Finding Out the Sex of Your Baby

Gender Reveal at 13 Weeks

A few weeks ago, you found out that you are pregnant. You saw that pink line pop up on the test, and now you are probably anxious, overwhelmed or maybe you are just super excited. You are starting to wonder what your life will be like after baby arrives, what the nursery theme will be, etc. Maybe you really want to prepare for their arrival. If you are the type of person who likes to plan ahead, and cannot wait to know the sex of your baby, we offer the Early Pink or Blue Package. Utilizing a method that is backed by multiple clinical studies, we are able to determine gender at any point on or after 13 weeks.

You may be wondering, why doesn’t everyone do this? First, your OB/GYN does not really care what the gender of your baby is. They are concerned with your health, and the health of your unborn child (as they SHOULD BE!!).  Some of the other elective ultrasound places in our area offer gender at 15 weeks, but not sooner. Some of the reasons are: the operator-dependent nature of ultrasound & unfamiliarity with the method.  An ultrasound is only as good as the skill of the person doing it. I have 12 years experience, with the last 5 years entirely focused on Obstetrical ultrasound. I heard about the “nub theory” method and decided to do some research, because it sounded logical. It really made good sense to me. With precision and diligence, it can be an accurate determination of fetal gender.  I have faith in this method, and have used it to correctly determine gender on hundreds of babies.

If you want to pair your ultrasound with an intimate family gathering, we offer our Gender Reveal Party Package as well. You and 10 guests (10 is best, but, more guests are possible, message us for details) get to see baby moving on the big screen and hear baby’s heartbeat as we record the module which will go inside your stuffed animal. Then it’s time for the reveal, we use confetti cannons either indoors or outdoors. After that, light refreshments are served , and we take time for lots of photo ops with family and friends.

No matter how or when you would like to find out the gender of your baby, we have many options to assist you.  Let us know how we can help make your experience a memorable one. 

Nervous about Expecting?

Here at Wonder Time, we know that you worry.  Especially in the beginning of your pregnancy. Maybe you have had problems getting pregnant. Maybe you had a loss. Maybe you had morning sickness and it went away. None of these reasons are enough for your doctor to do an ultrasound.  If all you want is just a quick peek, to see the heartbeat of that perfect little baby…we offer our Gummy Bear Package.  Sometimes, it can be all you need to settle your mind and get you back on track to enjoying your life. 

The Gummy Bear Package is 10-15 minutes long and costs $50.  We can see and measure the heart beat, but we most likely will not be able to hear it yet. If you are closer to 12 weeks, we may be able to listen with the doppler.  We will take a video clip of the heart beating, and print you 2-3 pictures of that precious little one! 

This package also offers an excellent opportunity for a little picture in a frame…how cute would that be for your pregnancy announcement!  When you are ready to announce, let the future grandparents know with a card and a picture!

If you need to have a little reassurance at any time during your pregnancy, you may schedule a Gummy Bear visit.  Just a quick peek & listen to the heartbeat. 🙂  If you find that your anxiety is getting too strong, and if you have dealt with infertility or loss in the past,  we can refer you to an awesome group of caring people who advocate for you and get you resources that can help!

When you are ready to find out the gender, come back in for our “Early Pink or Blue”  or “Pink or Blue” package!

Benefits of Prenatal Massage, Float Therapy and More

 

 It’s another hot, muggy August day! Hope all of you expecting mamas are staying cool, putting your feet up when you can, and taking it easy. I’m sure your day is nothing like that, but I still wish you the best.  Today I am thinking about different ways you can get a little break.

 My office is located within a spa. How cool is that?! I recently met up with the practitioners here at Float Haven Health Spa and we formulated some packages which are designed to help you relax and rejuvenate, without emptying your wallet! These relaxing and beneficial modalities can help soothe your stress, aches and pains during or after pregnancy.

 Here at Float Haven Health Spa, they offer float therapy, salt therapy, massage, guided meditation, pilates and yoga.  Float Therapy is an experience of ultimate peace and relaxation in which you spend one hour in a private, specialized tank filled with ten inches of highly-saturated Epsom salt water causing one to float completely effortlessly atop the water at near zero-gravity.  Pregnant women get significant relief in pain and muscle tension from the state of deep relaxation achieved from floating. We do recommend that a pregnant woman consult her physician prior to floating, especially during the first trimester. 
 
 Salt therapy also called halotherapy, is a 100% natural, drug-free, non-invasive treatment. Salt therapy is a method of inhaling pure, dry, micronized salt air particles. These particles reach the deepest area of the lungs absorbing bacteria and pollutants and providing an anti-inflammatory and cleansing effect. This process supports and strengthens the body’s immune system by eliminating toxins and allergens that are trapped within the mucus lining of the respiratory system. This is great for kids and pregnant moms that cannot use standard medication to deal with colds and allergies!  Add Salt Therapy as an additional feature of your spa visit, or come in for a Salt Session a la carte! 
45 minute adult halotherapy for $35, kids room halotherapy 30 minutes for $20.
                   
Prenatal Relaxation Package: over 2 hours of bliss for $95
 
Your body is going through changes with the stress and strain of carrying a new life. Take a few hours to pamper yourself, you deserve it! This package includes a 60 minute float session which is followed by a 60 minute prenatal massage.
See FAQ about Float Therapy (https://www.floathavenspa.com/faq)
 
New Mama Relaxation Package: over 2 hours of bliss for $95
 
You just need a little time away to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate your body and mind. Get a babysitter for a few hours, and return home refreshed! This package includes a 60 minute float session which is followed by a 60 minute postnatal massage.
 
Private Prenatal Yoga & Meditation Class: 75 minute session for $45 a person (1-2 students max)
A wonderful tool to calm anxiety and help to prepare your body for birth. Learn postures and meditation for pregnancy and birth in a private or semi-private setting.
 
Coming Soon
Pre-Baby Meditation Class 60 minute session $20 per couple
 Classes start after Labor Day
 
Post Baby Yoga and Pilates  $10 per person
 Classes start mid-September
 
Call Float Haven Health Spa to schedule :  (856) 589-1133

7 Things You Need to Know About 3D Ultrasound at Wonder Time

7 Things You Need to Know About 3D Ultrasound at Wonder Time

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.

What can I expect at my 3D ultrasound session at Wonder Time?

You’ve booked your 3D ultrasound appointment at Wonder Time. You’ve prepared by making sure you are well-hydrated, and you’ve had a light snack before you got in the car. You are so excited to see your little baby’s face! As you arrive at our office building, you enter the spa waiting room. Glenda greets you and leads you upstairs to the ultrasound room. After you fill out a few forms, it’s time to lie down on our comfy bed (you’ll be wishing your doctor had one like ours). As the lights go dim, you and your guests gaze at the 55″ flat screen TV, waiting to see that sweet baby. After some repositioning, baby’s face comes into view, in realistic 3D or true-to-life HD Live. You and your guests will be amazed at the new technology which makes baby seem even more real to you. You are getting the added benefit of early bonding with your precious little one. Watch for a yawn, a smile, a frown. This may be the first glimpse of the little budding personality. See little hands and feet in exquisite detail. If baby is being shy, we may have you get up and stretch, take a little walk, or lie on your other side. Let us know what feels comfortable to you.  If you know a way to get baby moving, let’s try it!  Picture after picture, you are falling more deeply in love with the miraculous being that is growing inside of you.

When the session time is over, you will be given a USB flash drive with all of the 3D and HD images and 4D video clips that were taken. We also print out black and white pictures and some color pictures, for your immediate enjoyment. Peruse our collection of heartbeat stuffed animals and photo frames, and decide if you would like an extra special souvenir.  As you and your guests leave our studio, we earnestly hope that you enjoyed our service. If baby did not feel like showing us at least 75% of the face, we would like to offer you a free redo session. We want the pictures you share with your family and friends to be the best representation of what our service can offer.