When it comes to safety, there is no difference between 3D and traditional 2D Ultrasounds because both ultrasound methods use the same kind of sound waves.

Ultrasound was first introduced for clinical diagnosis in 1942 by an Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist, Karl Dussik. This technology has been successfully used on pregnant women since the early 1960s.

Extensive studies over 50 years have found that ultrasound has not caused any harm to the mother and her baby. Reassurance is provided by researchers who perform multiple prenatal ultrasounds from the early stages of pregnancy with no negative effects on the growth or development of the fetus. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is part of prenatal care today, and it is widely accepted. Since it is safe for both the baby and the mother, no consent form is needed from the mother. Mothers have an average of 2 to 5 ultrasound examinations during the course of a normal pregnancy.

Ultrasound is carried out by delivering sound waves through the body. Normally the sound waves are pointed one way, usually in a straight direction. 3D and 4D ultrasounds are done pretty much in the same manner, except that the waves are not sent in a straight direction. They are pointed from different angles around the fetus. These different angles permit a three-dimensional still-photo of the developing baby. Fourth dimension being time, 4D videos are produced from the 3D ultrasound images captured by fast computers.

“4D” is shorthand for “four-dimensional”- the fourth dimension being ‘time’. 3D ultrasound takes multiple 2-dimensional ultrasound images, and creates a 3-dimensional ultrasound. 3D images are put back to back in a fast manner to create 4D – the real-time ultrasound movie of the baby with incredible details.

UC Baby^® locations employ only licensed ultrasound technicians. Our professionals obtain extra 3D training to keep our standards the best in the market.

We provide you years of medical training and experience you can trust. The founder/ president is herself a medical doctor with 30 years of experience in the field and have scanned more than 200,000 babies so far and still counting. Our UC Baby team is comprised of 15 internationally trained medical doctors working as our technicians, 6 of them obstetricians, 2 of them pediatricians and 2 radiologists.

A good picture of baby’s face is often obtained but not always. The baby’s position, the amount of fluid, location of placenta, hands/cord around the face and maternal size can interfere with images of the face. We book our clients in one-hour time slots (for the popular Silver Package) to ensure that we spend enough time with each client. If the baby’s face is completely hidden throughout the session, we will repeat your baby scan at no additional charge.

The clarity of 3D images depends on many factors, the most important of which is the state-of-the-art equipment used at our locations. The scans are performed by licensed technicians, who not only know how to use the equipment to its optimum capabilities, but also carry with them the solid experience of performing scans on pregnant women.

There are other factors, which are not controllable, but could have impact on image quality.

• Taking good face pictures of the baby is very dependent on baby’s position. For example, if baby is facing towards mom’s spine it would be difficult to get direct face shots. However, we take time and work with you to allow a change in baby’s position during the session. Any structure (placenta, umbilical cord, hands, or feet) blocking the face would make face pictures blurry. The location of the placenta can also be an issue for overall image quality.
• Another important factor for 3D ultrasound imaging is the amount of amniotic fluid, especially around the face. With more fluid around that facial area, we get better pictures.
• The thickness of maternal tissue between the ultrasound probe and the baby’s face also plays a very important role in image quality since sound waves weaken while they travel through the tissues. For bigger mothers, we suggest waiting until the baby reaches a certain size. We get better images after 26-27 weeks.
• Baby’s movement could possibly decrease the quality of the 3D ultrasound pictures, especially if the movement is constant. But sometimes, the movements help us capture different poses or remove obscuring structures.

It is almost impossible to give you a specific answer over the phone about the quality of 3D ultrasound images. Most of these factors are determined by scanning the clients in the ultrasound room and checking the position of baby, as well as the position of the placenta, amount of amniotic fluid, and location of umbilical cord, legs and arms.

You can see clear and realistic pictures throughout the pregnancy. You can see amazing baby movements in the early stages of pregnancy (18 to 26 weeks). Later in the pregnancy, you may see more details of the face and fewer activities of the baby. If you are carrying twins, we recommend you have your 3D session between 23-26 weeks of pregnancy.

Yes, you can. The sex is determined after 16 weeks pregnancy. The accuracy, while not 100%, is higher with 3D ultrasound. It depends on the baby’s position, amniotic fluid around the baby, location of the cord and the mother’s body type. If our technician is unable to determine the gender of the baby, a repeat session is offered at no additional charge.

*Kindly note that acceptance of a client for early gender determination (minimum of 16 weeks of pregnancy) will be at the discretion of our local UC Baby owners. It would be best to contact the UC Baby location directly for any questions you may have.

Yes. Gender determination is 100% OPTIONAL. If you do not wish to find out the gender of your baby, we ensure you that you will not know. Our technicians have years of experience and know how to avoid the gender area. Just let us know of your specific instruction so we could do the scan according to your preference.

Our FREE Live Broadcasting technology allows you to share your 3D ultrasound experience LIVE with anyone in the world through a secure and private internet connection. Your ultrasound session can be viewed by loved ones who are unable to attend your session.

We require our clients to send an email to their UC Baby^® clinic with the list of Live Broadcast invitees, at least 48 hours before a scheduled appointment. We will set-up the event and send the email invites with instructions on how to connect to your scheduled UC Baby^® 3D ultrasound session.

UC Baby^® wanted to show its appreciation to all clients that have used our services. We have joined forces with our reputable partners to offer all of our clients’ valuable gifts, samples or discount coupons through our Rewards Program! You will receive a Gift Bag after the completion of your ultrasound session with us.

The best part of having a 3D ultrasound is that there is no need to have a full or uncomfortable bladder. We do suggest that you have something sweet to eat 15 minutes before your appointment to get the baby active. You can drink fluid to hydrate your body and empty your bladder when you need to.

Yes, we accept our clients on an appointment basis. If there is any specific date for your availability, it is best that you book in advance. Our weekend and evening appointments fill up quite quickly.

Since our service is for parental keepsake purposes, we do not require any referral documents from a doctor.

The UC Baby service is for entertainment and keepsake purposes only. We do not screen for fetal anomalies or pregnancy-related issues. Our services should not be taken to be an alternative to the complete diagnostic ultrasound that your health care provider would order for your pregnancy.

You will receive all of your pictures and recordings at the end of your 3D ultrasound session.

Using our secure online account through UC Baby Connect, you will get instant access to your baby’s images immediately after you finish your UC Baby 3D ultrasound session. You could share the experience with your loved ones right away.

You may also add a DVD, CD or USB to your package. These will have recorded ultrasound sessions with background music and baby pictures.

Clients are welcome to bring in their own music CD’s to add a personal touch to their 3D ultrasound experience.

You may want to check with your insurance company if they cover pregnancy services such as an elective ultrasound, which is done for the purpose of obtaining images and bonding with the baby. If this service is covered, you will be asked to make the payment and to submit an insurance claim afterwards.

At UC Baby^®, we accept debit, Visa, Master Card and cash. We do not accept personal cheques.

At UC Baby^®, we promote this bonding experience with families. We would happily let you celebrate this special moment with your loved ones. Our ultrasound rooms could comfortably accommodate up to 5 people, sometimes more, depending on the location. Babies and children are also always welcome at our UC Baby^® clinic.