Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your AOM Ultrasound experience!
How Can I Get the Best 3D/4D Images?
WATER, WATER, WATER! Staying well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment is a great way to prepare for your ultrasound experience. We also recommend having something to eat before your appointment.
Baby's position, movement, gestational age, and the amount of fluid surrounding baby's face can all affect the quality of 3D/4D images. Every baby is different, and while we do our best to capture those sweet facial features, beautiful images cannot be guaranteed.
What Can I Expect at My Appointment?
You can expect a relaxing, personalized ultrasound experience where you can slow down, enjoy a special moment with your growing baby, and share the excitement with your family!
Mobile Experience: Stay home, find a comfortable spot on your couch or wherever you prefer, and let us come to you! We bring our ultrasound machine and all the equipment needed to create a special experience right in the comfort of your own home.
In-Suite Experience: Visit us at our cozy in-suite location inside Honey and Sage Beauty in Post Falls, Idaho. You'll be welcomed into a comfortable, relaxing space where you can sit back, enjoy your appointment, and take in those precious moments with your baby.
Whether you choose in-suite or mobile, our goal is to make every visit special and create memories you'll cherish forever!
Is Ultrasound Safe?
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation.
Diagnostic ultrasound has been widely used in pregnancy for many years and has an established safety record when performed by appropriately trained professionals using prudent scanning practices.
At AOM Ultrasound, our elective sessions are intended for bonding and keepsake purposes only, not medical evaluation. We follow responsible scanning practices and avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure. We always encourage parents to continue routine prenatal care and follow their healthcare provider's recommendations.
When Is the Best Time to Have an Ultrasound?
Anytime is a special time to see your baby! The best time depends on what you're hoping to experience and which images you'd love to capture.
Here is a general guide to what you may be able to see at different stages:
6–7 Weeks: An early glimpse of your pregnancy. Depending on the type of scan and baby's development, early pregnancy structures may be visible.
8+ Weeks: You may be able to see your baby's tiny movements and cardiac activity.
14+ Weeks: A great time for gender determination! Baby's position can affect whether we are able to obtain a clear view.
26–35 Weeks: Often a wonderful window for 3D/4D imaging and capturing baby's facial features.
Every pregnancy and every baby is different, so what we can see will vary. Even the smallest glimpse of your growing baby can be a moment worth remembering!
Will My Insurance Cover My Ultrasound?
Our ultrasound sessions are elective, self-pay experiences and are not billed to insurance. Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not cover our elective bonding and keepsake services.
Payment is due according to the options provided when booking your appointment.
Can I Bring Family and Friends?
Absolutely! We love sharing these special moments with the people who mean the most to you. You're welcome to bring loved ones to enjoy the experience together. Please check with us about any guest or space limitations before your appointment.
Can I Find Out My Baby's Gender?
Gender determination appointments are available beginning at 14 weeks. Baby's position and movement can sometimes make it difficult to obtain a clear view.
If we are unable to determine the baby's gender during your appointment, we may offer one complimentary repeat scan within two weeks, subject to availability.
What If Baby Doesn't Cooperate During My 3D/4D Appointment?
Babies have a personality of their own, even before they arrive! Sometimes baby may have their hands near their face, be facing away, or be positioned in a way that makes it difficult to capture clear images.
If we are unable to obtain satisfactory 3D/4D images, we may offer one complimentary return appointment within two weeks, subject to availability.
Does an Elective Ultrasound Replace My Medical Ultrasound?
No. Our services are intended for bonding, entertainment, and keepsake purposes only. We do not provide diagnostic examinations, medical interpretations, or medical reports.
Please continue all recommended prenatal appointments and medical ultrasounds with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy.
Still Have Questions?
We would love to help! Feel free to reach out before booking. We're happy to answer your questions and help you choose the ultrasound experience that's right for you.
Understanding Your Ultrasound Experience
There are several types of ultrasound imaging, and each offers a unique way to see your growing baby. Whether it's your first little glimpse or an opportunity to see those sweet facial features, each experience gives you something special to look forward to!
What Is a 2D Ultrasound?
A 2D ultrasound creates the familiar black-and-white images we often associate with pregnancy ultrasounds. Using sound waves, the ultrasound machine creates moving images that allow you to see your baby's developing body, movements, and little details. It's a wonderful way to get a glimpse of your baby and watch them wiggle around!
What Is a 3D Ultrasound?
A 3D ultrasound takes imaging one step further by combining multiple images to create a three-dimensional view of your baby. Instead of seeing just a flat outline, you can enjoy a more detailed look at your baby's facial features, cheeks, nose, lips, and little expressions.
What Is a 4D Ultrasound?
A 4D ultrasound adds movement to the three-dimensional image. Think of it as watching your baby in real time! You may get to see little stretches, yawns, hand movements, and facial expressions as your baby moves around in the womb. It's a special opportunity to watch those precious moments as they happen.
What Is HD Ultrasound?
HD ultrasound uses advanced imaging technology to create enhanced 3D images with added detail, depth, and clarity. Sometimes referred to as 5D imaging, it can provide a beautiful, more lifelike artistic view of your baby's facial features.
Image quality can vary depending on baby's position, gestational age, and other factors, so every experience is unique. While these images can be incredibly special, they are intended for bonding and keepsake purposes rather than medical evaluation.
Heartbeat Keepsakes
Some moments only happen once in a lifetime, and they deserve to be remembered forever. There is nothing quite as special as hearing your baby's precious heartbeat and being able to take that sweet sound home with you.
Along with our ultrasound experiences, Alpha and Omega Mobile Ultrasound offers special Heartbeat Animals that allow you to keep a recording of your baby's heartbeat in a soft, cuddly stuffed animal.
These make the sweetest keepsakes for expecting parents and thoughtful gifts for sharing the exciting news with siblings, grandparents, and other loved ones.
A little heartbeat to hold close and cherish long after your little one arrives.
Ask us about adding a Heartbeat Animal to your ultrasound appointment!
Important Information
All ultrasound services provided by Alpha and Omega Mobile Ultrasound are elective and intended solely for entertainment, bonding, and keepsake purposes. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a special opportunity to see, connect with, and create lasting memories of your growing baby.
Our services are not medical examinations or diagnostic procedures and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or monitor medical conditions. No medical diagnoses or diagnostic reports are provided. Our elective ultrasound services do not replace routine prenatal care or ultrasounds recommended by your healthcare provider.
We encourage all clients to continue receiving regular prenatal care throughout their pregnancy.
Appointment Policies
Arrival Time
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and preparation. Arriving late may shorten your ultrasound session, as we want to respect the appointments scheduled after yours.
Unexpected Findings
In the event that cardiac activity cannot be identified during your elective ultrasound session, we will handle the situation with compassion and sensitivity. Because our services are elective and non-diagnostic, we cannot determine or confirm fetal viability. We will encourage you to contact your healthcare provider immediately for appropriate medical evaluation. If cardiac activity cannot be identified during the session, your appointment fee will be refunded in full.
Gender Determination
While we do our best to obtain clear images, baby's position and movement can sometimes make gender determination difficult. If we are unable to obtain a clear view, we may offer one complimentary return appointment within two weeks, subject to availability.
3D/4D Ultrasound Images
Every baby has their own position and personality! Sometimes baby may be facing away, have hands near their face, or be positioned in a way that makes obtaining clear 3D/4D images difficult. If baby is being shy and we are unable to capture satisfactory images, we may offer one complimentary return appointment within two weeks, subject to availability.
Please remember that image quality can vary depending on baby's position, gestational age, and other factors. Beautiful images cannot be guaranteed.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
We kindly request at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged 50% of the scheduled appointment fee.
No-call/no-show appointments will be charged 100% of the scheduled service fee.
We understand that unexpected circumstances happen and appreciate as much advance notice as possible.
Thank you for choosing AOM Ultrasound. We are honored to be part of such a special season in your family's life!
Alpha and Omega Mobile Ultrasound
Imaging the miracle: from the first heartbeat to the everlasting memories.