What Preparation Is Needed For My Entertainment Ultrasound Session?

There is no major preparation required for a 3D/4D scan. Unlike your diagnostic scan you don’t require a full bladder. To prevent voiding during we scan we suggest you avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages 1 hour prior to your scan.

For any of our spa/ultrasound packages or fetal tours we suggest you bring in your portable music device with prepared playlist for your session. That way we can record your favorite songs to your DVD during the scan and have you see your baby for the first time to music of your choice. You’re also welcome to bring in your portable video-ready devices to capture movie clips of your baby to carry with you.

When is The Best Time For My Entertainment Scan (fetal tour)?

The best window to capture quality images is between 24-32 weeks of gestation. Scans conducted before 24 weeks are typically small and the fetus fills the entire screen so you may miss out on some finer details whereas scans between 25-32 weeks obtain the best facial detail. If you’re seeking full body images or wish to learn the gender of your baby, the optimal time is 20-24 weeks. If you wish to see the facial details we recommend you book your appointment between 25-32 weeks.  If you're interested in learning more about what you can expect to see during either your second or third trimester fetal tour we encourage you to visit our fetal tours.

What determines the quality of my scan?

There are a number of factors that determine the quality of scan including the amount of amniotic fluid and baby’s position in the womb. Although we can’t guarantee you’ll always see the face, you satisfaction is our number one priority.. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your scan, you are welcome to rebook for a repeat scan at no additional cost or may exchange your service for a spa treatment.

What evidence is available to show there's a benefit to 3D/4D ultrasound?

There are a number of studies that have shown 3D/4D ultrasound may enhance the pregnancy experience.  Research on the impact of 2D/4D ultrasound on parental-fetal bonding suggests that these images do indeed postively change the attitude of expecting parents by enhancing the parental-fetal bond, reducing anxiety in parents, and also increasing the awareness of taking care of one's own health (Pretorius et al, 2007, journal of ultrasound in medicine).

In a study of 100 patients who underwent 2D/4D ultrasound it was found that mothers who received 3D/4D ultrasound shared their ultrasonographic photographs with significantly more people than mothers receiving 2D US suggesting that parents may develop a larger support group after undergoing 3D/4D ultrasound (Ji et al, 2005, journal of obstetrics and gynaecology).

In a study of 520 nonpregnant physicians and sonographers who were questioned about 3D/4D ultrasound, it was found that 74% thought that the experience would offer reassurance to parents carrying normal fetuses, and 57% would would like to have 3D/4D ultrasound done on their own pregnancy in the future (Pretorius et al, 2004, journal of ultrasound in medicine). 

Do you offer any first trimester ultrasound services?

At this point in time Som Visao is a nondiagnostic facility.  If you're interested in learning more about first trimester screening and diagnostic ultrasound scans we encourage you to visit our affiliates at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine.

Is 3D Ultrasound Safe? What Is ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)?

Yes, ultrasound has been safely used for over fifty years and has become a routine element of obstetrical care. At Som Visao, we strive to adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle to minimize the time your fetus is exposed to sound waves. Although there is no evidence in medical literature to suggest harm to the fetus arises from ultrasound use, we encourage our Sonographers to conduct the scans as responsibly, professionally and efficiently as possible.

What makes Som Visao unique compared to other ultrasound clinics?

There are a number of reasons why Som Visao is different than many other facilities.  We ensure our technicians carry an active license with the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers and have at least 3 years of experience in Obstetrical ultrasound, it's important you consider this when choosing your destination as some centres may not employ fully registered sonographers.  

We also take a much different approach to ultrasound than any other facility.  We believe that ultrasound should be offered as a service to enhance your pregnancy and encourage you to bring up to 4 guests to your scan.  We also believe in the responsible use of ultrasound and therefore allow only a 2nd and 3rd trimester scan during your pregnancy.  Although ultrasound is completely safe and has been used as a routine diagnostic tool for over 50 years, we don't believe in repeated scans or discounting clients for coming in on a regular basis.  We've put much time and effort into creating a facility which we hope offers you a meaningful experience the first time around. 

Som Visao is owned by a Student Doctor at UBC who has a genuine interest in Radiology and healthy lifestyle choices.  Compared to any other facility, we take an evidence based approach to 3D/4D ultrasound and offer this service in conjunction with nutrition counseling, lifestyle coaching, complimentary group fitness events, and maternity spa treatments which together offer the mom-to-be a well rounded selection of services to live a healthy and happy pregnancy.  Please visit our maternity programs if you're interested in learning how we integrate 3D/4D ultrasound into a series of well-balanced visits. 

Our goal of offering 3D/4D ultrasound services is to allow the father a more direct means of experiencing the pregnancy and to allow the mother to connect with her baby to confirm the importance of taking care of her own health. Our maternity spa services are offered in conjunction with the ultrasound scan as a means of reducing anxiety and giving mom a much deserved 2 hour escape from 9 months of pregnancy. 

Som Visao is also affiliated with Perinatologists who practice In Vitro Fertilization and First Trimester Screening.  Our goal is to consistently build a medical network where we stay up to date on the literature and consult with experts in the field on an ongoing basis.  Our Sonographers have experience in fertility scanning and carry a wellrounded background of expertise in Obstetrics.