Frequently Asked Questions & Polices
Many People Ask Us, “Is This Real?”
ABSOLUTELY! Our laptop ultrasound machine and other equipment gets packed up and brought directly to your home or venue. This in-home/at venue ultrasound service is unlike anything you have experienced before and will leave you precious memories and lots of keepsakes.
How Does This Work?
I bring our high quality, portable ultrasound machine to your home, set up a comfortable massage table for Mom to lay on and connect an HDMI cable from the ultrasound machine to your smart TV. This provides you with a unique MOVIE THEATER EXPERIENCE! There is no limit to who can be present for your ultrasound. The whole family can be there for your baby’s ultrasound if you wish! Feel free to stream live on any social media platform, take lots of pictures and videos too! We also always use warm gel for your comfort.
When can I do an ultrasound?
We will scan your baby using a 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasound (depending on fetal position and gestational age) as early as 6 weeks gestational age. Please see our policies about expectations and exceptions.
How Far do you travel?
I currently serve Nashville, TN and the surrounding areas. *We now are servicing parts of Kentucky! Please refer to our travel policy or contact us for specific questions.
What will we see?
This at-home appointment will give you an in depth look at your baby’s face, hands, feet, heart, gender, and so much more!
Do I get to keep any pictures?
Your in-home ultrasound appointment includes a minimum of 20 digital 2D images/videos and depending on gestational age, 3D images and 4D videos of your baby on a USB drive.
How Do I prepare for an appointment?
Make sure you are well hydrated with water or non-sugary drink. It also helps to eat a healthy snack (quality protein is great) before your appointment so your baby is active but not hopped up on sugar and constantly wiggling or moving. We are looking for a perfect balance of being active but cooperative.
You do not need a full bladder unless you are between 8-10 weeks.
*We do offer transvaginal ultrasound for gestational ages of 6-7 weeks.
When can you see Gender?
Gender can be accurately determined at 15 weeks *IF the baby is cooperative and in an adequate position. Please note, gender determination is more reliable if you wait until 18 weeks.
When do you get the best 3D/4D images?
Usually, the best 3D/4D ultrasound images are taken between 28-34 weeks however, this does not mean we can’t get quality 3D/4D images before 28 weeks or past 34 weeks. We have been successful in obtaining quality 3D/4Ds at 39 weeks as well as some adorable 1st trimester 3D/4D!
Is Ultrasound Safe?
Extensive studies conducted over thirty-five years have found that ultrasound (high frequency sound waves) has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby when performed by a trained professional. Kim Fielding, is a highly trained professional and a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer who specializes in high risk-obstetric ultrasound imaging.
Ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves and does NOT produce radiation, such as x-rays. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is normal and encouraged to ensure the health and safety of your baby (Kicks & Flutters Ultrasound is non diagnostic and for entertainment only). In 3D/4D scanning, exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning but uses the addition of computer rendering of the image to make the image more realistic. 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound all utilize high frequency sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar.
An ultrasound transducer placed on the body emits high frequency sound waves into the body, “listens” for the return echo and generates an image.
What is 2D, 3D & 4D Ultrasound?
Typically, a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is a flat ultrasound, giving outlines and showing shapes. This is the most commonly used type of ultrasound generally used to determine pregnancy, measure baby’s growth, measure heart rate, and it can also be used to view the baby’s internal organs.
A three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound gives a more life-like appearance to the baby in the womb. 3D ultrasounds allow expectant parents to get a better idea of what their baby looks like, because unlike the flat 2D ultrasounds, 3D ultrasounds give more shape and identity to the baby. We can also do 3D imaging on baby’s hands and feet which are super cute too!
A four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound is essentially a moving version of a 3D ultrasound, just like a 3D video (the 4th dimension is for the addition of real-time). This is the most high definition (HD) ultrasound currently available and it’s something that we are proud to offer!
Terms & Policies
**If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 or go to your closest Emergency Department**
The ultrasounds performed by Kicks & Flutters Ultrasound are non-diagnostic and for your entertainment only.
**Review of our Terms and Conditions form with client’s signature and full appointment cost is required upon scheduling your appointment. **
You must be at least 6 weeks in your pregnancy to book an ultrasound. This is so we can see the best.
This ultrasound DOES NOT replace your need for a diagnostic ultrasound ordered by your Primary Obstetrician.
According to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM-the gold standard in ultrasound safety), it is not a safe or an ethical practice to listen to the fetal heartbeat with ultrasound in the first trimester (up to 14 weeks). We take these guidelines very seriously; therefore, we do not perform Spectral Doppler (listening to the fetal heartbeat) on a fetus less than 14 weeks gestational age. We put you and your baby’s safety and well-being first at all times.
We will obtain an inaudible m-mode tracing to determine the fetal heart rate.
Uncooperative Fetus
There will be no refunds for an uncooperative fetus.
We are highly skilled and trained with a very high success rate in safely moving the fetus for a desired image with many years of experience, tricks and techniques. Unfortunately, sometimes the fetus is stubborn and won’t move accordingly at the time of the ultrasound.
Don’t worry, you will still get a memorable experience as well as photos and videos of your sweet little miracle.
There’s still so much to see…
- Heart beat
- Fetal drinking
- Fetal yawning
- Fetal hiccups
- Spine
- Legs
- Arms
- Nose and lips
- Feet
- Hands
- Brain
- And so much more!
Touching equipment is prohibited to ensure equipment does not get damaged. Clients will be held fully responsible for any damage of equipment caused by themselves, children, pets, or other viewers.
We reserve the right to end the appointment without a refund if we feel threatened or unsafe.
Our at-home ultrasounds are elective therefore, we do not accept insurance as payment.
TRAVEL POLICY: If you live beyond a 90-minute round-trip travel time (based on distance), there will be an additional charge of $1 per each additional minute travel fee.
A minimum 24-hour notice is required for cancellation of appointment.
Cancellations less than 24 hours will forfeit their full appointment cost.