FAQ

At FETAL FOTOS, our focus is unique. The traditional prenatal ultrasound is enhanced by family-centered, advanced imaging methods to bring you closer to your baby, sooner. During each study, attentive technicians use the highest quality 2, 3, and 4D imaging to connect parents to their baby and show development during that stage of pregnancy. We have seen that through this process, many patients feel more connected to the pregnancy and increase their commitment to their prenatal health behavior.

A Limited Medical Fetal Study includes basic information about the baby, including the verification of heartbeat, assessment of the baby's position and, if desired, gender determination. If there is more than one baby present, we verify the number and determine the above information for each baby.

A Level One Study is conducted between 18-23 weeks and includes the information found in a Limited Medical Study as well as more in-depth information about the baby, including measurement of the head, femur, abdomen and fluid volume.  This information is used to determine/confirm the baby's size and due date.

FETAL FOTOS employs ultrasound technicians from a variety of backgrounds. Some are licensed, registered technicians (ARDMS), others are certified through clinical ultrasound schools around the country, and still others have been trained directly under the supervision of an obstetrician. Whatever the educational background or years of diagnostic experience the technician has before coming to FETAL FOTOS, the imaging techniques exclusive to FETAL FOTOS require the same lengthy period of intensive training and supervised scanning. The result--each FETAL FOTOS technician is one of a limited number of sonographers around the country counted among the best in the nation in fetal imaging and diagnostic Scanning.

We have been great innovators in three- and four-dimensional techniques and find the technology to be a tool of great benefit when used in conjunction with "regular" (2D) Studies. We provide complimentary pictures and video in all dimensions available for your situation on the day of your appointment. It is important to note that babies do not always cooperate as desired and we cannot always obtain pictures and video in all dimensions. We encourage you to enjoy the time with your baby whether they are posing like a movie star or hiding like a turtle.

The cost of your appointment is for the medical information obtained by a certified or registered technician and the reading of your Study. Once we have obtained the necessary information, we will proceed to Study your baby in ways that you can see and understand. We will gladly provide complimentary pictures and video of this time with your baby but encourage you to remember that they are not part of the cost of your appointment.

Ultrasound has been used for over 35 years and has been proven through countless studies to be a non-invasive tool with vast benefits. We strictly adhere to the standard set by the FDA which "restricts ultrasound exposure to levels that produce few, if any, effects on the fetus, based on epidemiological evidence" (FDA Consumer magazine, January-February 2004 Issue). Our Three- and Four-Dimensional ultrasound imaging uses ultrasound energy subject to these same limits and is not a product of increased frequency or "power" levels, but a combination of increased data gathering (listening) by the transducer and software interpretation after data acquisition. The result is a vast array of benefits without any harm to mother or baby.

For further information, please see the "Safety of Ultrasound" and "Benefits of Ultrasound" sections of our website.

We begin gender determination at 15 weeks and can do so up until the end of pregnancy. We are highly skilled at using ultrasound technology to our best advantage in determining gender and, despite the inherent imperfections in any technology, have an unsurpassed accuracy rate.

Yes. Because we work with your prenatal provider, appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the phone number of your closest location.

Appointment length varies according to the specifics of each study but allow 30 minutes for a Limited Medical Study (scan time being less). Please arrive early to complete the necessary paperwork. Also, please keep in mind that we need to honor our other appointments scheduled for the day and will need to reschedule your appointment if you are more than 10 minutes late.

You are welcome to bring up to eight family members and/or friends to accompany you through your appointment. We also welcome children, though we do recommend that you bring someone to help with very small children. It can be a wonderful time of bonding for all involved. We do ask you to remember that this is time for you and your family and we advise you use caution in inviting anyone with whom you are not comfortable.

All of our locations accept cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express or Discover). We apologize for the inconvenience but are unable to accept personal checks*.

*Please check with your closest location for their payment policies.

We do not accept insurance; you are responsible for the full payment at the time of your appointment. However, you may submit your receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement if the service is covered.