Your Top Prenatal 3D/4D Ultrasound Questions Answered by Orange County’s ultrasound boutique

Seeing your unborn baby on a screen for the first time is something you'll never forget.

3D/4D ultrasounds give parents the chance to bond with their babies before they've even been born - from their facial features and expressions to how they move in real-time!

I’m thrilled to present an exclusive interview with Shannon Villanueva of Blooming Babies Ultrasound who will be sharing some lesser known reasons you might consider getting a 3D/4D Ultrasound and what to expect throughout the experience

What sets your business apart from other ultrasound services?

What sets my business apart from other ultrasound businesses is the fact that I am a registered diagnostic medical sonographer. I have had some of the best training, especially in OB ultrasound. I’ve worked with multiple Drs and Perinatologists. I’ve found that most private ultrasound businesses do not have registered techs or the proper training. Another thing that sets me apart is that I, myself have experienced pregnancy loss as well as full term pregnancies. I have an understanding and compassion that others might not have. I truly, honestly care deeply for each patient I get to scan. I care about their pregnancy journey and well being. I explain things while I’m scanning and keep the entire family involved.

Is there an optimal time during pregnancy when an expecting mama should schedule 3D/4D ultrasound for the best pictures?

3D/4D can technically be done at any gestational age. But, if you are wanting a cute, full looking face, the best time really is after 24 weeks. It’s not always easy for the tech to get a perfect picture. There needs to be enough fluid around the face and nothing in the way. Such as placenta or umbilical cord. Those things can make the photo appear distorted. I try really really hard to work at getting the best pictures!!

Can mams bring family members or friends to the appointment to share this experience with them?

I allow as many people in the ultrasound room that the patient wants! I’ve even had it where groups of families would take turns coming in. I love when big families come! I like to include everyone in the ultrasound. I will sometimes ask family members questions or quiz them about what they are seeing on the screen. I educate and involve younger siblings as well! For young children, I will let them be involved if they want. They can put the gel on their mommy’s tummy, or hold the pictures, lay next to their mom, or anything to make them feel safe and comfortable. I always have a basket of healthy snacks and water for everyone. And books and toys for kids.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do?

One thing I wish more people knew about sonography is that it is a form of art and it’s not something that just comes easy. You have to have an eye for things, proper training and lots of experience in many types of situations. It’s not about just holding a probe and taking a picture. There are so many settings, positions and many many techniques and technical challenges that take place to “tell the story”   It’s so much more than just “taking cute pictures”! It’s hard on our bodies, our arms, wrists shoulders, repetitive motions, pushing, angling, leaning, etc. we need to be able to prove or disprove things to the Drs. There is so much thinking and strategizing going on the entire time.

How long does the process take? And what portion of that time is the actual scanning process?

As far as how long an ultrasound takes, depends on the patient’s body habitus, the position of the baby, the placental location, fluid, etc. some ultrasounds are quick and others take more time. I use every safety precaution that I can while scanning my patients. I freeze the image a lot, I take the probe off the patient’s abdomen, I keep moving and try not to stay in one spot for a long period of time.

If someone is considering booking an appointment with you, where should they contact you?

To book an appointment with me go to www.Bloomingbabiesultrasound.com

I am always open to text messages and phone calls with any questions or concerns.

Connect with Shannon on Instagram

Get a glimpse of Blooming Babies Ultrasound

I wish Shannon’s studio was around when I was receiving ultrasounds. I just love how inviting and cozy the whole space is! I also really love that you can choose to bring whoever you want to experience the ultrasound together. I never liked the whole experience of having to be by myself whenever I went to get ultrasounds.

Check out Blooming Babies Ultrasound in Fountain Valley California for you ultrasound pregnancy needs in Orange County. Shannon will take great care of you!

if you wanna compare your ultrasound photo with a professional newborn photo after your baby is born - click here to learn more about having your in home newborn photography session!

Or reach out to inquire about having me document your home, hospital or birth center birth here in Orange County or Los Angeles County.