Question 1

What is the difference between 2D, 3D, 4D and HD Live ultrasounds?"

Accepted Answer

2D, 3D, 4D, and HD Live are trademarked terminology used in the ultrasound industry to distinguish the different types of pictures and videos that can be provided.
 
2D ultrasounds produce black and white images which show the skeletal outline of your baby and is the best technology for gathering measurements, watching the heartbeat and ensuring your baby is developing as expected. It is also the best mode used to determine gender.
 
3D ultrasounds show the surface tissue of the baby, which is more like real pictures. The roundness of your baby's face, the shape of the nose, and the contours of the lips can now be seen. The color is computer enhanced and gives definition to the pictures. It is not the actual color of your baby.
 
4D is the live motion of the 3D images strung together. The system we use, GE Voluson E8, provides the fastest and closest realtime movement of any ultrasound system in the industry.
 
HD or HD Live is the most advanced technology of ultrasound. HD uses a virtual light source to render more realistic and defined views of your baby.

Question 2

How early can I know the gender of my baby?

Accepted Answer

Available at 7 weeks:
DNA gender blood test
Next Day or Second Day results
 
Available at 7-40 weeks:
2D Ultrasound
Listen OR See your baby's heartbeat
Determine the fetal position
Determine the estimated due date
 
Available at 15-36 Weeks but recommended at 24-32 Weeks:
2D Ultrasound
3D with HD Live technology
4D Live video
Gender determination and/or Gender confirmation if desired

Question 3

What can I do to prepare for my ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Start by drinking lots of water. We always recommend 72 hours of EXTRA water.
 
An ultrasound is sound emitted into the body and an "echo" is bounced back to portray the image you see on the screen. In order to help the sound travel, the better hydrated you are, the better your images will be.
 
Eating a small snack with good protein is always helpful. Peanut butter and jelly and/or orange juice will assure your baby is awake. Large amounts of sugar, caffeine, and energy drinks are not recommended.  
 
If you are taking a glucose test, please give yourself a few days to clear the sugar from your body before your ultrasound as it tends to make images cloudier.

Question 4

What happens if my baby is shy and you can't get good images?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there are no guarantees. Sometimes there are things that are beyond our control such as the position of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid, etc. If for any reason, we cannot get the best image possible, we encourage you to return on another day at no charge to you.

Welcome to

Daytime Hours
Tues, Wed & Thurs
10 am - 2 pm
Sat 10 am - 3 pm
Evening Hours
Friday
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Closed
Sun & Mon

1-505-573-8994

9500 Montgomery BLVD NE

Suite 118

Albuquerque NM, 87111

FAQ

What is the difference between 2D, 3D, 4D and HD Live ultrasounds?"

How early can I know the gender of my baby?

What can I do to prepare for my ultrasound?

What happens if my baby is shy and you can't get good images?