3D Ultrasound Scan Shellharbour
The experience of seeing your baby in 3D gives parents, family and friends the opportunity to bond with the baby before it is born. The baby’s features can be recognised and compared with those of the parents and siblings. Facial expressions can sometimes be captured! Other parts of the baby can also be seen with 3D imaging. Baby’s feet and hands for example may be on show. We can sometimes even observe actions like thumb sucking and blinking. The experience of seeing a baby in 3D can be reassuring for all mum’s to be, especially for the many women who have, sadly, experienced prenatal or perinatal loss.
3D Scan
$180 (Best time frame 24-34 weeks)
Includes:
- 15 – 20 minute session.
- Listen to your baby’s heart beat.
- 2D and 3D images of your baby’s features.
- 4D videos if the opportunity arises and baby is moving about.
- All 2D/3D/4D images and videos downloaded to your mobile via text message link.
Optional Extras
A4 sheet of photos (6 per page) $5 per sheet.
TWINS ARE NO EXTRA CHARGE
What is a 3D Ultrasound?
A 3D ultrasound image is a real-life representation of what your baby looks like in utero. Sound waves are sent from the ultrasound probe through mum’s body to, and through, the baby. The sound waves then bounce off or pass back through mum and bub and the returning sound wave is then converted into an image. Ultrasounds in 3D are for entertainment purposes only. They do not replace any diagnostic/medical scan that your doctor or midwife will refer you for. You still need to attend any formal diagnostic scans you have been given a referral for. Cheeky Monkey recommends South Coast Ultrasound for Women (Wollongong and Shellharbour) for all your diagnostic ultrasounds.
Is it always possible to capture a 3D image of your baby?
A number of technical factors need to be met to generate a 3D image. There are a few things that can significantly alter how well your 3D image will work out. Unfortunately, these factors are mostly out of our control and we need to “work with what we have”. Ideally, we need to be able access baby’s face with no hands, feet, cord, placenta or the wall of the uterus close to baby’s face. For example, if the baby is facing your spine, rather than the front of your tummy, the face is very difficult to access. A breech position is also often unfavourable for 3D imaging. The mother’s body habitus can also affect the quality of the image. As maternal BMI increases, the quality/clarity of an ultrasound image decreases. Occasionally, it is not this aspect of body type that can reduce the likelihood of obtaining a good 3D image. Things like having a long body/torso, abdominal scarring and even some skin types can influence the quality of an image. The amount of fluid around the baby also plays a role. If a diagnostic scan has indicated that there is “low amniotic fluid”, a 3D image will be more difficult to obtain. Imagine yourself moving around in a pool as opposed to moving around in a bath. In the bath you naturally have your body parts close to you. On the other hand, in a pool you can spread your limbs out…away from the rest of your body…and your face. Water and ultrasound go very well together.
What to expect during a 3D pregnancy scan?
The Cheeky Monkey studio is tucked away in a private location in the picturesque Shellharbour Village. You are welcome to bring family, friends and even children along with you to share the experience. An appointment generally lasts about 20 minutes, but the number of images we can capture will be dependant on a few factors as discussed above.
When is the best time during pregnancy to book in for a 3D scan?
From a technical perspective, a 3D image can be generated at any gestation, however, some gestations work better than others. The best timeframe to attempt a 3D image is between 22-34 weeks gestation, with the most ideal being 28-32 weeks. Why is this the best timeframe? Once a baby is around 28 weeks gestation, it will begin to lay down body fat. They then begin to look less “like an alien”. In addition to this, between 28 and 32 weeks is the time period when there is going to be the most amount of fluid around the baby, remembering that fluid and ultrasound are great friends. Finally, the further into the pregnancy you are, the lower into your pelvis the baby’s head will be. Your pelvis is a smaller space for your baby’s head to be in compared to a in higher position in your tummy…remembering the bath vs pool analogy described above.
Why Choose Cheeky Monkey 3D Ultrasound Studio?
At Cheeky Monkey, 3D images and 4D videos clips are generated by the Mindray System. We use the latest probe and software technology, such as SmartFace, developed by Mindray, which allows for amazing, realistic images.
Cheeky Monkey is the premier 3D ultrasound studio servicing the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Highlands. The studio is a welcoming space for families and friends to share the experience of seeing your baby for the first time.
Children are welcome to come along provided a second adult is in attendance for supervision. I have been sharing pregnancy journeys with hundreds, possibly thousands, of local women for more than 20 years scanning with South Coast Ultrasound for Women. Obstetric Ultrasound is my passion and supporting the mental health of pregnant women by facilitating the bond between mother and child is an added privilege.
20+ Years Experience
5 Star Rating
Family-Friendly
State of the Art Technology
3D vs 4D Ultrasounds – What is the difference?
The traditional black and white ultrasound images we are all familiar with are what we call 2D images. Using specialised equipment, a 3D Ultrasound image gives us a real-life representation of how your baby looks while in utero. It’s the closest thing to your unborn child’s first photoshoot. You may have even heard of 4D ultrasound. This is when we capture the baby moving in 3D, in real time.
Is a 3D Ultrasound safe?
Diagnostic and entertainment ultrasound are considered safe if performed by a fully qualified medical sonographer.
How much does a 3D Ultrasound cost?
At the conclusion of your appointment, you will receive a link to download your images. We all like a good photo for the fridge too!! If you would like printed images, this can be done for you with 6 images/A4 at a cost of $5 a sheet.
The cost for a 3D scan is $180 for 15-20 minutes. All 2D and 3D images are included via link we send you. Available at 22-34 weeks gestation.
If you have noticed a pattern with baby’s movements, aim to book the session when baby is more likely to be active as we be able to capture them moving about in real time.
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Whether you’re looking for a beautiful image of your bub, or a an exciting way to find out your baby’s gender – we are here for you!