Has anyone had a 3D ultrasound?

While I was visiting in NJ this weekend I found this place, Womb with a View , I think that we are going to make an appointment while we are going to be in the area again at the end of July. I was curious if anyone else has had this done. It's only $150-$175 and you get video and pictures, Really amazing!!

You may want to do some research before you go, it's not the best thing to do. I know my friend was considering it. Here's an article and here's the link
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AIUM rejects use of obstetric 3D ultrasound for entertainment
Prospective parents may consider fetal ultrasound portraits cute, but the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine sees potential dangers in the increasingly popular use of the modality.

In a Nov. 5 statement, the AIUM warned physicians and would-be imaging entrepreneurs that 2D and 3D obstetrical ultrasound should not be used to view, obtain pictures, or determine gender of a fetus without a medical prescription. The policy was announced in response to the proliferation of shopping mall 3D ultrasound services that specialize in fetal imaging. The announcement reiterated the position the AIUM first took in 1999.

The institute's main concern is that using ultrasound for entertainment purposes may have harmful biological repercussions, said Dr. Alfred B. Kurtz, AIUM president.

'Many pregnant women expect that their ultrasound examination will identify problems. Entertainment sonograms do not assess fetal well-being,' he said.

The people who perform these commercial studies frequently lack the training to conduct complex and sophisticated 3D and 4D exams competently, according to Kurtz. Substandard studies could produce misleading imaging. Although no evidence exists of biological effects from ultrasound, such effects could be identified in the future, the AIUM's statement said.

The FDA announced this year that anyone administering ultrasound to healthcare consumers without a medical prescription may be breaking state or local law regarding the use of a prescription medical device. Officials of the agency urged physicians, sonographers, and healthcare consumers to notify the FDA of suspicious operations.

In its Nov. 5 statement, the AIUM announced it would report to the FDA individuals or companies that promote the use of ultrasound for entertainment.

'An entertainment sonogram is a misuse of ultrasound technology and should not be offered,' Kurtz said.


-- By Harold Abella

article

The office requires an OK from your OB. I've read a few articles about it, some say the same thing you posted Donna and some say that it's completely harmless, they also say that years ago we didn't know if a regular 2D sonogram was OK, but now they use is all the time.

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An increasing volume of literature is accumulating on the usefulness of 3-D scans and the diagnosis of congenital anomalies could receive revived attention. Present evidence has already suggested that smaller defects such as spina bifida, cleft lips/palate, and polydactyl may be more lucidly demonstrated. Other more subtle features such as low-set ears, facial dysmorphia or clubbing of feet can be better assessed, leading to more effective diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities. The study of fetal cardiac malformations is also receiving attention.

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My insurance covered ours. We had one at 18 weeks. It was just suppose to be a 2D but when the Tech left and the Dr. Came in he switched the machine over to 3D. It was truly amazing. We didn't get a video but we did get a few pictures. I posted them on here. It was done at North Shore LIJ and I think my next one will be in the Drs office. They are suppose to get the machine there by the time I am due for my last sono. Good Luck!

This is what our baby looked like at 18 weeks. If you look close you can see the face and the arms are by 'his' ears.

I just made my level II sono appointment and didn't specify if I wanted 3D or not...

That was an interesting article, I understand now why the girl on the phone said to make sure I bring in my prescrip.

I actually had this done yesterday. At first I didn't want to do it - I thought it was a waste of money..but my husband talked me into it. We went to A Peek in the Pod - it was extremely expensive! But I have to admit that it was pretty awesome - I am glad that I did it now. And I did have to get a dr. note - my doc was not too thrilled with having to write the note because she looked at it as the place was trying to cover their butts if something was wrong with the baby and they did not notice it. But once I got there they made me sign something that said I understood that it was not a sonogram for medical reasons, etc. Also, the place told me that the reason they make you get a dr. note is because they get people who are not receiving prenatal care trying to get sonograms, and their policy is not to give them to those who are not under the care of a dr. already.
Well, my baby was not being cooperative really - his hands, feet and umbilical cord were all in front of his face for the majority of the time - I get to go back for free up to 2 more times for better pictures.