You’re pregnant! How awesome and wonderful. I wish you a healthy & happy pregnancy. Now is the time for registries, nursery plans and reading lots of articles and books about pregnancy, birth and raising children. Or perhaps this is not your first rodeo, and you already have all you need, and are just planning how the new addition will fit into your family and house (!). During this time, maybe you are thinking about 3D ultrasound. It’s a perfect way to get a little extra keepsake of this fleeting, but special moment in your life.
What is 3D ultrasound anyway?
Glad you asked! A 3D ultrasound is a series of 2D ultrasound images put together to show us what the surface of a baby looks like. Most of the time we are looking at the face, and are able to see baby’s features very clearly between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. 4D ultrasound is a live “real-time” type of 3D ultrasound. When you see the 3D image of the baby in motion, that is 4D mode. Here at Wonder Time, we have HD Live which is the next level of 3D ultrasound software. It is more true-to-life and allows us to manipulate an artificial light source to enhance the image. Check out this comparison between 3D ultrasound and HD Live:
Is 3D ultrasound safe for me and my baby?
Good question! In this day and age we as women are always thinking about how to keep our babies healthy. Ultrasound in all of its obstetrical applications, 2D, 3D, 4D etc. is safe according to the studies that have been performed. Ultrasound machines have certain limits which should not be exceeded for certain lengths of time. The levels of Thermal Index and Mechanical Index are the ones to watch, and the advanced GE machine that we have performs at very low exposure on both counts. According to the accepted standards, we could scan for hours at a time, without posing any risk due to exposure levels. You can read more about the exposure of 3D ultrasound here.
Why would I want to get a 3D ultrasound done?
Because it starts the bonding experience early! You and your family and friends can relax in our studio and see the first glimpse of baby’s features and personality. Compare that little face to that of yours, your partner, or your other babies. Bring your parents and let them enjoy this experience. Such a treat for the grandparents-to-be, seeing that hope for the future, larger than life, on the big screen! Or, just bring your significant other to the session, and enjoy the romance of seeing this combination of you and your partner for the first time, together. Another good reason is the creation of more memories…I always wish I had more pictures, journal entries, videos, and 3D ultrasounds of my own pregnancy! And if I had been able to get this level of ultrasound done…I would have jumped at the chance!
What does Wonder Time offer that other studios don’t?
Ahem…time to brag a bit! We are the only 3D ultrasound studio in New Jersey with HD Live technology. We have a top-level GE Ultrasound machine with one of the newest software packages. In my opinion, GE offers the best in 3D ultrasound and 4D ultrasound, including HD Live. We strive for at least 75% of the face being seen in one image per session. If we cannot see 75% of baby’s face with 3D imaging during your session, we charge you nothing. We offer another session, and if we are successful at that time…then you pay for your package. We do not charge a sitting fee for your session, as some of our competitors do. We also pride ourselves on having a comfortable bed, studio, and amenities. We carefully curate our retail for top level quality. With over 12 years of experience, our sonographer is well-versed in the safety and skillful use of 3D ultrasound. She loved working with patients at her job, but felt like the rules of the workplace and the hurried schedule didn’t leave a lot of time for giving the experience that most families were looking for. She felt like she was letting them down, but still tried her best to give 100%. Even so, patients got attached, and would ask for Glenda when their next ultrasound was scheduled. This was humbling and very much appreciated. And it led to the creation of Wonder Time. Built on a vision to offer excellent “customer service”, emotional support, and the best technology we could afford! We truly believe that your happiness is the most important part of our business.
What can I do to prepare for my 3D ultrasound session at Wonder Time?
A few things might be helpful…
- Drink lots of water. 64oz every day, at least for a week or two before your appointment. If the weather has been hot, or you have been exercising, I recommend a small bottle of Gatorade during this time, as well. How do you know that you are getting enough water? Look for your urine to be a light yellow color.
- Eat a small meal or a snack before your visit.
- Schedule according to your body type. If you carry more weight around your middle, schedule at 32-34 weeks. If it is your first baby and you haven’t really “popped” yet, also try closer to 32-34 weeks. If you have plenty of amniotic fluid (very round belly) anytime between 28-34 weeks is fine.
- Let us know if you have any special needs or requests, we are willing to do whatever it takes to make your experience more comfortable for you. Things like an extra pillow or a bolster are easy for us to give, and may make a lot of difference for you.
What will my visit at Wonder Time be like?
Awesome, of course! In our new downstairs office (opening 6-19-18) you will arrive at the Float Haven Spa, enter the building & be greeted in the waiting room. After you fill out a short form, you will be taken back to our elegant suite, with generous space for you and up to 12(!) guests. You will relax on our super comfy bed with a memory foam pillow. You will have some warm gel applied to your belly, and be able to see your baby on the 55” flat screen TV. We will undoubtedly laugh and maybe shed a happy tear during your session. It’s a truly magical experience. When your session is over, we give you a flash drive, prints and any other detail you wish, ring you up and you are all set! We really look forward to seeing you soon!
What does Wonder Time have in store for the coming year?
I love this question! I also love taking our business plan into the next few years!
For 2019 our goals are:
- Machine upgrade to the GE Voluson E-10. This ultrasound machine will have THE BEST 3D and 4D ultrasound quality, as well as the newest version of HD Live, and the ability to send 3D images to a 3D PRINTER!!!! A wonderful keepsake for everyone, but especially for those who are vision impaired. We have been in love with this idea since reading this article.
- New retail items, such as luxury hospital gowns and robes for delivery day, belly bump casting and kits, natural baby wash (good for your skin too), and many more.
- New packages for adding a spa experience to your day…prenatal massage and float therapy options.
Really, 2018 has been better than we had ever dared to hope. The wonderful couples and families that have shared this special time with us have humbled and inspired us to offer more hours and an even better studio. We look ahead to 2019 with true joy and anticipation!
If you are local to the South Jersey area, come see us! And if you have any other questions, you can visit our FAQ page, or call or text (856) 553-5138. Texting is often best, as we are often busy with other clients. If you do call, please be sure to leave a voicemail message, we don’t feel comfortable calling you back if you haven’t given the OK to do so. We wouldn’t want to violate your privacy in any way.
