Planning your 3D/4D ultrasound? At Sweet Pea 3D/4D Ultrasound Nola, we understand how exciting this very special moment is, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Here’s all you need to know to prepare, so you can walk away with the best possible images and memories to cherish.
Ultrasound Preparation Tips
While no two pregnancy ultrasounds are exactly alike, the right preparation can help improve your baby’s chance of cooperating, enhance image quality, and enrich the overall experience.
Establish prenatal care first
Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do at Sweet Pea, which is why it’s important to first receive a prenatal medical ultrasound before your 3D/4D ultrasound. You’ll need to already be under the care of a healthcare provider and have completed a diagnostic ultrasound to confirm your due date, check for any complications, and monitor the progression of your pregnancy.
While a 3D or 4D ultrasound is an exciting, elective experience, it’s not a replacement for medical imaging. We require our moms-to-be to have this foundation of care so that when you come in for your ultrasound, you can relax and fully focus on enjoying this special moment.
Schedule at the right time
The best time for your 3D or 4D ultrasound falls between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, giving you the ideal window to capture your baby’s features. At this point, your baby’s facial features are well-developed, but there’s still enough room for them to move, making it easier to capture both detailed still images and movements like stretching or yawning.
If you schedule earlier, around 26 to 28 weeks, your baby’s features may be less defined, but you can still expect beautiful, early glimpses. Waiting until after 32 weeks may mean less space for your baby to move, which can make it harder to capture certain angles or expressions.
Stay well-hydrated
One of the easiest things you can do to ensure your ultrasound images are as clear as possible is to stay well-hydrated. Drinking enough water in the weeks leading up to your appointment helps increase the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby, giving us the best chance of capturing those detailed, beautiful images.
We recommend drinking 1 gallon of water daily for at least two weeks before your ultrasound. This not only helps you feel your best but also allows the ultrasound machine to capture clearer pictures. If you haven’t been as consistent with your water intake, now is a great time to start. We also recommend pushing back your appointment, if necessary, to ensure you have ample time to increase your water intake.
Avoid overeating the day of
While not mandatory, having a light snack before your 3D/4D ultrasound is something you can do if you’d like to encourage your baby to be more active during the session. Sometimes, a small snack can help stimulate movement, giving us more opportunities to capture those sweet moments—whether it’s a yawn, stretch, or wiggle.
However, be sure to avoid overeating before your appointment. A large meal may make your baby drowsy, making it harder to capture active movements. Keeping it light ensures a nice balance. Feel free to also bring snacks and drinks with you during your session if you'd like.
Wear comfortable clothing
For your ultrasound session, it’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to relax and enjoy the experience. A two-piece outfit, such as a top with pants, shorts, or a skirt, is ideal because it provides easy access to your belly, making the process smoother for both you and your technologist.
With minimal adjustments needed, the technologist can apply the ultrasound gel and perform the scan without disruption.
Plan to share the experience
We understand that this is a special moment, and we encourage you to share it with those closest to you. You’re welcome to bring up to 8 guests to your ultrasound session, allowing family members or close friends to be part of this unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s your partner, siblings, or even future grandparents, having loved ones there to witness your baby’s first movements can make the moment even more meaningful.
Know what to expect
Preparing for your 3D/4D ultrasound also means knowing what to expect during your session. When you arrive at Sweet Pea, we make sure your experience is comfortable and exciting from the start.
After settling in, your session will begin with your technologist applying a warm gel to your belly, getting things ready for a smooth, non-invasive scan. As the images pop up on the screen, you’ll get to see your baby in real-time, whether it’s gentle movements, tiny stretches, or even a little smile.
Your session will last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the pregnancy package you choose. After the session, you’ll get a full set of keepsakes to treasure, including black-and-white and color images, plus an online gallery of photos and video clips in 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, and HD formats.
What If My Baby Doesn’t Want to Cooperate?
Even after taking all the right prep steps, sometimes babies just have their own plans. If your baby isn’t in an ideal position for clear imaging—whether they’re facing away or staying still—don’t worry. We may ask you to change positions, move around, or even take a short walk to help encourage your baby to shift.
Sometimes, a little movement on your part is enough to get your baby moving too!
If your baby still isn’t cooperating after some adjustments, you’ll be given one complimentary rescan. At Sweet Pea, we want to ensure you get the best possible images, even if it means moving your session to a different date.
Your New Orleans Ultrasound Studio
Thoughtful preparation can help you get the most out of your 3D/4D ultrasound at Sweet Pea.
Whether you’re interested in our 30-minute Signature package, our 45-minute Deluxe package, or one of our maximum-value bundles, we offer a full suite of bonding experiences to bring you and your little one closer.
Book your 3D/4D ultrasound today to start creating the keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.
Looking to gift a loved one a 3D/4D ultrasound? We offer gift cards to make it easy to share the joy of capturing these first precious moments. Come stop by to learn more!
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