Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What truly sets Baby Haven apart is our commitment to providing more than just a standard ultrasound. While many facilities focus on a narrow window of pregnancy, we believe that every parent deserves high-quality, beautiful images, clear communication, and thorough answers to any questions they have—no matter the stage of pregnancy. Unlike other places that may rush appointments, require repeat visits, or leave you with vague results, we ensure that you leave feeling informed, confident, and satisfied.

    At Baby Haven, we’re setting a new standard for prenatal imaging—where every ultrasound is informative, exciting, and memorable from start to finish.

  • Ultrasound recommendations, trimester guidelines, and quality imaging success rates can vary widely from one facility to another, often influenced by factors like experience, imaging time, comfort level, and approach. While some may promote expected outcomes, they frequently fail to fully communicate the limitations of what can be seen beyond the typical parameters leaving the general public confused.

    At Baby Haven, we don’t cut corners. We take the time and care needed to ensure the process is as clearly communicated and detailed as possible, even if you have an anterior placenta, were late to schedule an HD scan, or your baby is measuring large for dates.

    Follow our expert recommendations backed by experience and skill, you’ll never be asked to come back for another attempt if far enough along, or rushed through your appointment. Unlike other facilities with overly filled schedules, we provide the full time and attention necessary to give you the high-quality imaging you deserve. We’re confident that Baby Haven stands apart—offering you the best possible experience, every time!

  • General Tips for All Appointments:

    • Read the Website: For the best experience, make sure you review all the information provided on our website before booking your appointment.

    • Timing: Arrive on time, especially for 2nd and 3rd trimester appointments. Sometimes we need the entire session to get the best photos.

    • Patience: Your baby’s position and your comfort are crucial to capturing the best images. If baby is being a bit shy, we will use gentle techniques to encourage movement of whatever is in the way to get the best possible results.

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    First Trimester (6-13 Weeks):

    1. Full Bladder? A full bladder is recommended prior to 12 weeks to help lift the uterus for clearer images. Avoid overfilling your bladder—only fill it as much as you can comfortably handle.

    2. Hydration: Increase water intake for 3-5 days before your appointment for better ultrasound content and a rapid SneakPeek Clinical sample collection.

    3. Cold Drink: Bring a cold drink to encourage baby movement if needed.

    Second Trimester (14-27 Weeks):

    1. No Full Bladder Needed: A full bladder is not necessary after 14 weeks at Baby Haven; use the restroom before your arrival.

    2. Hydration: Increase water intake for 3-5 days before your appointment for better ultrasound content.

    3. Cold Drink: A cold drink can help encourage baby movement if necessary.

    Third Trimester (28-40+ Weeks):

    • No Full Bladder Needed: Use the restroom before your arrival.

    • Hydration: Increase water intake for 3-5 days before your appointment for better ultrasound content.

    • Comfort: With less space, baby may need extra help moving, so a cold drink can assist if needed.

  • Ultrasounds: Wear anything comfortable—just ensure your belly can be easily exposed. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, there are blankets available for coverage.

    Blood Tests: Choose a top with sleeves that can be easily rolled up to expose your shoulder.

    • To ensure a smooth process and prevent contamination of your sample, avoid oversized shirts or bulky sweaters—especially if they belong to your partner, as they carry traces of male DNA.

  • At Baby Haven, all ultrasounds are performed abdominally, meaning they are done on top of your belly. You can expect to see different stages of pregnancy at different times. For visual examples, please see the online gallery!

    • Gestational Sac (4-5 weeks): This is the first clear sign of pregnancy by ultrasound and can usually be seen as early as 4-5 weeks. It’s an early indicator that the pregnancy is developing.

    • Baby & Heartbeat (6+ weeks): At 6 weeks of pregnancy, an abdominal ultrasound typically allows us to visualize the baby, although it will still be quite small. By 7 weeks, a clear heartbeat is often detectable.

    Each pregnancy is unique, so the exact timing may vary, but these are the general milestones for what you can expect during your visits with Sydnee.

  • Elective ultrasounds at Baby Haven are bonding ultrasounds to capture special moments, allowing up to 6 adult guests. They DO NOT confirm abnormalities or capture them for families. They focus on helping families connect with their baby and document fun milestones.

    Diagnostic Ultrasounds at Baby Haven are provider ordered, medical, ultrasounds performed by a licensed professional with official referrals, typically for health assessments or follow-up imaging. Only 2 adult guests are allowed at Baby Haven for diagnostics to maintain a focused, respectful environment. If wanting to bring more than 2 guests, it is encouraged to book an elective appointment.

  • Elective 2D (Basic) Ultrasound:

    • First Trimester: 6+ weeks (Heartbeat visible after 6 wks, best heard after 7 wks if desired!)

    • Second Trimester: Anytime

    • Third Trimester: Anytime

    • Twin/Triplet Scans: Anytime

  • For the best imaging results, follow Sydnee’s custom recommendations. Waiting a little longer will give you a more accurate appearance of your baby after birth due to added fatty tissue - chubbier cheeks!

    HD Ultrasound:

    • First Trimester: 9+ weeks!

    • Second Trimester: 26+ weeks!

    • Third Trimester: 4D/HD scans are most popular between 30-34 weeks! Full face views of baby are best before 36 weeks!

    • Twin/Triplet Scans: Book 2 weeks earlier than a regular HD scan!

    HD Ultrasound Preparation: Proper ultrasound preparation is key to getting the best images, and Sydnee is here to help you every step of the way! Same-day appointments can have lower success rates, so please follow the prep instructions provided in your emails or by visiting our services page.

  • Baby Haven is dedicated to offering reliable and flexible options, allowing you to discover your baby’s gender at the right time for you. Whether you're looking for an early prediction or a confirmed result, we’re here to make your experience smooth and memorable.

    1. 1st Trimester Blood Test (6+ weeks):

      • For those eager to find out early, Baby Haven offers the SneakPeek Clinical, available as early as 6 weeks with 99.9% accuracy, low chance of contamination, and rapid lab results!

      • Standard results: 3-5 days

      • FastTrack: Get results 1-3 days sooner!

    2. 1st Trimester Gender Ultrasound (13+ weeks):

      • For an early prediction, we offer 1st Trimester 2D Ultrasound Gender add-ons starting at 13 weeks. Using Nub and Skull Theory, these methods provide a science-backed prediction with high accuracy.

    3. 2nd Trimester Gender Ultrasound (14+ weeks):

      • For 100% gender confirmation, we recommend scheduling after 15 weeks, when the baby’s genitalia is fully visible. Prior to 15 weeks, gender is determined using Nub Theory.

  • SneakPeek Clinical is an early DNA blood test that determines your baby’s sex by detecting male chromosomes. The test involves a simple, painless skin prick blood sample, taken from your upper arm. The sample is then shipped to a lab for testing.

    • Timing: The test can be performed as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy.

    • Accuracy: 99.9% accurate!

    • Results: Standard available within 5 days; FastTrack results within 2-3 days.

    • Notification: Results are sent via email to the address provided at checkout. Open the email to discover your baby’s gender!

    SneakPeek Clinical is the most trusted early gender test, recommended by OBGYNs, and offers a quick, accurate way to find out your baby’s sex before your ultrasound!

    • 2D (Developed in the 1950s): Basic, black-and-white, flat images of your baby.

    • 3D (Developed in the 1990s): Three-dimensional fetal evaluation by processing 2D images on a computer to enhance the assessment of fetal structures.

    • 4D (Developed in the early 2000s): Adds real-time motion to 3D images for dynamic, moving images of your baby.

    • HD (Developed in the 2010s): High-definition, lifelike 3D and 4D images with enhanced lighting and shadowing effects, offering unprecedented detail.

    At Baby Haven, we offer a variety of ultrasound technologies, from 2D to HD, ensuring you get the best possible images of your baby. We’re dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by constantly upgrading our equipment, skills, and services.

  • 1st Trimester Ultrasounds:

    • A full bladder is recommended before 12 weeks. It helps lift the uterus, providing a clearer view of your baby and surrounding structures. It also moves the intestines out of the way, improving image quality, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

    2nd & 3rd Trimester Ultrasounds:

    • A full bladder is not necessary after 14 weeks at Baby Haven. In fact, we suggest using the restroom before your appointment for your comfort and full session time.

  • An anterior placenta can occasionally affect the clarity of 3D/4D/HD ultrasounds later in pregnancy. To optimize image quality and ensure the best possible results, it is recommended to increase water intake for 3-5 days prior to your appointment.

    Additionally, scheduling your appointment earlier within the recommended timeframe can help improve image clarity! The goal is to provide you with the most memorable and high-quality content, capturing your baby's first moments with the utmost precision.

  • Baby Haven does not directly bill insurance for services. However, invoices are available upon request, allowing you to submit them to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

    Additionally, you may try using your HSA card during online booking, as some cards have been accepted in the past. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider for more specific details regarding coverage.

  • A 50% deposit is required to reserve an appointment. This helps reduce the impact of no-call/no-show appointments and ensures that Sydnee can dedicate the time and resources to your ultrasound session.

    The remaining balance can be paid in cash, card, or contactless payment when you arrive. If paying with cash, please bring exact change.

    By making a deposit, you’re helping us provide the best service to all of our clients and ensuring that we’re fully prepared for your visit. Your commitment means that we’ll be here, ready to make your experience special! Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • While Baby Haven strives for the clearest images possible, some factors like baby’s position, mom’s tissue thickness, and amniotic fluid levels are out of our hands and can affect the clarity of the ultrasound. The sonographer may use safe, proven techniques to encourage baby’s movement if approved. Patience is key!

    Baby Haven has a very high success rate in capturing beautiful videos and photos! To get the best results, please follow the prep instructions provided in your confirmation email and on our website. After that, the direction of the session is in baby’s hands!

  • To keep things calm and focused, Sydnee asks that all cell phones be on silent or vibrate during your visits.

    Diagnostic ultrasounds: Recording is not allowed. This helps us maintain your privacy and ensure a smooth process for all.

    Elective ultrasounds: Capturing memories by recording content is welcome! Since these scans are not for medical purposes, Sydnee wants you to enjoy the experience and share it with loved ones.

  • Elective Ultrasounds

    • Bring up to 6 adult guests, No Children or service animals

    Diagnostic Ultrasounds

    • 2 Adult Guests, No Children

    Children & Service Animals Not Permitted

    • To maintain the highest standard of care, sterile lab testing, and a peaceful environment, our facility is exclusively for adults. Children and service animals are not permitted. We understand that childcare can be challenging, and we appreciate your understanding that the services provided at this facility are elective, boutique imaging appointments. To maintain a focused and calm environment, we ask for your cooperation with our policies.

  • Cancellation Policy:

    • Elective Services: 24-hour notice required.

    • Diagnostic Services: 48-hour notice required.

    Rescheduling: To avoid fees, we recommend rescheduling your appointment. You can easily do this by visiting the link in your confirmation email or call with adequate notice.

    Service Changes: If you need to change the type of service, please call with adequate notice.

    Refunds: If you cancel with adequate notice, you'll receive a refund minus a processing fee. All store items are final sale.

  • What is an Ultrasound?

    An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your body’s internal structures without using any radiation. It's a safe, non-invasive way to capture detailed images.

    Why is Ultrasound used for pregnancy?

    Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to monitor your baby’s development, check their heartbeat, and assess other aspects like fetal position and anatomy. It’s also used for diagnostic purposes to examine organs and tissues.

    How Does It Work?

    A small device called a transducer (or probe) sends sound waves through your tissues. These waves bounce off different structures inside your body and return to the probe. The returning waves are then captured and converted into images based on how much they are absorbed by the tissues. For deeper areas like the uterus, using a full bladder can improve image clarity by enhancing sound wave absorption.

    When is it performed?

    Ultrasounds are typically performed at different stages of pregnancy or as needed for medical purposes. For pregnancy ultrasounds, the timing varies depending on what you're trying to assess (e.g., gender, fetal development, or anatomy).

    Where is it performed?

    At Baby Haven, all ultrasounds are performed abdominally. This means the probe is gently placed on your abdomen with a thin layer of warmed gel to help transmit the sound waves effectively. This ensures the best possible images of your baby or other areas being examined.

    Are Ultrasounds Safe?

    Yes! Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive procedure that does not use radiation. It is commonly used in medical settings and during pregnancy to monitor your baby’s health. Rest assured, at Baby Haven, we follow all guidelines to ensure the safest, most comfortable experience for you.

    For additional questions or to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us directly!

  • What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

    A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a licensed healthcare professional trained to use ultrasound technology to capture images of the body’s internal structures. These images help physicians diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, from pregnancy to organ health.

    What does it take to be a registered Sonographer?

    A qualified Sonographer typically holds a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from an accredited program. Many also earn certification from organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), which ensures they meet industry standards for accuracy, safety, and patient care.

    How does a Sonographer create an image during an ultrasound?

    They use a special device called a transducer, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off internal structures, and the Sonographer captures the echoes and manipuates the machine using physics to create images of the body’s organs, or in this case the developing baby during pregnancy.

    What types of sonography specialties are there?

    Sonographers can specialize in various areas, including obstetric and gynecologic sonography (focused on pregnancy and women’s health), abdominal sonography, cardiovascular sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, and more. Some Sonographers, like Sydnee, proudly obtain multiple specialties including maternal-fetal medicine (MFM), which focuses on high-risk pregnancies and fetal health.

    Why is an licensed Sonographer important for ultrasounds?

    Licensed Sonographers undergo formal education and certification, which ensures they are skilled in capturing accurate images while adhering to safety protocols provided by their accredited programs. Their expertise minimizes the risk of errors, providing you with the highest quality care and diagnostic accuracy.

    Can a Sonographer interpret ultrasound results?

    While Sonographers capture the images and prepare the preliminary report, the interpretation of the ultrasound results is typically done by a radiologist or physician. The Sonographer's role is to ensure that the images are clear and high-quality, providing the physician with the best possible data collection for diagnosis.

    How long does it take to become a licensed Sonographer?

    Becoming a licensed Sonographer usually requires completing a 1-4 year accredited degree program depending on the requirements. It doesn’t stop there! After completing the required program, qualifying individuals are required to pass certification exams from a recognized organization, such as ARDMS. Some Sonographers may pursue additional certifications or specialize further, which can take more time.

    What is the difference between a Sonographer and an ultrasound technician?

    While both roles involve performing ultrasound scans,

    • A Sonographer is typically a licensed healthcare professional with formal education and certification in diagnostic medical sonography.

    • An Ultrasound Technician is less formally trained, typically on-the-job, and does not hold a degree or certification.

    How do I know if my Sonographer is licensed and qualified?

    At Baby Haven, we ensure all Sonographers are fully licensed and trained for the highest quality care.

    What is the role of a Sonographer during a prenatal ultrasound?

    During a prenatal ultrasound, the Sonographer guides the transducer over your abdomen to capture images of your baby. They will ensure the images are clear and detailed, providing you with meaningful moments such as hearing your baby’s heartbeat, seeing your baby’s features, and providing information for your provider to confirm fetal health. The Sonographer’s role is to create a comfortable, stress-free environment while providing accurate, high-quality images.