What is ultrasound, anyway?

Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses sound waves above the realms of human ears to create real-time 2D pictures of organs, vessels, and other soft tissue structures in the body. Ultrasound is most famously used to visualize and monitor the baby in-utero during pregnancy—that’s our specialty at Peek!

Over the years, advancements in technology have led to the introduction of 3D and 4D scans, which offer a more detailed and immersive experience for expecting parents. 3D ultrasound works by capturing multiple 2D images in “slices” and combining them to form a three-dimensional picture. 4D incorporates time as an element, creating a live video stream of your baby’s movements.

When we talk about HD or 5D ultrasound (the terms are interchangeable), we’re referring to the most recent advancements in imaging technology that help create clearer, sharper depictions with higher definition and better resolution. This method gives us the most lifelike visualization of your baby.

Studies suggest that 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging can help promote the bonding of mothers to their expected newborns and strengthen the support of surrounding family. Ultrasound has demonstrated a positive impact on expecting families by showing the baby is healthy, making the parents see the fetus as more “real,” and facilitating a closer relationship between the parents and the child.

We welcome you to ask our sonographer Kayla any questions you may have about ultrasound before, during, or even after your session—she’s a great resource and loves that you’re curious, too.

Is it safe?

Ultrasound has a great safety record.

Over the years, ultrasound has become ubiquitous with obstetric medicine—that’s because it's considered to be a very safe procedure with no appreciable risk. Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no ionizing radiation exposure associated with ultrasound. Providers have been using ultrasound during pregnancy for decades, and have not found any negative effects to the mother or the fetus.

While diagnostic ultrasound has been used clinically for over half-a-century without any reports of harmful effects in humans, it is a form of energy—a sound wave, to be exact. As such, associated bioeffects must be kept in mind throughout administration. Every machine comes equipped with adjustable Thermal Index (TI) and Mechanical Index (MI) settings that only become problematic (theoretically, if used at the highest possible output for a very, very long time—virtually impossible) in the hands of an end-user without proper training.

That’s where Peek comes in—we were founded with uncompromised integrity and commitment to clinical standards in an emerging space where the lines are too easily blurred. In the view of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), “There is a strong need for requisite sonographer credentialing because medical sonographic services are highly operator dependent. To ensure consistency and patient safety, the sonographer shall demonstrate broad-based knowledge, good judgment, and appropriate real-time discretion to assess and evaluate anatomy, and to acquire and optimize the appropriate images and data for sonographic screening and interpretation.”

Every ultrasound at Peek, whether diagnostic or elective, is performed by an experienced Diagnostic Medical Sonographer board-certified in Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) with over 1,300 hours of hands-on training during her clinical internship and six years of professional practice in the field. Diagnostic exams are sent to licensed radiologists with the American College of Radiology for formal interpretation.

Kayla is a credentialed nonphysician practitioner with the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and adheres to their ‘ALARA,’ or As Low As Reasonably Achievable principle. Practicing ALARA means she applies correct examination presets, keeps power at the lowest possible setting, monitors MI and TI during every study, reduces transducer dwell time, and keeps session duration to a minimum. She doesn’t use Doppler during the first trimester, so you won’t be able to “hear” baby’s heartbeat until 13+ weeks.

Besides machine optimization, Kayla monitors overall fetal well-being during every session and remains on the lookout for any sonographic findings that might warrant follow-up with a doctor. She is certified in CPR and BLS with the American Red Cross.

Furthermore, Kayla submits ongoing data to aid the formation of New York State legislature (similar to the Tennessee Ultrasound Sonographer Practice Act) proposing legitimization of the nonclinical ultrasound industry to create a licensing procedure and minimum training standards for individuals practicing sonography in a nonclinical environment. She takes this stuff seriously. She wouldn’t bring Peek to her community if she didn’t.

All this to say, YES—ultrasound is very safe, including 3D/4D/HD applications. Just be sure to check the credentials of whoever is performing yours and ask what the facility is doing to prioritize quality care.

PLEASE NOTE: Elective ultrasounds performed at Peek DO NOT under any circumstance replace diagnostic ultrasound studies performed through your physician or midwife. In the interest of promoting interoperability, Peek requests that all clients be established under documented care of a licensed OBGYN provider before seeking elective services at our facility. Thank you for your cooperation.

Will I always get cute, clear pictures of my baby?

Most of the time, yes. But not always! If you’ve ever tried to get a toddler to stand still and smile for the camera, you know what we’re talking about. Babies like to curl up inside the womb (can you blame them?) and sometimes hang out with their hands, or even their feet, in front of their face. They may also be facing down towards mom’s back, hiding behind the placenta, or nestled deep in the pelvis. Sometimes, the images we’re hoping for just aren’t physically obtainable at the time of your visit. And that’s okay! We’ll schedule a free rescan and get those pictures.

Please take a moment to review our Come Back Guarantee before your visit so you know what to expect the day of your session.

When is the best time for a 3D/4D ultrasound?

The “Goldilocks zone” for a 3D/4D ultrasound is between 26 and 32 weeks. At this point in pregnancy, baby has a fuller face with chubby cheeks and we’re well-positioned to get the pictures you’re hoping for. If you’re only planning one 3D/4D session, we’d definitely recommend coming in between 26 and 32 weeks for a Classic Peek session.

Our 3D/4D packages do begin as early as 20 weeks, when baby is generally smaller and thinner. We can still get great pictures of baby curled up and moving around, and we actually capture more of the body, but facial features won’t be as detailed as later on in the pregnancy—so keep this in mind when selecting your appointment! It all comes down to personal preference. Most of our moms choose to come in for multiple sessions throughout the course of the pregnancy to show baby’s development the whole way through. We have special packages just for this!

Around 33 weeks, babies begin their descent into the pelvis to get ready for birth. They’re also growing bigger and taking up more space in the womb. Quality 3D/4D after this point can be a challenge, but we’ve gotten great images of babies all the way up to 39 weeks! It depends on the baby’s position, mom’s body habitus, the location of the placenta, and amniotic fluid volume, which all vary greatly from person to person—so don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment even if you’re further along! We’re happy to help guide your decision-making.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. All of our sessions are by appointment only. To book your visit, please call or text us at (631) 268-5749 or schedule through our online booking feature.

For diagnostic imaging, click here (you’ll need a written referral from your doctor or midwife).

I want to bring my friends and family members to my appointment—am I allowed?

Yes! You are welcome to bring as many guests to your appointment as you’d like, including children. Our family-friendly facility was designed with a mother’s sensibility and our services are presented as a way to celebrate alongside your loved ones. Most doctors office’s (for good reason) will limit the number of guests patients can bring along to their appointments—that’s why Peek is a great addition to your routine prenatal care if you come from a large family, have lots of friends wanting to see your bundle of joy, or if you’re just wanting to mix it up with something a little more festive.

Guests are welcome to FaceTime or stream the session to those who cannot make it, free of charge.

Is gender determination accurate?

Studies vary, but gender determination with ultrasound is generally estimated to be 100% accurate after 16 weeks. As far as we know, we haven’t been wrong yet using these parameters.

We won’t guess baby’s gender before 16 weeks based on ultrasound alone for a number of reasons—variations in embryology, maternal body habitus, skewed dating… not to mention the confusion and disappointment it could cause if, for any reason, we were wrong. That’s why our gender determination ultrasounds don’t begin until the 16 week mark.

Our best recommendation if you want to know your baby’s gender as early and accurately as possible is our Best Kept Secret package. At 6 weeks, you’ll come in for a painless gender analysis and have results emailed to you in 1 to 2 business days. We bring you back in for a scan at 16+ weeks to confirm the gender with ultrasound, listen to baby’s heartbeat, snap some cute 2D pictures, and preview our 3D features.

What if I don’t want to know my baby’s gender?

You can enjoy our full spectrum of services even if you’re keeping baby’s gender a surprise ‘til the end! Just let us know at the time of booking and remind us on the day of your session. We can get awesome photos of baby’s face while steering clear of spoilers.

Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?

We ask all of our pregnant guests to be under documented care of a licensed OBGYN provider with an assigned due date before enjoying our services. If you’re coming in to see your baby, please bring along proof of care (an appointment card or documentation of a doctor’s appointment, an ultrasound image from a diagnostic scan, written approval from your doctor or midwife, a visit summary on your phone through MyChart app or similar, etc.).

If you’re coming in for an elective session, you’ll sign a waiver at the time of your appointment acknowledging that you’re under the care of a licensed provider and that our elective services do not replace medical ultrasounds overseen by your OBGYN or midwife. These types of appointments don’t require an order from a doctor.

For any diagnostic study, you’ll need a signed requisition from a licensed provider—we can forward it to the office at your request.

We have handy reminders built into our booking processes to ensure all necessary documentation is in place before your appointment.

Will insurance cover my ultrasound at Peek?

No. At this time, we only offer self-pay ultrasound services. Payment is due in full at the time of booking. Peek accepts cash, Apple Pay, and all major credit cards. Sorry—no personal checks.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Life happens! We get it. If you need to cancel or reschedule your visit, please do your best to call at least 48 hours ahead of your appointment time. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you may be ineligible for a refund. We cannot issue refunds for no-call/no-shows.

How do I prepare for my session?

Water, water, water! Hydration is your best friend! 3D/4D imaging quality is directly related to how much amniotic fluid is surrounding the baby, which is influenced by mom’s water intake. Throughout your pregnancy, but especially in the days leading up to your appointment, we recommend following ACOG guidelines and drinking 8 to 12 cups of water daily.

Additionally, if you tend to notice a time of day when baby is most active, try and book your session around then. Pay attention to certain foods or beverages that increase or decrease baby’s energy level and fuel your body accordingly—for example, if baby perks up after something cold and sweet, drink a fruit smoothie on your way to the studio!

We recommend skipping the caffeine before your appointment. Contrary to popular belief, we’ve noticed it actually has a sleepy effect on baby.

What qualifications does the sonographer have?

Kayla Stenberg, RDMS, RVT is certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Abdomen (AB), Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), Vascular Technology (VT), and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI). She is registered as a nonphysician practitioner with the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), a member of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), and holds a Certificate of Competence in Nuchal Translucency (NT) from The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF). Kayla holds an Associate of Applied Sciences in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from Laramie County Community College and completed her clinical internship at a 300-bed university hospital and level III trauma center. She has over six years experience scanning patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and professional background specializing in gynecologic oncology and high-risk obstetrics. She is certified in CPR and Basic Life Support through the American Red Cross and receives Continuing Medical Education training to maintain, develop, and increase the knowledge and skills required to provide ongoing quality service to patients, the public, and the profession.

Who interprets your diagnostic studies?

Diagnostic ultrasound studies performed at Peek are interpreted and delivered with a final report by U.S. board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists through HIPAA compliant teleradiology coverage with a 24-hour turnaround.

What kind of ultrasound machine is used at Peek?

It’s a GE Voluson E6 BT16, part of GE’s expert series of high-end women’s health ultrasound machines. GE consistently leads the pack in 4D and HD ultrasound imaging—the technology is about as good as it gets.

What happens if you see something wrong with my baby during an elective session?

Obstetric ultrasound is a nuanced profession that requires a high level of discernment and familiarity. Kayla shows up for every session with a standard of compassionate acuity and intuition earned through years of practice alongside the area’s top obstetricians and seasoned sonographers. The same good sense applied during any diagnostic scan is categorically employed during elective sessions so that even during a non-medical ultrasound, fetal well-being is monitored and any perceived abnormalities are documented to be examined in-depth with your provider. We will fill out an Incidental Findings report for you to present to your physician and personally contact their office to convey any findings.

Please be reminded that elective ultrasounds at Peek are NOT a substitute for diagnostic medical care. We cannot overemphasize the importance of establishing care with a licensed OBGYN provider before seeking any ultrasound for the purpose of bonding or entertainment.

Can you tell me how big my baby is?

Yes! Fetal Weight Estimate can be added on to any of our packages if you are over 14 weeks pregnant. This can also serve as a standalone visit!

Are there gifts available for purchase?

Yes! Peek offers a range of unique gifts celebrating the magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience of carrying your baby. In addition to the photo prints included in your scan, we carry an adorable variety of stuffed animals with recordings of your baby’s heartbeat, acrylic digital video frames with music, heartbeat jewelry, hyper-realistic 8K renderings, gender reveal props, Echoprojection photography, and other assorted novelty items. We also carry gift certificates. Check out our products in-store or online ahead of your visit!

More questions? Contact Us today!