Would you like to see more details of your baby's features before he or
she arrives? Our unique 3-D/4-D sonogram service is available to patients
in their 26th to 30th week of pregnancy.
Sessions are 30 minutes in length and are available:
Shannon Clinic Harris 220 E. Beauregard.
Download our
consent form to fill out and bring with you to your appointment.
Elective ultrasounds for fetal portraits are not medically necessary and
are not covered by any health insurance plan or flexible spending account.
Payment of $100 will be required in full for this service prior to the
procedure. This is a nonrefundable fee. The quality of fetal portraits
obtained varies depending upon the position and gestational age of the
fetus as well as other factors.
The following information will assist you in evaluating the benefits and
risks of ultrasound technology and provide you with the information required
for you and your family to make an informed, educated decision regarding
elective ultrasound for fetal portraits/DVD.
After reviewing the information, feel free to seek clarification or additional
information from your OB-GYN doctor.
Ultrasonic fetal scanning is generally considered safe if properly used
to evaluate the size, location, number and age of fetuses; presence of
some types of birth defects; fetal movement and breathing and heartbeat,
and is the current standard in prenatal care. Ultrasound is a form of
energy, which even at low levels can produce physical effects in tissue.
However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there
is no evidence that these physical effects can harm a fetus.
3-D/4-D ultrasound to obtain keepsake fetal portraits is an elective, nonmedically
necessary procedure which both the FDA and the American Institute of Ultrasound
in Medicine discourage due to the lack of information about long-term
effects of ultrasound exposure.
The physicians at Shannon Clinic believe the risks to an expectant mother
and a fetus for a brief, 30-minute elective ultrasound to be minimal.
Due to the limited time, we will only allow one guest in the room during
the session.
A qualified sonographer under the supervision of a radiologist performs
all ultrasounds, including elective ultrasounds, performed at Shannon.
No fetal growth measurements or anatomical surveys will be performed or
documented as part of the keepsake fetal portrait session. Nevertheless,
fetal abnormalities discovered during the session will receive appropriate
medical response consistent with prenatal standards of care.
The required gestational age for fetal portraits is between 26 and 30 weeks
because amniotic fluid levels are optimal and the fetus has adequate body
fat and tissue.
Videos and cameras are not permitted.
For more information or to schedule a session, please call
325.747.8888
