Peek a Belly Logo

Phone Icon (815) 524-3963
16626 W 159th Street, Suite 701
Lockport, IL 60441-8018


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between 2d, 3d & 4d Ultrasound?
Prenatal 3D ultrasound is an amazing,  new technology that allows you to see beautiful,  color images of your unborn baby.  With 3D ultrasound, you can actually see what your baby looks like before birth and you can watch your baby move while it is still in the womb. It is a wonderful way for mothers, fathers and siblings to begin bonding with the baby before he or she is born.

3D ultrasound photos are nothing like the standard, black and white, 2D ultrasound photos that most people get from their doctors. In the color photos produced by 3D ultrasound, the baby actually looks like a baby. The sophisticated technology behind 3D ultrasound enables the production of these spectacular images.

3D ultrasound differs from 2D ultrasound in the way in which the image of the baby is rendered. Ultrasound itself is the use of high-frequency soundwaves to create images of internal structures. A small, handheld device called a transducer is used to send soundwaves out and also to receive and record the sound waves when they bounce back. The soundwaves used in 2D and 3D ultrasound are the same. The difference lies in the sophistication of the transducer and the computer software within the ultrasound machine. Unlike 2D ultrasound, 3D ultrasound renders a volumetric image of the baby by almost instantaneously compiling multiple 2D images.

Even more incredible is the movement of the baby that live motion 3D is able to capture. This is also known as 4D (the addition of time is the fourth dimension). You can watch color, 3D images of your baby as he or she sucks their thumb, yawns or kicks while still in the womb.  

3D ultrasound equipment operates with the same power output as 2D machines. Both are monitored and approved by the FDA for use in obstetrical ultrasound. Regular maintenance on our GE equipment is just part of our quality control commitment at Peek A Belly 3D.

2. What should I look for in a 3d provider?
When scheduling an  appointment,  please be sure to ask if your sonographer is a registered diagnostic sonographer-ARDMS.  It is important to understand who you are placing your trust in.

Peek A Belly 3D imaging is a provider of the most trusted 3d/4d ultrasound.  Skill, accuracy and professionalism are the keys to a reassuring enjoyable ultrasound experience. ARDMS sonographers have extensive training and many specialize in obstetrics. Be sure to ask about this when making your appointment - you want a trained professional to conduct your scan. Combined, our sonographers have over 55 years of experience in obstetric ultrasound.

PLEASE BE AWARE! The term “Certified ultrasound technologist” is being abused by some organizations who train anyone off the street through their non-medical short course and use these terms to describe their staff’s credentials

Value

Price isn’t everything.  It is true that you get what you pay for. At Peek A Belly 3D imaging, we are so confident in our services that if you are not satisfied with the results of our competitors bring us your images  from the other provider and we will do it  for  HALF THE PRICE!  Make the right choice the FIRST TIME!

3.  Is ultrasound safe?
Peek A Belly 3D uses the same medical imaging equipment that is used by medical centers and  hospitals and it as safe as the machine used over and over again at your OB’s office. Ultrasound technology has been studied over the past 30 years and has not been shown to cause any harm to the mother or baby. Peek A Belly 3D imaging maintains quality standards to ensure the safety of the mother and fetus. Ultrasound sessions are limited to 30 minutes and are performed by ARDMS Registered Sonographers specializing in obstetrics.  For more information, please view the WebMD article on this subject here:
Multiple Pregnancy Ultrasounds Safe for Child (www.WebMD.com)

The ultrasound machine used by Peek A Belly 3D, the GE Voluson 730 , is approved by the FDA for use in obstetrical ultrasound.

4. Do I need a note from my doctor? 
We do require you are in the care of an OB doctor before your visit.

No, a note is not required from your doctor. We do require you bring your doctors name and phone number so we have a contact number in case of any kind of emergency with mom or baby.

5. Will my pictures look like the one on the website?
The most important factor in obtaining quality images is the position of the baby. The amount of amniotic fluid, the position of the placenta,  the amount of tissue between the probe,  the mothers size and the baby are also factors that can affect the quality of the image.

 IT IS VERY HELPFUL TO GET GOOD QUALITY IMAGES BY STAYING HYDRATED AND LIMIT YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE.  DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. THE MORE THE FLUID AROUND THE BABY & THE BETTER HYDRATED THE MOM IS…. THE BETTER THE IMAGES WILL BE.

6. Can I invite family and friends?
That’s the best part!  Our room is large and comfortable.  There is 2 large viewing screens for your family and friends to enjoy!

7. Do I need to schedule an appointment?
 Yes, you can call us to make your appointment or use the link below to set up a time that is convenient for you.

8. Will you be able to determine the sex of my baby?
Our sonographers are skilled and experienced in obstetrical ultrasound. We have a high first time success rate. If the baby is not cooperating we will have you come back at no charge until we are sure.

We did over 3000 gender determinations in the past 2 years with one error.  That is a 99.80%! Our one error was not quite 15 weeks when the sesion was done - a little early to do it.

We know that finding out the sex of your baby is very important. If we can not determine the gender of your baby for any reason, you may return again within two weeks for no additional charge. You can return as many times as is necessary for us to determine the gender of your baby.

9. What is the best time to have a Peek A Belly 3D imaging session?
It depends on what you are looking for. All sessions can be performed between 6–38 weeks:

• 6-14 Weeks – Peek at the Heartbeat and Movement – 2D Only
• 15-20 Weeks – Peek at the Sex
• 20-26 Weeks – Peek at the Movement Causing All That Action
• 26-38 Week – Peek at What You Newborn Will Look Like

10. What is the difference between a Peek A Belly 3D sonogram and the one I had at my doctor’s office?        
 Peek A Belly 3D provides reassuring 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound images of your baby. The purpose of these images is to provide you with beautiful photos and videos to keep and share with friends and family. A Peek A Belly 3D ultrasound session is not a medical test and is not performed as a diagnostic medical ultrasound of your baby.  Our ultrasound session should not be considered a substitute for any ultrasound studies that may have been recommended by your doctor.

11. Do I need a full bladder?
 No. We prefer that you be comfortable for your session. We recommend that you drink plenty of fluid for several days prior to your session so you are very well hydrated.