by uipadmin | Feb 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
You just made an appointment for an elective ultrasound and you are soooooo excited to see your baby! You tell all your friends and family, announce your appointment date and time to all your Facebook friends, and gloat about the pictures and videos to come! During all the excitement and anxiousness, sometimes it’s easy to forget a few important things you need to do to prepare for the appointment. Whether you are coming in for a gender determination ultrasound, or just to get some great shots of your baby’s face, here are some tips we recommend to prepare for the appointment:
1. Plan your appointment date/time around when your baby is most active
When a baby is awake and moving, it makes the ultrasound more interesting. You will have a better chance of catching those super cute facial expressions, the baby opening their eyes (yes they do that in the womb too!), and it will make it easier to get the baby to put hands or feet down if they are blocking the face or gender.
2. Stay EXTRA hydrated the week leading up to the appointment
The recommended daily fluid intake when pregnant is 64-84 ounces. It is important to drink at least this amount, if not more, to make sure there is sufficient fluid in the amniotic sac. This will help with the clarity of the photos.
3. Eat or drink something with sugar right before your appointment
Sometimes this will help make sure baby is active and moving during the ultrasound.
4. Don’t wear a dress for the appointment
Since the ultrasound will be transabdominal (over the stomach), if you wear a dress that has to be pulled up you will be leaving your entire bottom half exposed (don’t worry though, we can supply a blanket for extra coverage).
5. Empty your bladder before the appointment
While it is extremely important to stay hydrated the days leading up to the appointment, you do not need to have a full bladder for the scan itself. Infact, it’s actually better if you use the restroom before hand and can sometimes free up room, to get better photos of the baby.
6. Bring proof of prenatal care
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound and most other elective facilities, we require that you show proof you are under the care of a doctor or midwife for the pregnancy. You can bring in a picture from a past ultrasound, an appointment reminder, or an actual letter from your doctor.
7. Invite friends and family
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we have a huge room to accommodate all your guests. We can comfortably seat up to 10 but allow you to bring as many as you’d like. Children of all ages are welcome as well. For friends and family who couldn’t attend we provide a live streaming service for an additional $12.95 which allows someone to watch your ultrasound live from a computer or phone anywhere in the world!
8. BE EXCITED!
You’re about to get to see what your baby looks like and watch it move inside of you, that’s exciting! Your ultrasound will be a pre-birth bonding experience you will never forget!
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
by uipadmin | Feb 3, 2016 | Uncategorized
Whether it is your first pregnancy or your fifth, every expecting mother looks forward to the moment they get to feel the baby move for the first time. I remember the awkward sensation with my first pregnancy when I couldn’t determine if the subtle feelings were gas bubbles from the Mexican food I just ate, or the little human inside me kicking to let me know she didn’t appreciate the spicy food.
I was 19 weeks along when I could finally recognize the difference between the digestion of my last meal and my baby kicking and turning in the womb. However, when my best friend was pregnant she said she felt her baby as early as 16 weeks! How is this possible?
The truth is, there is no exact time when you will feel the baby move, it is different for everyone and is influenced by a number of factors. Perhaps the biggest factor is the location of your placenta. It can either be anterior, meaning it is along the front of the uterus, or posterior, which is along the back of the uterus. You can also have a fundal placenta which means it lies on the top rounded part of your uterus, however, this is not as common.
Women with an anterior placenta tend to feel the baby move later in the pregnancy because the placenta acts as a barrier between the top of the stomach and the baby’s kicking feet. Sometimes an anterior placenta also makes it more difficult to find the baby’s heartbeat with a Doppler device. Women with a posterior placenta usually feel the baby earlier in the pregnancy since it is not acting as barrier between baby and the top of the mom’s stomach.
Other factors that influence when you may feel the baby move are the size of the baby, size of the mother (heavier set women may not feel the baby as early), and how “in-tune” you are with recognizing what may just be gas bubbles, or is actually your baby, and if it’s your first pregnancy.
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we will be able to show you your placenta during the ultrasound and tell you whether it is anterior, posterior, or fundal.
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
by uipadmin | Jan 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
In today’s world technology is changing and advancing faster than most of us can keep up with. Seems like only yesterday I was listening to my walk-man on my way to school and now I’m live streaming music through my cell phone at the touch of a button! The medical industry is no different, and each year they are coming out with more advanced, high tech equipment, allowing us to see and understand the human body like never before.
Within the ultrasound industry there have been some major cutting edge advancements in just the past few years. GE and Samsung, the two leaders in the field, both released almost identical versions of a technology for prenatal ultrasound that allows expecting mothers to see their baby in amazingly crisp, clear detail. GE trademarked their version HD LIVE! ™ and Samsung’s is known as Feto Realistic View™. In lament terms, the improved image quality is comparable to the newer technologies available on the consumer market, such as high definition TV’s.
Like every expecting mother, of course you want the best experience seeing your unborn baby. So you’re probably wondering where you can find this new technology and if it costs more. Most doctor’s offices/ medical facilities have been slow to upgrade, but many elective ultrasound studios across the country have started to. Currently, there are only two facilities in the state of Washington that offer the new technology. You guessed it; Mother Nurture Ultrasound is one of them! We are the only facility in Pierce County and surrounding area that offers the Feto Realistic View™ by Samsung.
Be wary of facilities who say they offer high definition images. Some use the term “high definition” loosely in order to deceive consumers in believing they actually have the new technology by GE and Samsung (see example below).
When inquiring, instead of asking about “high definition technology”, specifically ask if they have HD LIVE!™ or Feto Realistic View™
An easy way to tell is by looking at the facility’s ultrasound photos. The old technology will look more yellowish or golden in color and be more grainy looking and less clear. The newer technology is in a pinkish skin tone color and the detail will be more finite.
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we offer the Feto Realistic View™ in all of our 3D/4D packages at no additional charge.
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
by uipadmin | Nov 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
I often have people ask me about the differences among all the types of ultrasounds; specifically between 3D and 4D. And recently, the new addition of the HD technology has confused people even more. In this blog I am going to clear up all the confusion. Below are some lament term definitions 2D, 3D, 4D and HD ultrasound:
2D: This is the traditional ultrasound technology like what you receive at your doctor’s office. In 2D, high frequency, non-ionized sound waves are sent and received in just one plane. The sound waves reflect back a black and white image of the baby. During medical ultrasounds, 2D is commonly used to evaluate fetal anatomy and morphology. At elective facilities we use 2D technology to perform gender determination.
3D: As technology in the medical field advanced, 3D ultrasound was developed using image volume data acquisition. 3D technology utilizes the same high frequency sound waves as 2D and is just as safe to use. The sound waves create reflections from different angles to each other; the ultrasound machine then integrates these reflections with its high-speed computing software, resulting in a 3-dimensional image. 3D technology is used at elective facilities to give you a life-like view of your baby and see he/she in finite detail.
4D: This is simply 3D with the addition of real time. Meaning while the ultrasound is being performed and you are watching your baby LIVE, the real time is considered the 4th dimension.
HD: HD stands for “High Definition” and it’s the same concept as other HD technology on the market; offering a more crisp, clear, defined image. The ultrasound system gathers much more information from the 3D/4D data than previous versions, rendering highly detailed images of the baby. Some elective facilities have even referred to this as “5D” technology.
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we provide 2D, 3D/4D, and the newest HD technology available on the market.
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
by uipadmin | Nov 6, 2015 | Uncategorized
Owning an elective ultrasound facility, I often get the age old question “When is the best time to come in for a 3D/4D ultrasound?”
My facetious response: When you’re pregnant.
My professional business response: Well, that depends…
I know, neither of the responses are very helpful right?! But let me elaborate a bit more on my professional business response. The “best” time to come in for a 3D/4D ultrasound really depends on what you want to see. Below is a breakdown on what to expect during an ultrasound depending on how many weeks pregnant you are:
14-18 Weeks: A 3D/4D ultrasound will allow you to see the entire baby in one picture. The baby is very active during this stage of the pregnancy. Therefore, if the baby is awake, you will be able to see all the unfelt fetal movements. You can watch the baby kick, wave, grab its feet, etc… During this time frame you will be able to make out that the baby has two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. However, you will not see the facial composition in elaborate detail, i.e. it will be hard to say “oh baby has dad’s nose” or “mom’s lips.”
19-26 Weeks: The baby’s facial features will be filling out and becoming more prominent. However, there is also a high probability the baby will be breach, which is not ideal for getting good 3D/4D pictures. When babies are breach they usually have hands and feet in the face or are folded in half. Therefore, I generally only recommend coming in during this stage of the pregnancy in special circumstances, such as if you are pregnant with twins, have family in town who won’t be around later in the pregnancy, or if you are worried you won’t make it full-term.
27-40 Weeks: Generally, by this time the baby is head down, which is preferred. 27 to 40 weeks is the best time to get the up-close detailed pictures of the baby’s face in 3D/4D. And yes, I said 40 weeks. Disregard all the rumors you’ve heard or read online about there not being enough room to get good pictures past 32 weeks. This speculation could not be further from the truth. In fact, I frequently encourage late-term scans, because if you have the patience to wait, the detail only gets more amazing the further along you are!
During all stages of the pregnancy the most important element that influences the clarity of pictures is the amount of fluid the mom drinks, the days or even weeks, leading up to the appointment. Staying extra hydrated will ensure there is enough fluid in the amniotic sac to see the baby in elaborate detail.
So there you have it, a very long-winded convoluted answer to a very simple question 🙂
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we do offer free bring backs if we are not able to get good quality pictures during the first appointment.
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
by uipadmin | Oct 30, 2015 | Uncategorized
How is an Elective Ultrasound Different Than What I Get at My Doctor’s Office?
You’re 18-22 weeks pregnant and the day has finally arrived when you get to see your little miracle during your anatomic ultrasound at the doctor’s office! You squirm in discomfort as you desperately try to hold your overly full bladder you were told was necessary for the appointment. However, the discomfort gets pushed to the back of your mind as you gush over anticipation of getting to find out the sex of the baby, see what he or she looks like, and maybe even catch them sucking their thumb or smiling. You’ve been waiting for this day for what seems like centuries and your expectations are high!
I hate to be the Grinch who stole Christmas, but I am here to tell you your expectations are also unrealistic. Your anatomic ultrasound will not be a “photoshoot” of your baby and you may not even find out the gender.
Here’s what you can expect: during your anatomic ultrasound, the technician or the doctor will be taking measurements and looking for any signs of slower than normal development. They will be checking the vital organs, including the heart and brain, and also the bones such as the spine and skull. Based upon the results of the measurements, the gestational age of the baby will be predicted based upon the average size of other babies scanned during the 20th week of pregnancy. If any abnormalities are found, additional examinations will be scheduled.
Depending on the technician or the doctor, and if you caught them on a “good day,” they may look for the gender of the baby. However, in some cases, the baby may have their legs crossed or be facing away from the abdomen and thus the sexual organs will not be visible. Also, don’t be shocked if you don’t leave with that perfect profile shot that you were hoping to make the new default photo on your Facebook page.
Before you go into prenatal depression, know that all hope isn’t lost! Elective ultrasound facilities like Mother Nurture Ultrasound were established specifically to give you the experience you didn’t get at the doctor’s office. In fact, what we provide is closer to a spa experience/photo shoot of your baby.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A warm and inviting, non-clinical atmosphere
- Bring friends, family, cousins, 2nd cousins, and the in-laws
- Live stream the ultrasound to the friends and family who couldn’t make it or that live out of the state or country
- Kick back, relax on a comfortable bed, and watch the ultrasound on a big screen TV
- Experience the latest 3D/4D and HD technology currently available on the market
- See your baby’s face up close and in amazing detail
- Find out the sex of the baby whether you are 16 weeks along or 39
- Get cool add-ons like heartbeat buddies, CD’s, DVD’s, custom sonography jewelry
- A free 2nd appointment if gender is not visible or quality pictures couldn’t be captured of the baby’s face
- And here’s the BEST part – YOU DON’T NEED A FULL BLADDER….you’re welcome 🙂
It is important to know that elective ultrasounds are non-medical and DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT, replace the anatomic scan you receive at your doctor’s office. Ultrasound technicians at elective facilities will not be specifically looking for abnormalities during the scan. However, if something stands out or doesn’t look right they will contact your doctor.
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we also require that you are under the care of a physician or midwife before receiving our services.
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
by uipadmin | Oct 22, 2015 | Uncategorized
Gender Guilt
Let’s Face it, Deep Down We All Have a Preference!
As if it was just yesterday, I remember walking into an elective ultrasound studio when I was 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. My husband and I already had a daughter and I so badly wanted a son; a “Mama’s Boy” who I could teach to shoot guns, catch bugs, play rough, and get dirty!
When I laid down on the table I held my breath, and quietly prayed it would be a boy. As soon as the ultrasound tech probed over my stomach, and before she even had a chance to speak, I saw it, and unintentionally shrieked with pure joy “That’s a penis!”
I’ll always remember the excitement I felt that day and the embarrassment on my husband’s face over my outburst, but I often wonder how I would have felt if I was told I was having another girl? How would I have reacted during the appointment? Would I have been disappointment? Would I have cried?
Now that I perform ultrasounds at my own elective facility, Mother Nurture Ultrasound, I witness a wide variety of reactions during gender reveal ultrasounds. These reactions, which I’ve seen from the mom, dad, and even siblings, vary tears of joy to tears of devastation. Whether it’s their first baby or fifth, it seems that almost every expecting family is both anxious and sometimes nervous to find out the sex of the baby.
But why are there such strong feelings about having either a boy or a girl? I mean shouldn’t everyone just be hopeful to have a healthy baby? Not necessarily, let’s be realistic almost all of us have fantasies about what kind of parents we are going to be and what kind of baby we are going to have, it’s just human nature.
Having a preference of the sex of the baby usually stems from preconceived notions about males and females that can come from a variety of sources, including one’s family, personal experience, and stereotypical depictions of men and women in the media.
So how do you handle your emotions when your dreams of buying frilly clothes, braiding hair, eventually helping her plan her wedding, and spending countless hours chatting over mimosas at fancy day spas all get crushed when the ultrasound tech tells you “it’s a boy!” (or vice versa).
- Understand that your feelings are not right or wrong, good or bad, they are just feelings, which you are entitled to have. It’s not the actual baby you are disappointment in, but rather the fantasies that you are forced to let go of. Therefore, don’t be ashamed of your feelings, it’s human nature.
- Don’t be afraid to talk openly about how you feel to friends and family or someone you trust. Most will understand, and most will sympathize and give words of encouragement.
- Don’t fall victim to believing that all those old gender stereotypes will come true, in today’s society it is perfectly acceptable for girls to be rough and tough and boys to be more in-touch with their feminine side.
- Spend time with friends or relatives who have children of the same sex so you can begin to explore the experience ahead of you.
- Finally, realize that any discontented, guilty feelings you have now won’t last forever. During pregnancy, all you know about your baby is his or her sex. Once your little bundle arrives, you’ll have the whole package — which includes a personality and quirky traits. Years down the road you will look back and laugh at yourself and never be able to imagine it any other way!
At Mother Nurture Ultrasound we provide gender determination ultrasounds at 16 weeks. We also offer 3D/4D and the newest HD technology.
Mother Nurture Ultrasound
803 39th Ave SW, Suite D
Puyallup, WA 98373
phone: 253-777-6263
website: www.MotherNurtureUltrasound.com
