We can begin performing elective, non-diagnostic ultrasounds as early as your first positive pregnancy test. Because every pregnancy develops at its own pace, what we are able to see depends on how far along you are. 

If you're unsure of your gestational age, we recommend using the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) in a reliable gestational age calculator. This will provide an estimate of how far along you may be. (A link to a trusted pregnancy calculator is provided below.)

https://sneakpeektest.com/pregnancy-due-date-calculator/?srsltid=AfmBOoojWj5y8ymfgCcOBlMokbsU5RO967Le3c7PaaM3n5vQlyBt20G4

While every pregnancy is unique, the following is a general guide to what is typically visible on ultrasound:

• Around 4 weeks gestation: A thickened endometrial lining in the uterus may be visible. At this early stage of pregnancy, it is common for there to be no visible evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound. This is often due to the pregnancy being too early to visualize and does not necessarily indicate a problem. 

• Around 5 weeks gestation: A gestational sac is typically seen within the endometrium.

• Around 6 weeks gestation: A fetal pole (your developing baby) may become visible.

• Around 6–7 weeks gestation: A heartbeat is often detectable, although this can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.

Please remember that these milestones are approximate. Ovulation, implantation, and fetal development can occur at different times for every individual, so it is completely normal for ultrasound findings to vary depending on differing factors, especially factors like PCOS, Endometriosis, Fertility Medication Treatments, IUI and IVF.

If your healthcare provider has already performed serial beta hCG blood testing, you may also use the reference chart below. Beta hCG levels can provide additional guidance on what is typically expected to be visible during an ultrasound at various stages of early pregnancy.

Our goal is to provide you with the most enjoyable experience possible while setting realistic expectations based on your stage of pregnancy. If one of our trained and registered ultrasound technicians observes a finding during your early pregnancy ultrasound that appears unusual or warrants further medical evaluation, we will promptly discuss our observations with you. With your permission, we are also happy to contact your physician or healthcare provider to facilitate appropriate follow-up. 

Your health and your baby's well-being are always our highest priority.  If you have any questions about when to schedule your appointment, we're always happy to help!

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Approximate Beta hCG Level (mIU/mL)                                   Typical Ultrasound Findings*

Less than 1,000     Often too early to visualize an intrauterine pregnancy. A thickened endometrial lining may be present.

1,000–2,000 A gestational sac may become visible within the uterus.

2,000–3,500 A gestational sac is usually visible. A yolk sac may begin to appear.

3,500–7,000 A yolk sac is typically visible. A fetal pole may begin to develop.

7,000–10,000 A fetal pole is often visible, and cardiac activity may be detected in many pregnancies.

Greater than 10,000 A fetal pole with a heartbeat is commonly visualized, although findings vary depending on gestational age and individual pregnancy development.

Important Information: Please note: Beta hCG levels should not be used alone to determine what should be seen on an ultrasound. Every pregnancy develops at its own pace, and ultrasound findings may vary even among healthy pregnancies with similar hCG levels. Your healthcare provider will interpret your ultrasound findings together with your medical history, symptoms, laboratory results, and pregnancy dating.

Yes! You are welcome to schedule an elective ultrasound at Magical Moments even if you have not yet had your first prenatal appointment with your healthcare provider.

Our ultrasounds are elective and non-diagnostic, meaning they are intended for bonding and keepsake purposes only and do not replace the medical care provided by your obstetrician, midwife, or other healthcare provider.

If you are very early in your pregnancy, we recommend using the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) to estimate how far along you are before scheduling your appointment. This helps ensure you book an ultrasound at the appropriate stage of pregnancy and have realistic expectations for what may be visible.

We strongly encourage all expectant parents to establish prenatal care with a qualified healthcare provider and to attend all recommended prenatal visits and medical ultrasounds. These examinations are essential for monitoring your baby's growth, development, and overall health throughout your pregnancy.

If, during your visit, one of our trained and registered ultrasound technicians observes a finding that appears unusual or may require medical follow-up, we will promptly inform you. With your permission, we are also happy to contact your healthcare provider on your behalf to help facilitate appropriate follow-up care. Your health and your baby's well-being are always our highest priority.

At Magical Moments, we offer non-diagnostic, elective transabdominal ultrasounds only. We do not perform transvaginal ultrasounds in our studio.

If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, we kindly ask that you arrive with a full bladder. A full bladder helps improve visualization during a transabdominal ultrasound, allowing us the best opportunity to capture clear images of your little one.

If you have any questions about scheduling an early pregnancy ultrasound or whether you're at the ideal stage for imaging, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help make your experience as special and enjoyable as possible!

Yes. Ultrasound has been used safely during pregnancy for decades. Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves—not radiation—to create images of your baby. When performed appropriately, there is no evidence that diagnostic ultrasound is harmful to you or your baby.

At Magical Moments, we use professional ultrasound equipment and follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, meaning we use the lowest ultrasound settings and the shortest scan time necessary to obtain beautiful images while prioritizing the safety and well-being of you and your baby. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic:

"Studies have shown ultrasounds are safe during pregnancy. There are no harmful side effects to you or your baby."

— Cleveland Clinic (2022)    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy

At Magical Moments, we are proud to be a GE HealthCare Certified partner, demonstrating our commitment to providing families with an exceptional ultrasound experience. We utilize advanced GE ultrasound equipment featuring the latest imaging technology to deliver outstanding image quality while prioritizing the comfort and safety of both you and your baby.

By investing in industry-leading technology and maintaining high standards of care, we strive to ensure every family enjoys a memorable experience with confidence in the quality of our equipment and services.

Yes! We understand that pregnancy can be exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little nerve-racking. If you'd simply like to check in on your little one between your routine prenatal appointments, we offer elective, non-diagnostic reassurance ultrasounds. For families looking for a quick reassurance ultrasound, we recommend our Little Love Package, Darling Package, or Snuggle Bug Package. These packages are perfect for checking in on your little one between routine prenatal appointments while enjoying a special bonding experience. 

These brief ultrasound sessions are designed to provide parents with the opportunity to:

• See their baby between doctor's appointments

• Watch their baby's movements

• Observe your baby's heartbeat (when appropriate for gestational age)

• Enjoy a special bonding experience and additional peace of mind

Please note that these ultrasounds are not diagnostic and are not intended to replace the medical care or ultrasounds provided by your obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare provider. We strongly encourage all expectant parents to continue attending their scheduled prenatal appointments and recommended medical ultrasounds.

If, during your session, one of our trained and registered ultrasound technicians observes a finding that appears unusual or may require further evaluation, we will promptly notify you and recommend that you contact your healthcare provider. With your permission, we are also happy to communicate our observations directly to your physician or midwife.

At Magical Moments, our greatest priority is the health and well-being of both mother and baby while providing families with a memorable and reassuring bonding experience.

We offer early gender DNA blood testing once your baby's heartbeat has been confirmed on ultrasound and is at least 120 beats per minute (bpm), which typically occurs around 6–7 weeks of pregnancy.

Before your blood draw, you must have had an ultrasound confirming a viable singleton pregnancy with a detectable heartbeat. If you have not yet had a confirming ultrasound, you may add a limited ultrasound at our office for just $5.00. This ultrasound will be performed prior to your blood draw to help confirm that you meet the testing requirements and to reduce the likelihood of receiving an inconclusive result.

To help ensure a smooth blood draw, we encourage you to drink plenty of water before your appointment and arrive well hydrated. Good hydration can make it easier to obtain a quality blood sample and helps provide the best possible testing experience.

Our goal is to ensure the best possible testing experience and the most accurate results for every family. 

How accurate is the SneakPeek DNA testing? 

SneakPeek Clinical DNA testing is over 99.9% accurate when the testing requirements are met and the sample is collected properly.

At Magical Moments, we take great pride in our collection process. Our trained staff follows strict sanitation protocols and specimen collection guidelines to help ensure the highest quality blood sample possible and to minimize the risk of contamination or inconclusive results. Please note: We do not allow males in the sample collection room at the time of the blood draws, to reduce the chances of male DNA contamination.

With that being said, to date, our office has maintained a perfect accuracy record with our SneakPeek Clinical blood draws. While no medical test can guarantee a specific outcome, we are committed to following the highest standards of care to provide you with the most accurate results possible.

How long do gender DNA results take? 

We offer convenient 1 day results at $149.00, that price includes kit activation, sample collection and shipping. The results will deliver the next business day via email. Samples are delivered to SneakPeek lab Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays).You'll first receive an email confirming that they received your sample at SneakPeek lab. Your results will be sent by 8:59 pm Pacific Time (11:59 pm Eastern Time) the same day your "Sample Arrived" email is received. 

What happens if my results are inaccurate? 

"SneakPeek is the most accurate early gender DNA test on the market, and we fully stand behind our results. If the gender of your newborn doesn't match your test result, you’ll receive a full refund from SneakPeek. Learn more about SneakPeek's clinically-proven over 99% accuracy and Accuracy Guarantee refund policy. "

Can I have the blood draw if I'm carrying twins? 

At this time, we do not offer early gender DNA blood testing for twin pregnancies. If you are expecting twins and would like to learn your babies' genders, please visit our "Gender Ultrasounds" section for information on our ultrasound gender determination services and the recommended gestational age for accurate results. 

Can I have my results sent to someone other than me? 

Yes! If you would like someone else to receive your SneakPeek DNA results (for example, if you're planning a gender reveal), simply provide their information in the "Contact of Person Receiving DNA Results" section of your paperwork during your appointment.

Please include their: Full first and last name, Phone number (in case there are any questions or delays regarding your sample) and Email address (where the DNA results will be sent). If you plan on sending them to a business for gender reveal purposes (eg. bakery, photographer etc.), please list the information of the contact person at the business who will be receiving the results.

We also recommend asking your designated recipient to monitor their email on the day your sample is collected. They should receive a confirmation email from SneakPeek verifying that the sample has been received and registered. This helps ensure they're ready to receive the gender results as soon as they become available.

What if I recently had a miscarriage?

Clinical studies have shown that fetal DNA is undetectable in mom’s bloodstream between 1 to 2 days after the pregnancy tissue has passed. Therefore, a previous male-bearing pregnancy will not affect your current test results. 

Does taking progesterone or other hormones affect my results? 

SneakPeek is a DNA-based test, so hormone medications and fluctuations have no impact on results. Learn more about Sneak Peek's Early Gender DNA Test Science. 

How does the Sneak Peek test work? 

SneakPeek looks only for the presence of Y chromosomes and is extremely sensitive and accurate. No blood thinners or other drugs are known to impact SneakPeek gender results. 

Will tattoos affect my blood sample and results? 

Based on research studies, tattoos have not been shown to affect blood sample results or the ability to successfully collect a blood sample with SneakPeek Snap. Using SneakPeek Snap will also not affect your tattoo! 

Singleton (One Baby) Pregnancies

We begin offering gender determination ultrasounds at 15 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your baby's anatomy is typically developed enough to provide an accurate gender assessment, provided your little one is in a favorable position during the scan.

Twin Pregnancies

For twin pregnancies, we begin gender determination ultrasounds at 17 weeks of pregnancy. Waiting until 17 weeks gives us the best opportunity to visualize each baby individually and accurately determine the gender of both babies.

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Our experienced, trained ultrasound technicians take the time to carefully evaluate your baby's anatomy before making a gender determination. If your baby (or babies) is not in an ideal position, we will do everything we can to encourage better visualization. If we are unable to confidently determine the gender during your visit, we will discuss the next steps with you to ensure you receive the most accurate results possible.

We recommend scheduling your 4D ultrasound between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy for the best viewing experience. However, the ideal "Golden Window" is between 28 and 30 weeks, when babies typically have developed adorable facial features while still having enough room to move, giving us the best opportunity to capture beautiful 4D images.

Please keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique, and image quality can vary depending on factors such as your baby's position, placenta location, amniotic fluid levels, and maternal body type.

We proudly offer elective, non-diagnostic ultrasound services for twin pregnancies, including 2D, gender determination, and 4D ultrasound sessions.

Best Time for Twin 4D Ultrasounds

For the best opportunity to capture beautiful 4D images, we recommend scheduling your twin 4D ultrasound between 20 and 30 weeks gestation of pregnancy. During this stage, your babies have developed adorable facial features while still having enough room for us to obtain quality images.

Please keep in mind that image quality can vary depending on factors such as each baby's position, placenta location, amniotic fluid levels, and maternal body type. Because twins share the uterus, obtaining clear facial images of both babies can sometimes be more challenging than in singleton pregnancies.

Repeat Session Policy for Twins

Every effort will be made to obtain the best possible images of both babies during your appointment. However, due to the unique nature of twin pregnancies, a complimentary repeat session will not be provided solely because both babies are not visualized in 4D.

As long as we are able to obtain quality images of at least one baby during your session, the appointment will be considered complete. We will always do our best to capture keepsake images of both twins whenever possible and will spend your appointment working to give you the best experience possible. 

That being said, if we do not recieve quality images of either baby, a repeat session will be offered. 

To help encourage your baby to be active during your session, we recommend the following:

• If you have passed your glucose test, consider drinking a small glass of orange juice or apple juice approximately 20 minutes before your appointment.

• If you did not pass your glucose test or are unsure of your results, we recommend choosing a sugar-free sports drink, such as Gatorade Zero, instead.

For the best possible imaging, we also recommend:

• Avoid eating a large meal within one hour of your appointment, as this may make your baby sleepy and less active during the session.

• Try not to empty your bladder until just before you are called into the ultrasound room. A full bladder restricts baby's movements, so emptying may allow baby to have additional room to start wiggling around. 

While we can't guarantee your baby's position or activity level, these simple tips can help give us the best opportunity to capture beautiful images of your little one!

We recommend wearing a comfortable two-piece outfit, such as a shirt with pants, shorts, or a skirt. This allows easy access to your abdomen while helping you remain comfortable throughout your ultrasound session.

Avoid wearing one-piece outfits, such as dresses or jumpsuits, if possible, as they can make it more difficult to expose your abdomen for the examination.

You may also want to bring a light sweater or jacket if you tend to get cold, as our ultrasound room is kept at a comfortable temperature for both our equipment and our clients.

Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Our goal is to create a welcoming, enjoyable experience while you spend this special time bonding with your little one.

Absolutely! We love having family and friends share in this special experience. Our spacious ultrasound room can comfortably accommodate up to 13 guests, so your loved ones can enjoy seeing your little one right alongside you. 

Our ultrasounds are elective and non-diagnostic, meaning they are performed for bonding and keepsake purposes only. They are not intended to replace the medical ultrasounds or prenatal care provided by your obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare provider.

We strongly encourage all expectant parents to attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and recommended medical ultrasounds. These diagnostic examinations play an essential role in monitoring your baby's growth, development, and overall health throughout your pregnancy.

Although our services are non-diagnostic, the safety of both mother and baby is always our highest priority. If one of our trained and registered ultrasound technicians observes a finding that appears unusual or raises a concern, we will immediately inform you and recommend that you contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. If you prefer, we are also happy to contact your healthcare provider on your behalf and share our observations to help facilitate appropriate follow-up.

While we love helping families capture beautiful keepsake images, your health and your baby's well-being will always come before obtaining the perfect picture.

We accept: All major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay), mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Cash App Pay), and gift cards. We also accept cash and HSA (if applicable). 

We DO NOT accept: checks, money orders, cashiers checks,  Venmo or PayPal.

Yes! We offer both online and in-office gift certificates, making them the perfect gift for expectant parents.

You may choose to purchase:

• A specific ultrasound package, or

• A custom dollar amount for the recipient to use toward any of our services or boutique items.

Gift certificates may be redeemed for:

• Ultrasound packages

• Early gender DNA testing

• Boutique merchandise

• Heartbeat animals and other keepsake products

• Any additional in-office purchases

Please note: Gift certificate values apply toward the cost of eligible services and merchandise only. They do not include applicable sales tax on retail items or gratuities for your ultrasound technician or staff who serviced you, which remain the responsibility of the recipient.

Gift certificates expire 1 year after purchase. 

Yes! You can follow the link below to schedule your appointment online by chosing your package, day and time prefrence. 

https://book.squareup.com/appointments/862kxwgwobhfkr/location/L1DFXW9ERNB6E/services

Absolutely! We understand that not all family and friends are able to attend your appointment in person, and we want them to be part of this special moment whenever possible.

You are welcome to FaceTime, video call, or record portions of your ultrasound session for personal use. We simply ask that your device does not interfere with the ultrasound examination or distract the technician while images are being obtained.

For your convenience, every 4D ultrasound package includes access to the Bomee app (formerly MomiTalk), which provides a complete video recording of your ultrasound session. You'll also receive a remote capture button during your appointment, allowing you to take unlimited digital snapshots throughout your session that are automatically saved to your app. This way you can focus on what really matters, which is seeing and experiencing meeting your little one for the first time and creating a bond versus having to make sure you capture everything on video!

If you have booked a 2D ultrasound package, you can add the Bomee app to your session for a one time additional charge of $5.00.

Our goal is to help you create lasting memories and share this incredible experience with the people you love, whether they're in the room with you or joining from afar.

Yes! At Magical Moments, your ultrasound is performed by highly trained and registered ultrasound professionals who are experienced in obstetric imaging and committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience for every family.

Our team maintains the highest standards of professionalism and follows established ultrasound safety guidelines while using advanced GE HealthCare ultrasound equipment to produce exceptional image quality.

Although our ultrasounds are elective and non-diagnostic, our technicians are trained to recognize findings that may appear outside the expected range. If something concerning is observed during your session, we will promptly notify you and recommend that you contact your healthcare provider. With your permission, we are also happy to communicate our observations directly with your physician or midwife to help facilitate appropriate follow-up care.

At Magical Moments, the health and safety of both mother and baby will always come before obtaining the perfect keepsake image. Our goal is to provide a beautiful bonding experience while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and patient care.

Every pregnancy is unique, and several factors can influence the clarity and quality of your 4D ultrasound images. While we always strive to capture the best possible views of your baby, some factors are beyond anyone's control.

Image quality may be affected by:

• Gestational age – The stage of your pregnancy plays an important role in image quality. We generally recommend scheduling your 4D ultrasound between 24 and 36 weeks, with the Golden Window being 28–30 weeks.

• Baby's position – If your baby is facing your back, tucked into the placenta, has their hands or feet covering their face, or is curled into a corner of the uterus, it may be more difficult to obtain clear facial images.

• Placenta location – An anterior placenta (located on the front wall of the uterus) can sometimes partially block the baby's face and make imaging more challenging.

• Amniotic fluid levels – Amniotic fluid acts as a natural window for ultrasound imaging. Adequate fluid around your baby's face often results in clearer, more detailed images.

• Maternal body type – Ultrasound sound waves must travel through tissue before reaching your baby. As a result, image quality can vary from person to person and may occasionally be less defined.

• Twin pregnancies – Because twins share the uterus, they may be positioned very close together, making it more challenging to capture clear facial images of both babies.

Please remember that these factors are completely normal and are not something you can control. Our experienced technicians will use every opportunity during your session to obtain the best possible images and create a memorable bonding experience for you and your family.

Every one of our 4D ultrasound packages includes access to the Bomee app (formerly known as MomiTalk), allowing you to relive and share your special experience long after your visit. During your session, you'll receive a complete video recording that is automatically uploaded to the Bomee app when your session is complete. You'll also be given a remote capture button at the beginning of your appointment, allowing you to take digital snapshots yourself of your baby throughout the ultrasound. Capture as many images as you'd like—they'll instantly save to your app for you to enjoy and share with family and friends.

In addition to your digital keepsakes, you'll also receive:

• Black-and-white ultrasound images printed directly from our ultrasound machine, just like those you receive at your doctor's office.

• 2 to 4 printed 4D images on photo paper as well as additional time depending on the package you choose. 

If you're unsure which package is right for you, we recommend booking a longer session. When you arrive for your appointment, you're welcome to downgrade to a shorter package if you decide you don't need the additional time or printed images.

We kindly ask that you reserve the longer appointment initially because Magical Moments operates by appointment only. Scheduling the appropriate amount of time ensures that every family receives an unhurried, personalized experience without affecting the appointments before or after yours.

Our goal is to provide each family with plenty of time to relax, bond, and enjoy watching their little one in a comfortable, stress-free environment.

Every 4D ultrasound package includes one complimentary repeat visit if your little one isn't in the best position during your initial appointment. If we aren't able to capture the beautiful images you're hoping for because your baby isn't cooperating, we'll gladly invite you back for one free repeat session at no additional charge. 

How Do I Access the Bomee App?

During your appointment, our staff will provide you with a Bomee app information brochure containing step-by-step instructions on how to download the app, create your account, and access your ultrasound images and video. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to assist you with the setup process before you leave our office.

Can I Download and Share My Pictures and Videos?

Absolutely! One of the best features of the Bomee app is how easy it is to share your special moments with family and friends.

Using the app, you can:

• Share your ultrasound video and digital images directly by text message or email

• Download your images and videos to your phone's camera roll

• Save your keepsakes to your personal device to enjoy for years to come

Will My Images Ever Expire in the App?

No! Your ultrasound images and videos will remain available in the Bomee app for as long as you keep the app installed and maintain your account, allowing you to revisit these precious memories whenever you'd like.

I Used the Bomee App During a Previous Pregnancy. Can I Use It Again?

Yes! You may continue using your existing Bomee account for future pregnancies.

Please Note: Each pregnancy requires a unique Bomee barcode. If you need a new barcode for your current pregnancy and your appointment does not include a 4D ultrasound package, a $5.00 barcode activation fee will apply. Each barcode is valid through your baby's estimated due date. After that time, a new barcode will be required for any future pregnancies.

At Magical Moments, all ultrasound services are elective, non-diagnostic experiences that are voluntarily selected by our clients. Due to the nature of these services, all sales are final, and we do not offer refunds for appointments, packages, products, or services rendered.

While we make every effort to obtain beautiful images of your baby, factors such as your baby's position, activity level, gestational age, placenta location, amniotic fluid levels, and maternal body type are beyond our control. As a result, image quality and the ability to capture specific views cannot be guaranteed.

To help ensure every family has the best possible experience, many of our 4D ultrasound packages include one complimentary repeat session if your baby is not cooperating, subject to our repeat scan policy.

Prior to receiving services, all clients are required to review and sign a Waiver and Release of Liability acknowledging that:

• Ultrasound services are elective and non-diagnostic.

• Image quality and baby cooperation cannot be guaranteed.

• They have read and understand our refund and repeat scan policies.

• Refunds will not be issued based on factors outside the control of Magical Moments.

Our goal is always to provide every family with a memorable and enjoyable bonding experience while maintaining clear expectations regarding our elective ultrasound services.

If you are unable to make your appointment, we kindly ask that you notify our office as soon as possible. Whenever possible, please reschedule or cancel your appointment at least one hour before your scheduled appointment time.

If you anticipate arriving more than 5 minutes late, please contact our office as soon as you can. Because we operate by appointment only, this allows us to determine whether we can still accommodate your session while keeping our schedule on time for other families.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call or text Magical Moments at (205) 577-8607.

If your appointment falls outside the 12-hour window, you may conveniently reschedule your appointment online. For appointments within 12 hours of your scheduled time, please contact our office directly so we can assist you.

We understand that unexpected situations arise, and we will always do our best to work with you. Your courtesy in providing advance notice helps us deliver the best possible experience for all of our clients.