Our 3D/4D Ultrasound Experience

Last Friday, my husband, family, and I had the opportunity to "see" Baby Seal through a 3D/4D ultrasound. I didn't know what to expect from the experience except the website's brief description, so I thought I would share our experience with you in case you are planning to have one as well!

To begin, my doctor's office doesn't offer a 3D ultrasound, so I decided to book one at an outside facility on my own. It wasn't covered by insurance, so this was an out of pocket expense on our part. Included with our package, we received a DVD of the ultrasound experience, a CD of images, a strip of images of the 3D ultrasound (black and white), and a page of printed pictures of the 4D ultrasound (color). I might have also purchased a stuffed animal where you press his tummy and hear the baby's heartbeat. It's just about the cutest thing ever.

Before entering the ultrasound room, they had me sign release and waiver forms. These forms also ask for OB physician information, just in case the tech spies a problem...she can let the physician know.

They also asked me to use the restroom before the ultrasound because it's best on an empty bladder.

The room setup was really neat and cozy! The walls were painted a soft blue, pretty music played in the background, and a comfortable couch was available for the family members. 

In all, five family members were on the couch and they fit comfortably.

The ultrasound image projected onto this large screen TV on the wall so everyone could see Baby Seal really well! 

The ultrasound table held a fairly comfortable mattress with pretty printed sheets, so it didn't feel as if I were in a starchy clean doctor's office.

For the procedure itself, the lights were dimmed and the ultrasound gel was warm...aahhhh it was so nice!

At first, she had a little trouble visualizing Baby Seal's face because his arms were crossed over his forehead and his feet were up and in front of his face! Basically, he was folded in half like a burrito!

She had me roll to my left side and tried a few tricks and before we knew it, he was awake and moving!

It was about that time when we received this pouty little face. Oh boy....someone doesn't like to be awakened from his naps!  (This is the SAME exact pouty face his daddy gives me, by the way...)

The image clarity and quality of these shots absolutely blew my mind! It was crazy how much they could see up on the screen! Technology has come SO far!!

Overall, my ultrasound lasted about 15 minutes. I was expecting a little longer but she was able to measure and visualize everything she needed to see, so we were finished not long after that. In total, he's still measuring a week ahead and he weighs around 3 pounds 5 ounces!

I also left with this little treasure...

If you squeeze his tummy, you can hear Baby Seal (Brayden's) heart beat! I love it!!

Would I do this all over again? Well, it was a neat experience and I loved having my family there. I don't know that I would book this again if we have a second child but it was neat to experience at least one time.

If you decide to book a 3D/4D ultrasound, enjoy!! They are so much fun! :)