FAQs
At Lumina Ultrasound Boutique, we proudly use the Samsung Hera W10—the most advanced ultrasound systems available today—to deliver an experience that goes far beyond standard 2D, 3D and 4D imaging. Samsung’s has patented cutting-edge AI rendering technology that no other ultrasound system can offer.
Why the Samsung Hera W10 is the most advanced ultrasound system
CrystalLive™: A patented Samsung technology that delivers images with superior clarity, lighting, and depth perception for viewing your baby in 3D/4D/HD Live.
RealisticVue™: A patented Samsung technology that creates highly detailed, beautifully defined 3D/4D/HD Live images with realistic shadows and depth.
HDlive™: Uses AI-enhanced imaging tools to achieve realistic facial rendering, making every detail crystal clear, in live motion.
Using the Samsung Hera W10 allows us to capture breathtaking detail and movement, allowing you to see your baby’s features, expressions, and gentle motions with remarkable realism. Enhanced lighting and lifelike shadows create images that feel warm, dimensional, and incredibly true to life—transforming your ultrasound into an unforgettable moment of connection.
Yes—3D, 4D, and HD ultrasounds use the same sound wave frequency and intensity as the standard 2D ultrasounds performed by your medical provider. With more than 35 years of clinical use, ultrasound technology has not been linked to increased risk or harmful side effects. At Lumina Ultrasound Boutique, all scans are performed by sonographers using carefully maintained, industry-leading equipment to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.
Before 12 weeks, sonographers follow established safety guidelines that recommend using M-mode to check your baby’s heartbeat rather than listening to it with sound. M-mode produces a soft, graph-style tracing — not the large heartbeat line you might expect. This gentle image allows us to safely confirm and measure the heartbeat during early pregnancy.
Once you reach 12 weeks, we’re so excited to share that magical moment with you. At this stage, we use a different mode that allows us to listen to your baby’s heartbeat — perfect for creating Heartbeat Stuffed Animals — and produces the larger heartbeat line needed for Heartbeat Jewelry, so you can treasure this connection forever.
3D ultrasounds create lifelike, three-dimensional still images of your baby in soft, natural flesh tones, making facial features and details easier to see than traditional gray-scale 2D images. With 4D ultrasound, those same images come to life in real time — allowing you to watch your baby move, stretch, kick, and even suck their thumb during your session.
We offer 3D/4D ultrasound sessions beginning as early as 6 weeks and as late as 37 weeks. The ideal time to schedule depends on what you hope to see. Here is a timeline-style guideline to help you choose what option is best for the experience you are looking for:
6–11 Weeks
• Early pregnancy viewing
• See baby’s whole body rather than detailed facial features
12–22 Weeks
• Watch baby move and stretch
• Enjoy seeing tiny features begin to form
23–27 Weeks
• Facial features become more defined
• A beautiful time to capture baby’s face
28–32 Weeks
• Chubby cheeks and baby lips appear
• The best window for lifelike facial images
After 32 weeks we still offer 3D/4D services, however it can become more challenging to capture clear images as your baby settles lower in the uterus and may be more snug against the uterine wall or placenta. Drinking plenty of fluids in the 2–3 days leading up to your appointment can help increase amniotic fluid levels, which may improve image clarity.
Want to experience every stage? Visit our Gallery to see ultrasound images from each week of pregnancy.
We do offer return discounts on repeat ultrasounds during your pregnancy if you would like to see your baby at all stages! $5 off any 2D ultrasound experience. $10 off any 3D/4D/HD ultrasound experience. You will receive this promotion code after your first visit.
No, insurance does not cover our services due to their elective, non-diagnostic nature. Our services are for memories and keepsake only. Not medical.
Drink lots of water! Drinking water helps increase amniotic fluid, which can help produce higher quality images. We recommend that you drink ten 8-ounce glasses of water every day for two weeks prior to your appointment. Low fluid will result in clouding, low quality images.
You also need to be sure you are in the care of a physician or midwife prior to scheduling your appointment with Lumina Ultrasound Boutique.
Our studio comfortably accommodates 8-10 people including you, but we have enough room for many more, they may just have to sit on the floor 🙂
Have loved ones who can’t join you in person? We’ve got you covered. Our live streaming option is complimentary and easy to use. When you arrive, we’ll text you a secure link that you can share with family and friends so they can watch from anywhere. No app download is required, and the stream works on most devices and browsers. While the stream does not include audio, you’re welcome to connect with your loved ones through a group call during your session if you wish.