FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pregnancy Timeline

When Is the Best Time for a Private Ultrasound?

There isn’t just one “best” time for a private ultrasound—every stage of pregnancy offers a unique opportunity to bond with your baby. Over the years, we’ve found that certain stages of pregnancy are favorites for different reasons, so we’ve broken them down below to help you choose the perfect time for your visit.

10+ Weeks | Teddy Heartbeat Session

Beginning at 10 weeks, you can hear your baby’s heartbeat during our Teddy Heartbeat Session—one of the most emotional milestones of pregnancy.

During your visit, we’ll record your baby’s heartbeat inside the Teddy Heartbeat Bear of your choice, creating a keepsake you’ll treasure long after your little one arrives. Many families choose one for themselves, while others purchase additional bears for grandparents, siblings, or other loved ones so they can share in the excitement, too.

The best part? Your Teddy Heartbeat Bear often becomes a cherished companion long after your baby is born. Many parents find that the familiar heartbeat sound can be soothing and comforting for their newborn, helping recreate one of the very first sounds your baby ever knew inside the womb. And if there’s a proud big brother or big sister at home, don’t be surprised if they claim one as their own! We’ve seen countless siblings fall in love with these bears, making them a special way to help older brothers and sisters feel connected to the new baby even before they arrive.

Our Teddy Heartbeat Blessing Kits have quickly become one of our most popular keepsakes. They pair beautifully with your Teddy Heartbeat Bear and are perfect for your gender reveal, baby shower, baby sprinkle, or any special gathering with family and friends. Each guest can write a heartfelt wish, prayer, or blessing for your baby as they eagerly await their arrival, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake your family will treasure for years to come.

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7–10 Weeks | Quick Peek 2D Ultrasound Session – First Peek & Early Reassurance

Many families choose our Quick Peek 2D Ultrasound Session for a first peek, early reassurance, and the opportunity to see their baby’s heartbeat, sharing one of their very first special moments together.

While many families find reassurance from seeing their baby’s heartbeat any time after 6 weeks of pregnancy, you can begin listening to your baby’s heartbeat at 10 weeks during your ultrasound. Based on current research, we recommend waiting until 10 weeks before listening to your baby’s heartbeat with ultrasound, making it another exciting milestone to look forward to during your pregnancy.

10–13 Weeks | Quick Peek 2D Ultrasound Session

Between 10 and 13 weeks is one of our favorite times to perform a Quick Peek 2D Ultrasound Session. It’s the perfect time for a first peek at your baby’s incredible development in a relaxed, comfortable setting where you have time to soak it all in. For many families, it’s the moment when it all starts to feel real. It’s also one of those special stages of pregnancy that many parents don’t get to experience.

If you’ve already had an early dating ultrasound around 6 to 8 weeks, the difference in your baby’s development is often breathtaking. In just a few short weeks, your baby has gone from a tiny little bean with a heartbeat to having tiny fingers, toes, arms, legs, and facial features.

You’ll often see your baby stretching, kicking, rolling, and moving all around—even though most moms haven’t started feeling those movements yet.

It’s also the perfect time to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the very first time. There’s just nothing quite like hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time—it’s a moment you’ll never forget. If you’d like, you can even record your baby’s heartbeat inside one of our Teddy Heartbeat Bears, creating a keepsake you’ll treasure long after your little one arrives.

15+ Weeks | Gender Determination Ultrasound Session

We can determine your baby’s gender by ultrasound beginning at 15 weeks during our Gender Determination Ultrasound Session. At this stage, your little one is becoming even more active, giving you an exciting glimpse of their growing personality during your appointment.

It’s also the perfect session if you’ve already learned your baby’s gender through genetic testing and just want that extra gender confirmation before you start all of the fun planning and shopping.

When you’re pregnant, waiting for your next ultrasound can feel like forever! Our Gender Determination Ultrasound Session is also a wonderful opportunity to see just how much your little one has grown and developed since your last visit, helping break up the wait until your anatomy ultrasound with your doctor.

One of the things families love most is that you get to choose when and how you find out your baby’s gender. Since your ultrasound takes place in our private studio, no one else has to know your baby’s gender before you do. Whether you’re planning a surprise gender reveal or simply want to share the moment together, we’ll carefully seal your baby’s gender in an envelope, allowing your special surprise to remain a secret until you’re ready. Be sure to ask about our wide selection of gender reveal products to help make your celebration even more memorable.

26–28 Weeks | 4D/HD Ultrasound Session

Between 26 and 28 weeks is a wonderful time for your Mini Me 4D/HD Ultrasound Session or Premium 4D/HD Ultrasound Session. Your baby’s facial features are becoming more defined, but they still have plenty of room to move around, allowing you to see more of your baby on the screen at one time.

It’s the perfect balance between seeing your baby’s beautifully developing facial features while still having enough room to enjoy those adorable stretches, kicks, and movements.

If you’re planning to enjoy more than one 4D/HD ultrasound during your pregnancy, we typically recommend scheduling your first visit during this stage. If you’d like to follow your baby’s development throughout your pregnancy, consider our Premium Plus Multi-Visit Pack, which includes two Premium 4D/HD Ultrasound Sessions at a special value.

30–33 Weeks | 4D/HD Ultrasound — Our Favorite Time

If you’re planning just one 4D/HD ultrasound during your pregnancy, our personal favorite is between 30 and 33 weeks for your Mini Me 4D/HD Ultrasound Session or Premium 4D/HD Ultrasound Session.

By this stage, your baby’s facial features are beautifully developed, those adorable chubby cheeks are beginning to fill out, and there’s usually still enough room to capture beautiful 4D/HD images before space becomes more limited.

While every pregnancy is unique, we’ve found that 30 to 33 weeks provides the perfect balance of beautifully developed facial features while still allowing enough room for your baby to move naturally.

If you’d like to experience your baby’s development more than once, we recommend scheduling your first Mini Me 4D/HD Ultrasound Session or Premium 4D/HD Ultrasound Session between 26 and 28 weeks, followed by a second visit between 30 and 32 weeks to see just how much your little one has grown.

Later in Pregnancy | Is It Too Late for a 4D/HD Ultrasound?

While 30 to 33 weeks is our personal favorite if you’re planning just one Mini Me 4D/HD Ultrasound Session or Premium 4D/HD Ultrasound Session, beautiful 4D/HD ultrasound images can often still be captured later in pregnancy. In fact, some of our most amazing 4D/HD ultrasound images have been captured in the later weeks of pregnancy.

Every pregnancy is unique, and factors such as your baby’s position, the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby’s face, and your individual pregnancy all play an important role in the images we’re able to capture.

That said, I would never recommend waiting until the very end of your pregnancy. While I’ve captured absolutely amazing images later in pregnancy, every baby is different, and once your little one runs out of room, there’s no going back.

Both 7 and 8 weeks can be wonderful times for an early reassurance ultrasound. However, if you haven’t already had a dating ultrasound with your doctor, I generally recommend waiting until closer to 8 weeks whenever possible.

Many moms estimate how far along they are based on the first day of their last menstrual period. Ovulation doesn’t always happen exactly when expected. It’s very common for pregnancies to measure a little earlier than anticipated, especially if you have longer or irregular cycles.

If you come in too early, your baby may simply be too small to see everything clearly during an abdominal ultrasound. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong—it may just mean your pregnancy isn’t quite as far along as you thought.

By around 8 weeks, your baby is larger, the heartbeat is usually easier to see, and you’ll often have a more reassuring experience. You’ll also begin to see more of your baby’s early development, making it an exciting time to watch your little one grow.

Every pregnancy is unique, and a mom’s body type can also affect what we’re able to see during an early abdominal ultrasound. Moms with smaller body frames or less abdominal tissue often have a better chance of seeing more of their baby during an early abdominal ultrasound. Moms with more abdominal tissue may have better results by waiting another week. That extra time allows your baby to grow just a little more, often making it easier to see everything more clearly during your ultrasound.

If you’re unsure whether 7 or 8 weeks is the best time for your ultrasound, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help you choose the best timing based on your individual pregnancy.

We always do everything we can to capture the best possible images of your baby, but no ultrasound studio can guarantee perfect pictures every time. Every pregnancy is unique, and several factors affect how clearly we’ll be able to see your little one.

The single biggest factor is the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby’s face. A generous pocket of fluid acts like a window, allowing us to capture clearer 4D/HD ultrasound images.

Your baby’s position also plays a huge role. Babies love to hide behind their hands, feet, the umbilical cord, or even face Mom’s back! While every baby is different, patience, experience, and a little extra time can often make all the difference.

Your body type can also affect your images. Moms with smaller body frames or less abdominal tissue sometimes get the best images a little earlier, while moms with more abdominal tissue may have better results by waiting a bit longer. That’s one of the reasons I’m always happy to recommend the ideal time for your ultrasound based on your individual pregnancy.

It’s also important to remember that gestational age plays a role. Scheduling your ultrasound during the ideal window gives your baby the best opportunity to have beautifully developed facial features while still having enough room to move around naturally.

While no one can promise perfect images every time, I can promise I’ll always be honest with you about what we’re seeing and do everything I can to capture the very best memories of your little one.

I may not be able to promise your little one will cooperate the entire time, but I can promise I’ll do everything in my power to encourage them to move into the best position possible so you have the best possible opportunity to see your baby’s sweet face. I know how important those moments are, and I know you can never get them back. That’s why I’m dedicated to making the very most of every minute we have together, helping create memories you’ll treasure long after your baby is born.

One of the most common questions I hear from expecting parents is, “Why won’t my baby show their face?” The truth is, there are many reasons babies hide during an ultrasound, and almost all of them are completely normal.

Some babies curl up into a comfortable position, tuck their face against the placenta, rest behind the umbilical cord, face Mom’s back, or simply sleep through part of the appointment. Every baby is different, and each has their own favorite position while they’re growing in the womb.

One of the most common reasons babies won’t show their faces during a 4D/HD ultrasound is because they have their hands up by their face. Believe it or not, this is completely normal and is often a baby’s way of soothing themselves while they’re still in the womb. Just like newborns love to suck on their fingers or keep their hands close to their faces, many babies do the very same thing before they’re born.

It’s important to remember that your baby’s position can change throughout your ultrasound session. Some babies move on their own with a little time, while others simply prefer to stay curled up in their favorite position. Every baby is unique, and that’s just part of what makes each ultrasound experience so special.

One of the things I love most about these ultrasounds is that they often give you one of your very first glimpses of your baby’s little personality before they’re even born. Some babies are constantly stretching, kicking, and moving all around, while others are perfectly content relaxing with their hands tucked up by their face. It’s amazing to watch those little personalities begin to shine before they’ve even entered the world.

One of the greatest joys of my job is watching families get one of their very first glimpses of their baby’s little personality before they’re even born. Those tiny habits and little movements often become some of the first things you’ll come to know and love about your baby—and one of my favorite things to hear from parents after their baby arrives is, “They’re still doing that!”

One of the most common questions expecting parents ask before their appointment is, “What if my baby won’t cooperate?” The good news is that babies often surprise us! While I may not be able to promise your little one will cooperate the entire time, I can promise I’ll do everything in my power to encourage them to move into the best position possible so we have the best opportunity to capture beautiful 4D/HD ultrasound images.

One of the biggest differences between a medical ultrasound and a private 4D/HD ultrasound session is the amount of time we have to focus on your baby.

During a medical ultrasound, the sonographer’s primary responsibility is evaluating your baby’s health, taking important measurements, and obtaining the medical information your healthcare provider needs. While some medical offices may show you a quick 4D image if time allows, the primary purpose of a medical ultrasound is to evaluate your baby’s health—not to capture keepsake images for your family.

At Stork 4D Imaging Studio, creating beautiful keepsake images and an unforgettable bonding experience is our focus. That means if your baby is hiding behind the placenta, covering their face with their hands, or simply isn’t in the perfect position, we have the time to be patient.

We may have you change positions, roll onto your side, take a short walk, or simply give your baby a few extra minutes to move naturally. Sometimes that’s all it takes to capture the beautiful 4D/HD ultrasound images you’ve been hoping for.

There is nothing better than hearing expecting parents say, “We’ve never seen our baby’s face until now.” Those are the moments I’ll never get tired of.

Every baby is different, and sometimes all they need is a little extra time, a little patience, and a sonographer who’s willing to wait for those special moments.

I may not be able to promise your little one will cooperate the entire time, but I can promise I’ll do everything in my power to encourage them to move into the best position possible so you have the best possible opportunity to see your baby’s sweet face. I know how important those moments are, and I know you can never get them back. That’s why I’m dedicated to making the very most of every minute we have together, helping create memories you’ll treasure long after your baby is born.

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “What can I do to get the best pictures of my baby?” While no one can guarantee perfect images every time, there are several things you can do before your appointment to give us the best opportunity to capture beautiful 4D/HD ultrasound images.

Amniotic Fluid: The #1 Factor

After performing prenatal ultrasounds for more than 20 years, I’ve found that the single biggest factor in how your 4D/HD ultrasound images will turn out is the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby’s face. A generous pocket of amniotic fluid acts like a window, allowing us to capture clearer, more detailed images of your baby.

One of the best things you can do to prepare for your appointment is to increase your water intake for at least 3 to 7 days before your ultrasound. Staying well hydrated over time helps support healthy amniotic fluid levels and gives us the best opportunity to capture the beautiful images you’re hoping for.

Many expecting moms think they need a full bladder for a 4D/HD ultrasound. While we may ask you to have a full bladder for one of our very early pregnancy ultrasounds, a full bladder is not necessary for your 4D/HD ultrasound session.

Eat or Drink Something About 10–15 Minutes Before Your Appointment

I recommend eating or drinking something about 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment to help encourage your baby to move.

Orange juice is my first recommendation because, in my experience, it consistently works the best. Apple juice is another great option. The natural sugar helps wake your baby up and often keeps them moving longer during the ultrasound.

Water is wonderful for staying hydrated, but it won’t help get your baby moving right before your appointment. I also don’t recommend caffeine. While it may give your baby a quick burst of energy, it tends to wear off quickly. In my experience, orange juice provides much better, longer-lasting movement during the scan.

If orange juice or sugary drinks aren’t an option for you, that’s perfectly okay. If you’ve noticed there’s something specific that gets your baby moving, feel free to have that before your appointment. Every baby is different, but after more than 20 years of performing prenatal ultrasounds, I’ve found that orange juice works the best for most babies.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Wear loose, comfortable clothing whenever possible. Tight waistbands or clothing that’s snug around your belly can make it more difficult for both you and your baby to stay comfortable during your ultrasound.

Eat Normally

There’s no special diet you need to follow before your appointment. Simply eat and drink whatever you normally would.

Remember…Every Pregnancy Is Unique

Your baby’s position, the amount of amniotic fluid around their face, your stage of pregnancy, and your body type all play a role in the quality of your ultrasound images.

While we can’t promise every baby will be in the perfect position throughout the entire session, we can promise we’ll do everything we can to encourage your little one to move into the best position possible. Patience and experience often make all the difference.

Our goal is always to capture the best ultrasound images possible while creating memories your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Absolutely! One of the biggest concerns I hear from expecting moms is that having an anterior placenta means they won’t get beautiful 4D/HD ultrasound images. The good news is—that simply isn’t true.

An anterior placenta simply means your placenta is attached to the front wall of your uterus instead of the back. It’s a completely normal placental position and is much more common than many expecting moms realize.

After performing prenatal ultrasounds for more than 20 years, I’ve found that the single biggest factor in how your 4D/HD ultrasound images will turn out isn’t the location of your placenta—it’s the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby’s face. A generous pocket of amniotic fluid acts like a window, allowing us to capture clearer, more detailed images of your baby.

While an anterior placenta can sometimes make imaging a little more challenging, it’s only one of several factors that affect your ultrasound images. In my experience, your baby’s position and the amount of amniotic fluid around their face often have a much greater impact on image quality.

Every pregnancy is unique, and every baby is different. While we can’t promise your little one will be in the perfect position throughout the entire session, we can promise we’ll do everything we can to encourage them to move into the best position possible. Patience and experience often make all the difference.

Our goal is always to capture the best images possible while creating memories your family will treasure for a lifetime.

It depends on who you ask.

For some moms, it’s the reassurance that comes after a long journey to pregnancy. For others, it’s finally getting to see their baby again because the time between medical ultrasounds can feel like forever.

For many dads and partners, the ultrasound is one of the first opportunities to truly bond with their baby. While moms experience the physical changes of pregnancy every day—feeling those first tiny flutters, the big kicks, and all of the little movements throughout the day—partners don’t get to share those same experiences. And let’s be honest…the moment Mom says, “Here, feel that!” the baby almost always seems to stop moving! Seeing their baby’s heartbeat and watching those tiny stretches, kicks, and movements on the screen often comes as a surprise. Many dads don’t realize just how active their little one already is. Sharing those moments together often makes everything feel real in a way that words simply can’t.

For moms with an anterior placenta, it can be the reassurance of finally seeing all of those little movements they haven’t been able to feel yet.

For older brothers and sisters, it’s often the first time they truly understand that there’s really a baby on the way. Watching them meet the baby they’ve been hearing so much about often becomes one of the sweetest memories of the entire pregnancy.

After more than 20 years of performing prenatal ultrasounds, I’ve had the privilege of sharing thousands of these moments with growing families. I’ve witnessed joy, excitement, reassurance, relief, and peace of mind as families meet their baby for the very first time. Sometimes they’re happy tears. Sometimes they’re tears of relief. Either way, being trusted to share those moments is something I’ll never take for granted.

So, is a private ultrasound worth it?

If you ask me, it’s never been just an ultrasound. It’s about the memories you’ll create, the bonds you’ll strengthen, and the moments your family will treasure for a lifetime. It’s about watching families fall in love with their baby before their little one is even born. And that’s worth every single second.

Yes. Ultrasound has been used safely during pregnancy for decades and, when performed appropriately by trained professionals, has not been shown to cause harm to either Mom or baby.

At Stork 4D Imaging Studio, your safety—and your baby’s safety—are always our top priorities. Every ultrasound is personally performed by an experienced, certified sonographer using state-of-the-art, medical-grade ultrasound equipment. Our ultrasound equipment undergoes regular preventive maintenance to help ensure it continues to operate safely and perform at its best. We also follow established safety guidelines and limit our ultrasound sessions to 30 minutes to provide a safe and enjoyable bonding experience.

Our private ultrasound sessions are intended to complement the prenatal care you receive from your healthcare provider. They are not intended to diagnose medical conditions, replace a medical ultrasound, or take the place of your routine prenatal appointments.

If you have any questions about whether a private ultrasound is right for you, we’re always happy to help.

No. Because our ultrasounds are elective, you do not need a doctor’s order or referral to schedule an appointment at Stork 4D Imaging Studio.

While a doctor’s order isn’t required, we do ask that all of our clients are receiving prenatal care from an obstetrician, family physician, or certified nurse midwife. Our private ultrasound sessions are designed to complement your prenatal care—not replace it.

Before your appointment, you’ll simply complete our Registration Form, where you’ll provide the name and contact information for your healthcare provider. This information helps us verify that you’re receiving prenatal care and is required before your ultrasound session.

Our private ultrasound sessions are intended to provide a special bonding experience and beautiful keepsake images of your baby. They are not intended to diagnose medical conditions or replace the important medical care provided by your healthcare team.

Complete Your Registration Form Here

There are no guest restrictions at Stork 4D Imaging Studio! We believe sharing this special moment with the people you love makes the experience even more memorable.

Our ultrasound room comfortably accommodates four seated guests in addition to Mom, but you’re welcome to bring more if you’d like. We have a couch, three chairs, a bench, and additional standing room so everyone can enjoy the experience together.

Children, grandparents, and other loved ones are always welcome. Whether you’re celebrating with just a few family members or bringing a larger group, we love seeing everyone share in this exciting milestone together.

One of the things I hear all the time is, “I can’t bring them to my doctor’s appointments, and they’ve been talking about the baby. They just want to see the baby.” We completely understand, and that’s one of the things that makes a private bonding ultrasound so special.

While medical ultrasounds have an important medical purpose and often can’t accommodate children or additional guests, our studio is all about creating a special family experience. It’s an opportunity for everyone to slow down, share the excitement, and meet your baby together.

Watching a big brother or sister interact with the baby during the ultrasound is something many families treasure long after the appointment is over. For many children, it’s the first time they truly connect with the baby they’ve been hearing so much about—a moment they’ll carry with them for years to come.

After more than 20 years of performing prenatal ultrasounds, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some of the sweetest reactions from older siblings. Seeing a big brother or sister suddenly realize, “Oh…that’s the baby Mommy keeps telling me is in her belly!” never gets old. There’s just something extra special about watching the excitement on a child’s face when they finally see the baby they’ve been hearing so much about.

If you’re planning to bring a larger group, we simply ask that everyone arrive on time so your ultrasound session can begin as scheduled and you can enjoy every minute together.

It depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

For one of our very early pregnancy ultrasounds, we may ask you to have a full bladder because it can help us get a clearer view of your baby during those early weeks.

For Gender Determination and 4D/HD ultrasound sessions, a full bladder is not necessary. In fact, one of the most common misconceptions I hear is that drinking a large amount of water right before your appointment will improve your ultrasound images. The truth is, staying well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment is much more beneficial than simply drinking a lot of water right before you arrive.

If you ever have questions about how to prepare for your ultrasound, we’re always happy to help. We’ll let you know exactly what, if anything, you need to do before your appointment.

We accept cash and all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

For your convenience, we also accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay/contactless payments, Venmo, and Zelle.

Many families also choose to pay using their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card. Because every plan is different, we recommend checking with your HSA or FSA provider if you have questions about your specific benefits or eligibility.

If you have any questions about payment or your appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.

No. Because our private ultrasound sessions are elective, they are not covered by health insurance.

However, some families choose to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards to pay for their ultrasound. Every plan is different, so we recommend checking with your HSA or FSA provider if you have questions about your specific benefits or eligibility.

Our private ultrasound sessions are intended to complement the prenatal care you receive from your healthcare provider. They are not intended to replace medical ultrasounds or your routine prenatal care.

If you have any questions about our ultrasound packages or payment options, we’re always happy to help.

Yes. All private ultrasound sessions at Stork 4D Imaging Studio are by appointment only so we can provide every family with the time and attention they deserve.

Appointments can be scheduled quickly and easily through our online booking system anytime, day or night. If you have questions about which ultrasound session is right for you or need help choosing the best time for your appointment, we’re always happy to help.

If you don’t see an appointment time that works for your schedule, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll do our very best to accommodate your needs whenever possible. If we can make it work, we will!
Give us a call at 630.953.1800.

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If you’ve been researching pregnancy ultrasounds online, you’ve probably come across the term 8K ultrasound. While the images can look incredibly realistic, it’s important to understand what 8K actually is.

A 4D/HD ultrasound is a live ultrasound that allows you to watch your baby move in real time. You’ll see your baby’s expressions, stretches, yawns, smiles, and movements as they happen during your appointment. These are your baby’s actual ultrasound images.

Although it’s often advertised as an “8K ultrasound,” it’s not a different type of ultrasound imaging technology. Instead, after your ultrasound session, AI software enhances one of your 3D/4D ultrasound images to create a more lifelike portrait of your baby.

While many families enjoy the artistic look of 8K images, it’s important to remember that they are computer-enhanced renderings rather than actual ultrasound images.

At Stork 4D Imaging Studio, our focus is on providing beautiful, high-quality 4D/HD ultrasound images and videos so you can experience your baby’s movements naturally and create lasting memories with your family.