, quite often physicians may only order one ultrasound scan at an earlier stage of a normal pregnancy, which is mostly focused on making sure there are no problems with the pregnancy. Ultrasound Preview offers the expectant parents an opportunity to view and bond with their unborn child for the duration of the pregnancy, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Some differences between routine ultrasounds and the scans we do at Ultrasound Preview are:

Q What kind of DVD's do you use?
A We use DVD-R discs to record the ultrasound sessions. These discs work on most ordinary DVD players and do not require a computer for playback. We have found that DVD-R discs offer superior compatibility. If you aren't sure if these DVDs will play in your DVD player, we encourage you to purchase both a VHS and DVD copy.

Q Do I receive the pictures and DVD immediately to take home?
A Yes! You receive the pictures and video immediately after the appointment to take home and enjoy.