Ultrasound Peek A Boo FAQs

Do I need a doctors referral for an elective ultrasound?

No, a referral from an OB office or Midwife is not required for any of our elective ultrasounds.

Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctors office?

No. Elective ultrasounds at Spencer Imaging Center are not meant to replace any medical diagnostic ultrasound. Any elective ultrasound should not be confused with or used in place of medical care or a diagnostic ultrasound.

However, we do offer diagnostic ultrasounds (commonly known as fetal surveys) at Spencer Imaging Center. Those images and measurements will be sent to our Radiology team for a professional reading. Those images and reports can be forwarded on to your OB team where you are being seen.

Is having an ultrasound safe? Is there any harm to me or my baby?

Extensive studies conducted over the last 35 years have found that ultrasounds have not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is normal and used extensively throughout the world.

No radiation is used in ultrasounds!

Do you take any insurance for the elective ultrasounds?

No, insurance does not cover the costs of elective (Peek A Boo) ultrasounds.

Spencer Imaging Center accepts cash and all major credit/debit cards for payment. FSA and

HSA are also options for payment.

If you choose Spencer Imaging Center as your location to have your ultrasounds that are ordered by your OB doctor then we can file with your insurance.

When can you tell me the gender of my baby?

Spencer Imaging Center can provide you with the gender / sex of baby starting at 20 weeks.

We do ask that you do not come earlier than this, as many babies are not fully developed until week 20. We are able to give you the news out-loud during your appointment or put the gender / sex determination into an envelope for a later reveal. Any scenario you need, we will make it happen!!

Certain factors such as extra soft tissue, gestation of baby, fluid level of mom, and fetal position may affect the ability to make any determination the day of your appointment. If this is the case, you will be able to return for free in 1 week.

When should I come for the best ultrasound experience?

This is different for everyone!

If you are looking to confirm your pregnancy, we can start those as early as 6 weeks and can be done up to 12 weeks!

If you are just checking on baby anytime from 8 weeks to 40 weeks!

If you are looking for gender/ sex determination, the best time 20+ weeks

If you are looking for features like squishy cheeks, smiles, waving and more, we recommend 26 weeks to 32 weeks.

If you are looking to see if baby is head down or just want to see them one more time before the big day, we can see you up to 40 weeks!

There is a scan for ALL stages of pregnancy, and you are welcome to come back during each one of them to compare!

Can I be seen in your office if I’m from out of state or from another country?

Yes! Everyone is welcome at Spencer Imaging Center! Let our staff know if you are seeing an out of state OB office or a medical practitioner from another country.

No one is turned away based on Race or color, National origin, Sex or gender identity, Religious beliefs, Age, Disability, Sexual orientation or citizenship.

Will I always get perfect images of my baby?

We will try our very best! Ultrasounds are the clearest when the mother is well hydrated!

That is why we ask that any mom double her normal water intake for 3 – 4 days before any ultrasound. Sound waves that have plenty of fluid to travel through will come out clearer, more accurate and precise. Some factors that may hinder clear images are; amount of amniotic fluid, gestational age, size of mom, amount of extra soft tissue on abdomen, recent caffeine or sugar intake, and positioning of baby. We do recommend that fuller figured clients should consider having their ultrasound session around 26 – 30 weeks.

There is no way to promise perfect images, or images you might have elsewhere or even from our studio, or that we can always meet everyone’s expectations, but our amazing staff will do everything in their power to make this the best experience for you and your guests!

We are happy to discuss our policies and your options should your scan be difficult to obtain.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services.

In most cases, same day or next day appointments are available!

Can I bring in family members during the ultrasound?

Absolutely! The staff at Spencer Imaging Center are here to make your experience as special as possible!

Will I receive images and videos from my appointment?

Yes! Each package has a specific amount of images loaded on a USB drive. The amount of images collected and printed will be based on the position of baby, the fluid level of mom, and the amount of extra soft tissue on mom’s abdomen.

What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform ultrasounds?

Mindray Consona N9

Do you offer transvaginal ultrasounds?

Yes! We offer ultrasounds as early as 6 weeks with a transvaginal scan, without a doctor’s order!