I find myself giving my clients a lot of advice for how to have a great session, with the best picture. So much of picture quality hinges on amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the “water” around the baby. Babies with more fluid are able to move around a bit more. Optimal levels of amniotic fluid are reached when you are well-hydrated, drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day. Amniotic fluid allows a cushion between baby’s face and other surfaces, such as the placenta and the wall of the uterus. All of the pics you see on our Facebook and Instagram are examples of adequate to optimal fluid levels. Here are some tips to ensure that you give yourself the best chance for awesome pictures!
Gummy Bear
If you are between 6 and 10 weeks, a full bladder is going to be helpful. A full bladder helps to push your intestines up and away from your uterus, and it will position your uterus for optimal images. Drink approximately 20 ounces of water 30-45 minutes before your appointment. If you are nauseous, only do what you are able to do. If you are 10 weeks or more, just be well-hydrated (64 ounces of water daily).
Sneak Peek Clinical
Drink 64 ounces of water the day before your appointment, and try to drink a big glass of water in the morning before you come in. The more hydrated you are, the easier your blood draw will be. A full bladder is also helpful for the quick ultrasound that we do, if you are under 10 weeks. Once again, at this time in pregnancy it can be hard to drink water and keep it down. Please only do what you can, try not to make yourself sick. We will also have juice, water, coffee and donuts at the event.
Early Pink or Blue/ Pink or Blue
No need for a full bladder for these sessions, but please drink at least 64 ounces of water for three days prior to your appointment. The more hydrated you are, the better the images will be.
Lucky Baby, Peek a Boo, Sweet Baby Face
Drink at least 64-100 ounces of water each day for the three days before your appointment. The day of, drink water, stay hydrated, eat as you normally would. If your baby is normally not very active during the time of day of your appointment, have some fruit 30 minutes prior to your session. No need for a full bladder, empty is best!
Even after our best efforts, getting a good image can still be difficult. At Wonder Time, our Peek a Boo and Sweet Baby Face packages come with a 75% face guarantee. We recognize 75% as being both eyes, nose and mouth in any one image. If we are unable to achieve this, we offer you a chance to come back for a redo session. If we are still unable to get that 75% image (this is very rare!) we will not charge you. Our first goal is that you will get the best images possible, and if we cannot do that, at least you will not pay for suboptimal images.
