An elective prenatal ultrasound is an ultrasound that a mother chooses to undergo herself.  A medical diagnostic ultrasound is one that a physician/midwife orders for diagnostic purposes.  My Carolina Baby only does elective ultrasounds. 

Absolutely not! Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with My Carolina Baby, LLC, must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and have already undergone a medical ultrasound ordered by their provider to confirm their due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues. Please note, at no time is this exam to be used in place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound.

2D ultrasounds are the standard black and white ultrasounds that often look like an x-ray. These are the most common types that you’ll see performed at your OB or midwife’s office. 

4D is the color ultrasound that we are watching in real time motion, like a movie. 3D is just the still image of the 4D.

8k is not an actual ultrasound, but enhancement software is used to transform a 3D or HD live image to an even more lifelike image. Enhancements can also include skin tones, whereas with 3D/4D technology, the images all show the same skin tone. You’ll notice things like eyelashes, eyebrows and even the lines in the lips that can’t be seen on 3D/4D imaging! Please see the gallergy for examples of the latest technology!

The cost is $30 for the first image, and $25 per image after that. The technician will pick the best 3D image from your session. A frontal facial Image will work the best for this technology, free of hands, feet, etc. The images are sent back to us within 5 days. Once we have received the image back, it will be sent to your email. An 8k image can also be done on a past session, as long as we have access to a 3D image.

A 3D/4D ultrasound can be done between 26-34 weeks. In our professional experience, the ideal timeframe is 28-30 weeks. However, if you’re looking at our website and you are beyond 30 weeks, we can usually still get great images! 35 weeks and beyond is a gamble if we will be able to get images. If you would still like to, we will certainly try! You can also call further to discuss with our staff. Note that prior to 28 weeks, the baby can still be a little on the thinner side on the face. The baby starts to really put on the fat deposits, resulting in a fuller face around 28 weeks.

The baby’s position within the womb is the biggest obstacle we face with an uncooperative baby. Baby’s face being on or near the placenta and/or uterine wall, umbilical cord in the way and baby refusing to move the arms and/or legs out of the way are obstacles that we may run into while trying to get images of your baby. Your ultrasound technician has several tricks that are used regularly to try to get baby to move in these situations. Unfortunately, no ultrasound facility can guarantee perfect images of your baby, but we will certainly try our best!

Yes! We encourage you to bring family and friends with you to your appointment. We want your loved ones to be able to share this special experience with you. Our ultrasound room is quite spacious and can easily accommodate up to 12 people.  HOWEVER, we ask that you let us know in advance if you plan to have more than 6 in your party.  Children are welcome to attend, however we do recommend bringing a toy or tablet, etc (especially the younger ones) to keep them occupied as they can lose interest pretty quickly!

Yes, in most cases. We can’t however guarantee that the baby will cooperate during your session. Certain factors such as body issue content, developmental stage and fetal position all affect the ability to determine gender. In the event that we are unable to confirm your baby's gender, we will bring you back for a second visit at no charge. Because we can’t guarantee the cooperation of the baby, we recommend that you do not come in the same day as your gender reveal party. This will allow us time to bring you back if needed.

Absolutely! Our technician will confirm baby’s position, not allowing you to see the tv or monitor. Once the baby’s position is confirmed, the gender area will be avoided for the duration of your ultrasound.

We will put a picture stating baby’s gender in a sealed envelope. We can also call, text or email a friend, family member or even a bakery on your behalf if needed.

No. Because we are an elective ultrasound facility, your ultrasound at My Carolina Baby is not covered by or filed with insurance. Some clients have success with using their HSA card to pay for their ultrasound. All major credit cards and cash are accepted.

We have many different packages available. Please see the services tab.

Yes. All ultrasounds require an appointment. Please visit our scheduling tab.

Yes! Our office is open on Saturdays. Please keep in mind that our Saturday appointments typically book a minimum of 6 weeks in advance. We are also open one evening per week in addition to our normal weekday hours.

Baby’s position within the womb is the biggest obstacle we face with an uncooperative baby. Baby’s face being on or near the placenta and/or uterine wall, umbilical cord in the way and baby refusing to move the arms and/or legs out of the way are obstacles that we may run into while trying to get images of your baby. Your ultrasound technician has several tricks that are used regularly to try to get baby to move in these situations. Unfortunately, no ultrasound facility can guarantee perfect images of your baby, but we will certainly try our best! If possible, we recommend coming in around 28 weeks if you have an anterior placenta.

*YES!!!! The most important thing that you can do to help the technician is to drink a MINIMUM of 64 ounces of water daily for a MINIMUM of one week prior to your appointment. Beverages such as soda and sweet tea should not be counted in your minimum daily water intake that is needed.

*If possible, try to schedule your appointment at a time of the day where your baby is more active. You may drink something sugary 15 minutes prior to your appointment to make sure baby is moving. Also, pay attention to your baby’s cues as for things that may make him or her active. i.e. Some babies may move a lot after a milkshake, but some babies move more when you are hungry.

If you are coming in for a 3D/4D ultrasound, if possible, it is best to schedule your appointment for when the baby is active. Sometimes it is difficult to wake a sleeping baby!

We require a minimum of 24 hour notice for a cancellation or reschedule. If you must cancel your appointment (prior to the 24 hour window) and do not plan to reschedule, you must call our office for a refund. A refund through our online booking system is only authorized by the staff.