FAQ


Common (and uncommon) Questions and Answers regarding 3D Ultrasounds


Brought to you by First Peek Ultrasound, a 3D/4D ultrasound studio, located in Oak Park, Illinois,
just 15 minutes from downtown Chicago

What is a 3D ultrasound?
3D ultrasounds use sound waves at a pitch much higher than what you or your baby can hear (think of a dog whistle). These are the same ultrasound waves used by your doctor in your doctor's office. These sound waves echo back and the ultrasound machine hears these echoes. In the same way that bats and dolphins can "see" their environment in the dark by sensing these echoes, the ultrasound machine uses this echolocation to see your baby as well. A 3D ultrasound machine sends these ultrasound waves at different angles and then analyzes the echoes to form a 3D image.

What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasounds?
A 4D ultrasound is simply a movie or video clip of your baby in 3D, where the fourth dimension is time. You can see your baby in 3D moving over time, and this movie and your entire ultrasound session can be saved on your DVD. At First Peek Ultrasound, we provide the opportunity to see your baby in 4D and have it saved onto a DVD with the Complete Package and Premium Package.

Can we hear or feel ultrasounds?
Neither you nor your baby will hear the ultrasound waves. These sound waves have a minimal effect. Prolonged and intense ultrasound waves have been used (in other medical fields) for therapeutic reasons (they can produce a slight warmth which can direct certain elements of our immune system), but these therapeutic ultrasound waves are not produced by our ultrasound machines. The strength (or loudness) of our ultrasound machines are closely regulated by the FDA, and our ultrasound machines meet these regulations.

Is getting an elective (non-medical) ultrasound safe for my baby?
Getting an ultrasound has traditionally been regarded as a medical procedure and so physicians have been traditionally instructed to weigh the unknown risks with the benefits. In 35 years of widespread almost universal use of ultrasounds, there has not been a single known case of a miscarriage or abnormality attributed to the use of ultrasounds. Its safety profile has been proven over the decades. In spite of some focus on elective 3D ultrasound clinics in recent years, the medical community has become comfortable enough with the safety of ultrasounds in general to the extent that stethoscopes may soon be replaced with miniature heart ultrasound machines. See the answer to the question below for more information.

Note: Women undergoing in vitro fertilization have to receive an obstetric ultrasound every week, and even in these cases, there has been no report of any harm or risk to the baby or mother.

What are the benefits of receiving a 3D ultrasound other than being able to see my baby and being able to show my friends and family?
Bonding with your baby during pregnancy has an immense benefit, and elective (non-medical) 3D ultrasounds has been shown to improve bonding between mother and child and also between father and child. Women who have received a 3D ultrasound are motivated to have healthy behavior during pregnancy, such as taking prenatal vitamins, and are more likely to breastfeed after the birth of their child. They are more likely to quit smoking and avoid alcoholic beverages after receiving a 3D ultrasound of their baby. So there are many indirect and unmeasurable benefits to having a 3D ultrasound of your baby.

Do I need to bring anything with me to my 3D ultrasound appointment?
No. Just bring yourself and any friends or family members you want to come with you.


When is the best time to get a 3D ultrasound?
In our experience, the ideal time to get the best images on 3D ultrasound is between 24 and 30 weeks. The gender can be checked as early as 15 weeks. And we allow customers to come up to 35 weeks. However, please note that after 30-32 weeks, the baby may have already begun his or her descent to the outside world, and in that case, images may not be obtainable at all.

How can I get good images of my baby on my 3D ultrasound?
Make sure to drink the recommended daily intake of water in the 1-2 weeks leading up to your appointment (six 8-oz glasses a day). This will help make sure that there is enough fluid around the baby and that the amniotic fluid is clear.

Do I have to drink a lot of water and not urinate before my ultrasound? Can I go to the bathroom before my ultrasound?
You do not need to have a full bladder for our 3D ultrasounds. Our technicians have been trained to get the best pictures of your baby regardless of whether you have just gone to the bathroom or not. So do not worry about holding your urine.


What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept payment by cash or credit card.

Do you have gift certificates available?
Yes. A gift certificate for a 3D ultrasound makes the perfect gift for a baby shower, for your best friend or sister, or that special gift for your wife for getting through the pregnancy so far. It can also make a good baby mama gift. Some fathers now give a gift to the mother to commemorate the birth of the baby or out of appreciation for the hard work of "pushing the baby out." These gifts, sometimes called a baby bauble or push present are a great idea. However, with the same thought and consideration, she may appreciate a gift of a 3D ultrasound earlier on as an excellent way to help motivate her through the rest of the pregnancy.

Will I have to pay sales tax in addition to the prices listed?
No, we do not charge sales tax for any of our 3D ultrasound or prenatal massage packages. First Peek Ultrasound has worked in consultation with the Illinois Department of Revenue to ensure that you do not have to pay for taxes that are not required by law.

Are there any hidden fees? What is the actual price of these packages?
There are no hidden fees. The price that you see on our website is the price that you pay when you arrive at our facility.


I want to know if I am having a boy or a girl now! What is the earliest time I can come in to get a gender check?
You can come in to First Peek Ultrasound to have the gender of your baby checked as early as 15 weeks.

What if I get the Gender Check Package and you can not determine if my baby is a boy or a girl?
If we can not determine the sex of the baby, you may return again for no additional charge until we can find out the sex of the baby. This is our Gender Check Guarantee.

I want to know the sex of the baby. Can I still find out the sex of the baby with the packages other than the Gender Check?
Yes. You can have your baby's gender checked in any of the packages. Many women who sign up just to find out the sex of the baby end up wanting to upgrade to a higher package. If for any reason we are unable to determine the gender of the baby with any of the higher packages, you may still return for free for a gender check package so that we can tell you the sex of the baby.

Is it really more accurate to check the gender of the baby using 3D ultrasound?
For checking the gender, 2D ultrasound is more accurate. However, at First Peek Ultrasound, we know that you are curious to see what your baby looks like, and so you can see your baby in 3D with our gender check package. We also provide one color thermal printout, which may be in 2D or 3D, depending on whether we can obtain 3D images or not.

I was told to return because the ultrasound technician could not see the baby's gender. Can I come back whenever I want when you're open?
As of this time, you still must make another appointment through our website or call to make an appointment. If you can not find an open time soon enough, call our phone number and we will do our best to accommodate you. Return visits for seeing your baby's gender are free.

I am scheduled to get a 3D ultrasound at your facility. But I don't want to know the sex of the baby. Can I still come and get a 3D ultrasound?
Of course. We will respect your wish not to know the sex of your baby. Just be sure to inform your ultrasound technician before beginning the procedure.

I kind of want to know the sex of the baby but not really. No, actually, I don't want to know. Not yet, anyway. Can I change my mind?
Yes. We offer a service where we will not tell you the sex of the baby, but we can keep the gender on file, and if you want to know later, you can simply call us and ask us. We also offer a service where we will mail you a letter with the results so that you can open it when you are ready or when you are with your loved ones. Both of these services are unique to First Peek Ultrasound and to our knowledge are not offered anywhere else in the Chicagoland area.

I got an ultrasound at my ob/gyn office, and she said it was a girl. Is there a chance that this is wrong? How accurate is an ultrasound in determining the gender of the baby?
Generally, 2D ultrasounds are considered to have a 94% accuracy in determining the gender of the baby, although the actual accuracy could be more because many women have more than one ultrasound. If you have a low-risk normal pregnancy and you are only allowed to have one ultrasound from your ob/gyn, then you will know the feeling of having those doubts as to whether that one ultrasound really was accurate. Getting a 3D ultrasound is an excellent way of getting a second opinion as to whether you are having a boy or a girl. Get a quick gender check using 3D ultrasound from First Peek Ultrasound before you decide to buy your baby clothes or paint your baby's bedroom blue or pink.

Please note that even our combined 2D and 3D ultrasound service used for our gender checks may not be 100% accurate. Our guarantee is that if we are not able to determine the sex of the baby at all, then you can come back for free until we do. We encourage all our customers to contact us after the birth of their baby to let us know the final outcome!


Can I bring my own music for the background music on the DVD that is offered?
Yes. You can bring your own music on a CD or on an MP3 player or iPod, and we can incorporate it into the DVD of your session.

Do I have to bring in my own CD or DVD?
No. We provide all materials, including the CD and DVD.


I was looking forward to a beautiful face shot of my baby in 3D ultrasound, but my baby's hands were always in front of his face. Can I come back?
Babies often have their hands in front of their face, sucking their thumbs, covering themselves, etc. These pictures can still be very cute and can even provide a better glimpse into their personalities. You will be surprised at how much you will treasure the natural, spontaneous pictures of your baby in his or her most comfortable position over a contrived or manipulated picture as time goes by. You may even see your newborn baby holding his hands in the same way whenever he or she is happy or excited. During your session, we try to get the best angle and can do some limited techniques to encourage the baby to move. Your satisfaction is the utmost importance to us, and it makes us look good if you have the best “ideal” pictures to show your family and friends. If you would still prefer to get a better picture of your baby's face and you were unable to during your session, you may return again within two weeks for just $30. For the Premium Package, there is no charge for return visits to get pictures within 2 weeks if you are unable to get pictures of your baby the first time. And, of course, you are welcome to return again when you are further along in your pregnancy for another session for 10% off.

What is the maximum number of times that I can come to get a 3D ultrasound? Can I come everyday?
Although there has been no known risks or harm to ultrasound, we understand that so far there is only experience with ultrasound technology being used on women on a monthly or weekly basis. Because of the unknown risk that may occur with very frequent ultrasounds (either due to the ultrasound technology or more likely due to the frequent manipulation of the belly), we have to put a limit on the maximum frequency that you may receive a 3D ultrasound. Currently, the FDA does not set a limit or maximum frequency as to the number of ultrasounds a pregnant woman may receive. At First Peek Ultrasound, we always ensure that our services are safe, are not harmful to either the mother or the baby, and are always within FDA guidelines. At First Peek Ultrasound, we set a limit of the frequency of visits. This will be on a case by case basis.

Do you offer any combination package?
Yes, we offer a special Get Everything Package. For $299, you can get one of each of our 3D ultrasound packages, plus get a prenatal massage as well. This will allow you to follow your baby's development over time from 15 weeks to 32 weeks, and you will have more time to see your baby in full 3D view as he or she grows and develops inside you.

We recommend this package to pregnant women who are under 20 weeks in their pregnancy to allow for sufficient time to get at least three to four visits, as there are no refunds even if you do not get to come for the full number of visits.

Do I need an appointment?
You can get an appointment for a 3D ultrasound at First Peek Ultrasound from Monday to Saturday. However, same-day appointments are usually available. Simply call us and request an appointment. If you wish to schedule an appointment at a time other than what is available online, then simply call us and we will do everything possible to accommodate you.

How easy is it to schedule onlne?
It is very easy to schedule online. Simply click the Book Online tab, select the package you want, then select the time that you want. Then just follow the directions and enter in all the required information. Although credit card information is requested, your credit card will not be charged unless there is a no-show or last-minute cancellation.

If you have any trouble at all or if you prefer to book your appointment by telephone, do not hesitate to call us at 708-870-0808.

If you do not find the appointment time you need or you would like to book your appointment for the same day, then call us at 708-870-0808.

I can not find the appointment time I want. Can you still accommodate me?
Yes, by all means. Call our phone number and we will work with our ultrasound technicians to make sure that you can be seen.

Are same day appointments available? I can't seem to be able to schedule an appointment for today.
We usually have availability for the same day that you call, although we would have to coordinate the appointment with you and the ultrasound technician. Please call us at 708-870-0808 to see if we can still schedule you in for today.

Do you offer any 3D ultrasound services on Sunday?
No, unfortunately not. The building we are located in is closed on Sunday.

What is your cancellation policy?
We regret that we have to charge $50 for no-shows and last-minute cancellations. However, if you call us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be able to cancel or reschedule your appointment for no additional charge. Cancellations or rescheduling with less than 24 hours notice will result in a charge of $50 (or the price of the package, whichever is less), which can not be refunded.

There are also no refunds for pre-paid 3D ultrasound packages, gift certificates, and the Get Everything Package, except for medical reasons or miscarriage.

How long will my 3D ultrasound appointment take?
Although your ultrasound will be about 15 or 30 minutes, depending on your package, the total time will be a little bit longer to account for the time spent in printing. It may take some time to find your baby and get set up in the room. The gender check takes about 15 minutes. The First Peek Package generally takes about 20 minutes total. The Complete Package takes about 45 minutes total, and the Premium Package takes 45 minutes to an hour. However, please allow for up to 30 minutes for the gender check and up to 1 hour for all other packages. At First Peek Ultrasound, we make sure that you will not be rushed through your appointment, so we have allotted sufficient time for each appointment. We also try hard to make sure that you do not have to wait for your appointment. However, in order to ensure the best experience for everyone, it is possible that you may have to wait 10 to 15 minutes for your appointment if the customer before you needs extra time, though this should be a rare occurrence.


What if I'm late?
Please do not be late for your appointment, as this can interfere with the positive experiences of other customers who are scheduled after you. In order to ensure an excellent experience for everyone, we reserve the right to reschedule your appointment if you appear more than 10 minutes late. We will try to reschedule your appointment for a later time in the same day, but in some cases, we may not be able to see you that same day. We encourage you to arrive early for your appointment, especially if you are traveling from far and can not afford to have your appointment rescheduled.

A last-minute cancellation fee of $50 (or the price of the package, whichever is less) may apply if you are late and we are not able to accommodate you in the same day. This amount can be credited towards your next appointment.

Will you be able to tell if there is anything wrong with my baby during my 3D ultrasound session?
Our ultrasound technicians do not perform medical diagnostic work at our facility. Although we have a medical director, the medical director does not review the ultrasounds and does not medically evaluate the customers in any way. No medical diagnosis or evaluation takes place. This service is purely for family bonding and enjoyment. We only see the outside of the baby, and so this ultrasound can not take the place of your medical ultrasound performed by your ob/gyn physician. If there is something obvious or concerning, then we will of course inform you and contact your ob/gyn physician. We may contact your ob/gyn physician first, if we are unsure about something that we are seeing and in order to coordinate your medical care in the best possible way. If we do not notice anything wrong, this does not medically clear you in any way and you would still need to have regular prenatal visits and you would still need to take prenatal vitamins. If for any reason, the ultrasound technician does notice something unusual or concerning, this also does not mean that there is definitely anything wrong, as most unusual things noticed on ultrasound end up being normal and not harmful.

Do I need a prescription for my 3D ultrasound?
Our 3D ultrasounds are not medical procedures. This is simply a chance for you to see your baby before her or she is born. You do not need a medical prescription, doctor's note, or doctor's referral to get this service.

Will insurance cover my 3D ultrasound?
Because 3D ultrasounds provided by First Peek Ultrasound are not medical procedures and are not medically necessary, medical insurance does not pay for this service. If you have money set aside from your paycheck for medical-related expenses not covered by insurance which is untaxed, such as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Spending Account (HSA), you may be able to be reimbursed from that fund for your 3D ultrasound, depending on the discretion of your employer. Please check with your employer. However, please note that 3D ultrasounds are generally not covered by FSA, according to the FSA criteria.

What are your requirements for getting a 3D ultrasound? Do I need a doctor's referral or anything like that?
No, you do not need a doctor's referral, a doctor's note, or any special form. The only requirement that we have is that you are pregnant and that you have an ob/gyn physician that you are getting prenatal care from.


What kind of ultrasound machine do you use?
We use the GE Voluson 730. GE perfected 3D technology when they bought the technology from Medison after Medison went bankrupt, and the GE Voluson 730 is currently widely considered to be the best machine on the market for 3D sonography. (Medison has recovered since then and is beginning to make their own 3D ultrasound machines, though their technology is not as developed as GE's technology has become.) This machine has been reliable in producing beautiful and accurate images in 3D. We use the higher end of this line of machines, the GE Voluson 730 Expert. The quality of the images depend on the machine and even more on the technician. First Peek Ultrasound strives to provide you with the best of both machine and technician to make your experience the most valuable and enjoyable for you and your family.

How capable are your ultrasound technicians?
We have two ultrasound technicians on staff who are highly trained and experienced in the use of 3D ultrasound technology. Both of our ultrasound technicians are ARDMS-registered (certified). Both of our ultrasound technicians are licensed and have graduated from accredited schools in sonography, with a special focus in obstetrics, and all of our ultrasound technicians continue to provide excellent care to our customers. Because our ultrasound technicians are screened and vigorously trained prior to beginning to work here, you know that you are in good hands when you come to First Peek Ultrasound.

How is the quality of the printouts of the images?
We provided 3D pictures of your baby using a photo printer on premium photo-quality paper, the same standard that is used in photography studios. The assorted prints fit nicely into your wallet or purse and can be carried with you everywhere to be shown off to friends and family. The 4”x6” pictures are suitable for framing. We also provide thermal images printed directly from the medical printer on our ultrasound machine. These printouts need to have a pinpoint accuracy as this printer is normally used by physicians who need to make a diagnosis on subtle cues seen on ultrasound. What this means to you is that you will have the best images ready for you at the end of your ultrasound session.

Can I bring everyone in my family? How many people can comfortably fit in the ultrasound room?
We have a large spacious room for you when you have your ultrasound. We can comfortably accommodate 10 to 12 people.

Can I bring small children to my ultrasound appointment?
Yes. We have a children-friendly environment. We have a small play area for children in the ultrasound room with toys and children's books. This area is safe and away from the ultrasound machine. Your children will be sure to enjoy seeing their little brother or sister on the television screen.

How comfortable is your medical table? Should I bring a pillow? I am having some back pain during my pregnancy, so should I be worried?
We do not have a medical table in our 3D ultrasound studio. Our facility is not set up like a hospital and does not look like your typical ob/gyn clinic. We have an adjustable bed with adequate cushioning and pillows, so that you can feel comfortable and be at total ease while you are seeing your baby. We change all the sheets between customers. In the event that you have to turn to one side or another, we have a large flat-screen television on two other walls so that you will not miss a minute of your ultrasound experience.

I hate getting ultrasounds. I really want to see what my baby looks like, but I don't want to have to go through this again. How is this experience going to be different from the ultrasound I get at my doctor's office?
From the moment you arrive at our ultrasound studio, you will know that you are in a comfortable environment in which you can see and bond with your baby. Our waiting room has adequate seating and reading material of popular baby and parenting magazines, and refreshments are offered while you wait (sorry, no coffee for pregnant women). But don't expect to wait there for long--most customers are seen immediately upon arriving, and because we allow for adequate time before and after scheduled appointments, no one has to wait for longer than 30 minutes on the busiest of days, (unless rare and extraordinary situations cause our customers to come in late).

When you and your friends and/or family are escorted into the ultrasound room, you will find yourself in a friendly living-room environment, very different from your doctor's clinic room. No sterile smell and sterile white walls here. You will see a friendly layout with a sofa, softly-painted walls, soft lighting ideal to see your baby in 3D, and a small children's area for young ones to play if they get bored, complete with toys, puzzles, and children's books for all ages. You can recline on an adjustable bed to suit your most comfortable position. You can lie down on your back, left side, or right side, during the exam, without missing a moment of your baby's pictures and movements, as there is a large-screen television in every direction you can face if you have to face away from the ultrasound machine. There is enough room for dad, grandma, grandpa, other grandma, other grandpa, brother, sister, and your best friend, and whatever other family and friend arrangement you may have.

You won't have to worry about the cold ultrasound gel either or having to scrape the gel off with a paper towel. We keep our ultrasound gel warm for you in a gel warmer, and we have deluxe hand towels for you to wipe the gel off. It should go without saying that our linens and bedsheets are changed and washed before each customer's use. You will not have to worry about cleanliness, safety, or convenience in our relaxed Oak Park location.

These intangible benefits are not listed in the packages and do not cost you extra. It is simply a reflection of the care that is put into running an ultrasound studio the right way with our customers in mind. Come see for yourself why many of our customers come back for a second visit and/or recommend us to their friends.


My husband is in the military, and right now he is deployed in Iraq. Is there anything special that I can do for him?
First Peek Ultrasound was started by a disabled veteran who was inspired by the 3D ultrasounds of his baby that he received while he was deployed in Iraq with the US Army. He understood the importance of this connection with the unborn baby that you can get when seeing his or her face and image. Seeing your baby provides hope and makes a huge difference on the battlefield and can improve morale in a major way. This is why we will provide duplicates of the printouts of the images and the CD that comes with your package if you or the Dad are deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. This is our way of showing thanks to your sacrifice of being a military wife and soon to be a military mom. For women in the Army who are currently deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan who then become pregnant and are forced to return home, 3D ultrasound pictures make the perfect gift to send back to your unit overseas to show them that there are no hard feelings between you and the rest of the soldiers who are still there.

We recommend getting the Premium edition for military families, as this session comes with a CD, DVD of your entire session, and a baby heartbeat teddy bear, which makes the perfect gift to send to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Is your 3D ultrasound studio accessible to the handicapped?
Yes, our ultrasound clinic is accessible to pregnant women, women with children in strollers, and handicapped customers and their family members. Just come in through our front door (on Lake Street). If you need special assistance, please contact us before your scheduled appointment.

I am Deaf. Can I still get a 3D ultrasound?
We offer 3D ultrasound services to Deaf pregnant women. We can provide an interpreter that can communicate in American Sign Language. If you get the Complete or Premium Package, which normally allows you to hear your baby's heartbeat, we can show you the Doppler technology which allows you to see your baby's heartbeat as well.

I am blind. Can I still come in to get a 3D ultrasound to see my baby? Or am I out of luck?
If you are blind, you can still come in to First Peek Ultrasound to get our special package for the blind. In this package, we place more emphasis on the other senses, including hearing your baby's heartbeat on Doppler ultrasound. You will find that getting a 3D ultrasound at our facility will be especially rewarding for you. Please make your appointment at least one week in advance and write down that you are blind in the comments section.

Hablo español, pero quiero una ecografía (o ultrasonido) 3D para ver a mi bebé antes de que nazca. ¿Es posible para que me ayude?
No problemo. Hay una técnica ultrasonida que habla español aquí. Escribe español debajo de “Comments” al hacer la cita. Gracias.


Are you hiring?
Yes. We are currently hiring massage therapists. Please click on the Now Hiring tab on our homepage for more details.

I am a student. Can I shadow?
We currently do not have the facilities or capabilities to allow for students to shadow. Also, because of the personal and intimate nature of performing 3D ultrasounds on pregnant women, we can not have additional visitors or students in the room out of courtesy for our customers.

Do you have a medical director?
Yes. First Peek Ultrasound is owned and operated by a pediatrician. He is also the medical director. However, he does not review the ultrasounds and does not provide any medical diagnosis or medical care.

Is First Peek Ultrasound a franchise? Who owns this business?
First Peek Ultrasound is a family-owned business. It is not a franchise, and we have resisted all efforts to be owned or bought by national franchises. This is so that we can better provide care that is unique and affordable to our local customers and so that we can improve in response to customer suggestions. Unlike other large businesses and clinics, the owner of First Peek Ultrasound lives locally and so is able to accommodate special requests and will be able to speak to you personally about any concerns or questions you may have.

For more information, contact the owner via the e-mail address listed on the Contact Us page.


How can I provide a testimonial on your website?
First Peek Ultrasound is a new company that started in September, 2008. If you would like to provide a testimonial, we welcome our customers to write to us.

I have a suggestion? Who can I tell this suggestion to?
Please send your suggestions and comments via e-mail address listed on the Contact Us page. We would love to hear from you. Also, if there is any product or service that you would like to see us offer in the future, please let us know.

I recently got a 3D ultrasound at First Peek Ultrasound, and I loved the experience. How can I show my appreciation?
If you truly enjoyed the experience and wish to show your appreciation, please send us an email to firstpeek@oakparkultrasond.com. Include your name and when you visited us. Also, if your baby is already born, then please send us your newborn baby pictures.

If you had some problem or issue arising out of your ultrasound, please contact us immediately and we will try our best to correct the problem and rectify the issue.
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