3D/4D ultra sounds

[LauraB78]

How many of you have had them?

When do you think is a good time to have one done and get clear pictures ( I would hate to e disappointed!)

How much did it cost? I have an HMO and I KNOW they wouldn't be covered!?

THX!  - Laura

[LauraB78]

Gina - would just ask your Ob/gyn to recommend someone. I think that would be a good place to start..


Joy & Krissy - And I KNOW.. Soo freaking expensive.. Uggh..

And Krissy... That would make me cry too. Although my son probably cringes at my voice since I have been soo stressed this entire pregnancy so far.. He's probably thinking "Mommy, QUIT your bitc*ing!"

[krissyy]

gina-i just googled 3d/4d sonograms in maryland and came across "littlesprout."  i later realized that there were brochures recommending littlesprout at my doctors office.  so, you may want to ask your doctor if there is a place locally that they recommend.

laura-wow, that is quite a trip!!  i agree that it is worth every penny.  during my sonogram, whenever i would speak, i could actually see my little girl's eyes open and she would smile...  she recognizes my voice and it felt so good!  i didn't realize that was what was going on till my sono- tech pointed it out.  then the tears came!!!...i'm such a sap with all of these special pregnancy moments!

[Gina209]

How did everyone go about finding a place that does them? Just do a search ? We're definitely going to do it when I'm past 28 weeks, but was just curious how everyone went about finding a place ??

[JoyRenee]

Ouch, Laura! That is quite a lot of money!!! I felt my ultrasounds were worth it (heck I asked for $ for Christmas and birthday so I could pay for it) and I am definitely doing it with future pregnancies.

[LauraB78]

Wow.. Thanks everyone. It definitely sounds worth the expense!

I will have to see if I can save for it. They don't offer them (they don't have the technology) here so I would have to fly to the mainland, rent a car, and take a day off work.. Sooo, for me it would be more like a $600. thing with the all the expenses AND missing work..

It sooo sounds like it is totally worth it.. Maybe I can start saving now.. I am only 19 weeks, that gives me a couple months to save,. I think I will start rolling change RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!  =)

Thanks again for all the input, advice, and stories!

[FEOT]

I just had mine done, i was 28 weeks 5 days. The place i went to recommended 27-32 weeks. No insurance will cover because its a "For fun" ultra sound. Not needed. I payed $180. I got 20 pics printed, all the pics printed plus more are on a CD and i got a DVD of the whole entire ultra sound which i think was like 45 minutes to an hour something like that. I think its worth.

[JoyRenee]

The place I went recommended you be 26-28 weeks because when you get into the 30+ weeks baby will be too big to fit the entire screen.

Anyway, the cost was $125 for an hour, with unlimited photos for me. I think the price has gone up, though, with the economy. I still have pictures if you want to see them. I got one done at 26 weeks and the other when my daughter was 28 weeks (I think--- I need to verify that!).

No insurance will cover keepsake ultrasounds. And most 3D/4D sonography places won't take insurance.

[krissyy]

i had mine done 29.5 weeks.  the place i went recommended 28-32 weeks--they said 28-30 weeks is best for lots of activity--baby still has time to move around and get more poses.  31-32 weeks they have more chubb built up so that also makes for cute pictures, but, they are starting to run a little short on room and may not be as active.  i paid $150-$175ish i think.  they have various packages, mine was one of the mid-priced ones.  it included 30 minute dvd, prints, plus some wallet size shots, and a free website for 6 months where i could post her sono- pics, belly pics, nursery pics, updates and pictures of her after she is born.  it's a great way to share with family and friends that you don't see as often.  i highly recommend doing it--even though my little girl didn't cooperate as much as i wished, it was amazing and such a bonding experience.  they had several couches and 2 large screen tvs.  i brought my family and friends for the big event.  it was so much fun!  it's also amazing to have the dvd to watch whenever you want...  i can't wait to show it to skye when she gets bigger!

[chantal21]

I had mine done at 29 1/2 weeks. The pictures I got were great! I really enjoyed the experience as well. I think mine cost around $150. They spent a little over an hour with me which was awesome!  Just like mamaofonetrying42 said...the best time is between 28-32 weeks. And also, I don't believe insurance companies cover them. I don't have insurance, and they said it didn't matter anyway. I think the prices are pretty reasonable considering I had a reg. 2D ultrasound early on in my pregnancy and it cost $200.

[mamaofonetrying42]

I really dont know any ins covers them right now.....I had it been at 26-27week and it cost me only $105.00, I wish i would have waited a little longer, just so he looked a little bigger.but the pics still looked good......best time prob. 28-32weeks.