Frequently Asked Questions
Diagnostic FAQs
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Prior to beginning your visit at First Cherished Moments, we kindly request that you sign a waiver outlining the purpose of an elective ultrasound. Completing this form is mandatory to proceed with the scan, and will be applied to all scans you receive at First Cherished Moments throughout your pregnancy.
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No, we do not accept insurance as this is an elective procedure. This ultrasound is strictly for entertainment purposes only.
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A $50 holding fee is required to reserve your appointment and is applied toward the total cost of your session. The holding fee will be refunded only if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment, as well as no-shows, will result in forfeiture of the holding fee.
Please note that all sales are final once the session has begun. Ultrasound session fees cover the time and service provided, regardless of image quality, fetal position, or other factors beyond our control.
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We accept major credit/debit cards as well as cash. A $50 holding fee will be required upon scheduling your ultrasound. This will go toward the total cost of your service. We do require that you pay the holding fee online through our scheduling link, however, the remaining balance will be paid in person at the end of your scan.
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Not to worry, this happens often! Our number one priority is to provide you with quality ultrasound photos. If we are unable to see your baby’s face, we invite you back within 14 days for a follow-up appointment where we will rescan you free of charge. The need for a return visit is often due to factors outside of our control such as the baby’s position, the location of your placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, and overall fetal environment. We will try our best to provide you with memorable ultrasound photos, but every baby scans differently.
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Our ultrasound machine operates similarly to those found in a typical OB/GYN office. Since ultrasound technology uses sound waves instead of radiation, it poses no danger to you or your baby.
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A 3D ultrasound provides a detailed, still image of your baby. In contrast, a 4D ultrasound offers the same detailed image, but adds the element of movement, creating a live video of your baby. Essentially, a 4D ultrasound is a “moving” 3D image!
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This all depends on what you would like to see during your appointment. Most clients elect to come in twice; once early on in the pregnancy to see the baby as a whole, and again later in the pregnancy to obtain a more detailed view of their baby’s face. You can use the following guide to help you determine when you’d like to see your baby;
10-14 weeks: Provides an early view of your pregnancy in which we can see the baby as a whole
15-24 weeks: Baby has grown, but we can still obtain good quality images. This is a great time to see your baby move around and kick
25-30 weeks: Baby’s face has become more defined, providing a better look at your baby’s features
31-36 weeks: Baby has developed more fat to their face and now has chubby cheeks! This will provide the most detailed look at your baby
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Starting at 16 weeks, we can determine the gender of your baby with high accuracy. However, things like the baby’s position and maternal body habitus can make it more difficult to distinguish the gender. We will try our best to obtain the most accurate images, however, without genetic testing, we cannot guarantee the gender with 100% accuracy.
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Our elective ultrasounds are non-diagnostic, so fetal measurements and weight estimates are not included during these visits. These sessions are all about bonding, keepsake imaging, and giving you another opportunity to see your little one!
If you are looking for formal measurements, growth assessment, or an estimated fetal weight, please check out our diagnostic ultrasound services! Diagnostic examinations include appropriate measurements based on the type of scan selected and are formally interpreted by a board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician.
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Appointment times will vary depending on the package option you select. The length of an appointment greatly depends on the baby’s position, however, it is always best to plan on staying for the maximum amount of time allotted for your visit to ensure you receive an unforgettable experience. The following guide outlines the length of each appointment;
Reassurance Bundle: 20 minutes
Sneak Peak: 30 Minutes
Heartbeat Session: 30 minutes
2D Gender: 30 minutes
Silver: 60 minutes
Gold: 60 minutes
Platinum: 60 minutes
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Absolutely! We love that you want to share this unforgettable experience with the people who are important to you! Due to the size of the studio, we recommend bringing no more than four guests with you for your ultrasound.
If you’re hoping to bring a larger group, please reach out to First Cherished Moments prior to your appointment. We’re always happy to try our best to accommodate additional guests when space allows!
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Gift certificates are non-refundable and hold no cash value. If you have any questions about redeeming a gift certificate, feel free to reach out - we’re happy to help!
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For your safety and peace of mind, we do ask for your provider’s name and contact information before your elective ultrasound. In most cases, your doctor will not be contacted. If we see something during your session that may require medical follow-up, we may reach out to your provider or encourage you to contact them directly.
Because these services are elective and non-diagnostic, any medical questions or concerns should always be discussed with your doctor or midwife.
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If you are overweight, please don’t hesitate to come in for an elective ultrasound. However, we do recommend waiting until around 25 weeks gestation for 3D visits. This provides the baby with more time to grow, which can help us capture clearer images. Despite factors out of our control, there is no reason you should not be able to obtain great images!
Diagnostic Scan FAQs
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Once your ultrasound has been reviewed, your finalized diagnostic report will be sent directly to you via secure email. If you would also like a copy sent to your healthcare provider, I am happy to do so upon request!
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Most diagnostic ultrasound reports are completed within approximately 24 hours. Once your report is finalized, it will be sent directly to you via secure email. If an urgent finding is identified, you and/or your healthcare provider will be notified promptly so that appropriate follow-up can be arranged.
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No! All of our diagnostic ultrasounds can be scheduled without a referral from a healthcare provider. If your provider has recommended a specific ultrasound or is following something during your pregnancy, just let me know when scheduling so I can help make sure you’re booked for the appropriate exam.
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Yes! All of our diagnostic ultrasounds can be scheduled without a provider referral. If you’re unsure which ultrasound to select, please feel free to reach out before scheduling. I am always happy to help you determine which option may be the best fit for what you’re looking for!
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First Cherished Moments is self-pay and does not accept or bill insurance for diagnostic ultrasound services. All pricing is provided upfront, so you’ll know the full cost of your ultrasound before scheduling.
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Diagnostic ultrasound appointments are paid in full at the time of scheduling. This differs from our elective ultrasound appointments, which require only a holding fee when booking. This helps ensure the smoothest possible scheduling and appointment experience for you.
Payment can be made by credit or debit card. HSA/FSA cards may also be accepted; however, eligibility for HSA/FSA funds varies by plan. We recommend checking directly with your plan administrator to confirm eligibility before scheduling.
Please review our cancellation policy prior to scheduling your appointment.
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I completely understand that plans can change! If you need to cancel or reschedule your diagnostic ultrasound, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to receive a full refund or transfer your payment to a new appointment.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will forfeit 50% of the appointment cost, with the remaining 50% refunded.
Missed appointments or no-shows without notice will forfeit the full cost of the appointment.
I understand that emergencies and unexpected circumstances happen, and exceptions may be made at the discretion of First Cherished Moments.
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Preparation varies depending on the type of diagnostic ultrasound you are having. For early pregnancy and Nuchal Translucency ultrasounds, I recommend arriving with a comfortably full bladder to help obtain the best views possible. Most other diagnostic ultrasounds do not require any special preparation.
Any specific preparation instructions for your examination will also be provided after scheduling.
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Absolutely! Partners, children, family members, and other guests are always welcome to join you for your ultrasound. I want you to feel comfortable sharing this experience with the people who are important to you!
Due to the size of the studio and the focused nature of diagnostic ultrasound examinations, we recommend bringing no more than four guests with you for your diagnostic scan. This helps maintain a comfortable environment and allows the diagnostic examination to be completed as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.
If you are hoping to bring a larger group, please reach out to First Cherished Moments prior to your appointment. Larger groups are typically better accommodated during our elective, non-diagnostic ultrasound sessions, but I am always happy to discuss what may be possible!
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Yes! You will receive printed ultrasound photos to take home with you at the end of your appointment. Due to the diagnostic nature of these examinations, digital images and videos are not provided following your appointment.
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If something concerning is identified during your ultrasound, appropriate steps will be taken to make sure you receive the follow-up care you may need. Depending on the situation, your healthcare provider may be contacted promptly, and urgent findings will be communicated as quickly as possible.
Your ultrasound will also be reviewed by a board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician, who will provide the formal interpretation and finalized diagnostic report.
Please note that the sonographer will not provide specific diagnostic findings or interpretations during the examination. All formal interpretations and recommendations will come from the reading physician and your healthcare provider.
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All diagnostic ultrasounds performed at First Cherished Moments are interpreted by a board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician. Once your examination has been reviewed, a finalized diagnostic report will be provided to you via secure email and can also be sent to your healthcare provider upon request.
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Diagnostic and elective ultrasounds serve different purposes. A diagnostic ultrasound is a medical examination that evaluates specific aspects of your pregnancy and is formally interpreted by a board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician. You will receive a finalized diagnostic report following your examination.
Elective ultrasounds are non-diagnostic and are designed simply to give you another opportunity to see and connect with your baby. These sessions focus on the experience and may include 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging, keepsake photos, videos, and other special additions depending on the package you choose.
Both offer a special opportunity to see your little one, but they are designed for different reasons. If you’re ever unsure which option is the best fit for what you’re looking for, I am always happy to help!