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What to Know Before Your 3D, 4D, or HD Ultrasound

Frequently Asked Questions – Knoxville Ultrasound Studio

Welcome to our Knoxville ultrasound FAQ page. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions families have about elective 2D, 4D, and HD ultrasound sessions at Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN. 

Find friendly, easy to understand answers to the most common questions about keepsake 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasounds in Knoxville, TN at Behind the Bump HD. If you do not see your question listed, call or text us and our team will be happy to help you choose the right session and feel fully prepared for your appointment.

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3D ultrasound produces a single still image that highlights your baby’s features in one clear frame. 4D ultrasound adds real time motion, creating a video like experience where you may see stretching, yawning, or gentle kicks. HD and 5D ultrasound refer to enhanced rendering and lighting effects applied to 3D and 4D imaging to create a more lifelike look with added facial detail.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we usually begin with 2D imaging to locate baby and find the best viewing angle, then transition into 3D, 4D, and HD live ultrasound when baby’s position allows for the clearest keepsake images.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves, not radiation, and it has been used during pregnancy for many years. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, our elective keepsake ultrasound sessions are focused on bonding and capturing memorable images and videos, and they are not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Keepsake scans do not replace medical ultrasounds or routine prenatal care. If you have any medical questions or concerns at any time, contact your OB, midwife, or prenatal care provider first.

No. Elective 3D, 4D, and HD keepsake ultrasound sessions are not medical or diagnostic appointments, so they are not covered by insurance. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, all keepsake ultrasound packages are self pay, with straightforward pricing so you can easily choose the option that works best for your family.

The best time to schedule a 3D, 4D, or HD (5D) ultrasound depends on what you hope to see during your session.

Families who want a full body view with plenty of movement often book earlier, typically between 15 and 22 weeks, when baby has more room to stretch and move. For the most detailed and realistic facial images, the ideal window for 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound in Knoxville, TN is usually between 26 and 32 weeks, when facial features have filled out more.

Later appointments can still produce beautiful keepsake images, but space becomes tighter as baby grows, and image clarity depends more heavily on positioning and fluid levels.

Gender checks are generally most reliable starting around 15 weeks, depending on baby’s position and visibility at the time of the scan. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we take extra care to view baby from multiple angles whenever possible to improve accuracy during elective gender ultrasound sessions. If baby is not in an ideal position and we cannot confidently determine gender during your visit, ask our team about rescan options so you can return when conditions are better.

The biggest factors that affect image quality are baby’s position, amniotic fluid levels, and timing. One simple tip that helps many families is staying well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment, as hydration can improve image clarity. Scheduling your session during the ideal window for facial detail, typically 26 to 32 weeks, can also make a big difference for 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound images.

Even with great timing and preparation, babies sometimes tuck behind hands, feet, the placenta, or the uterine wall. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, our team takes the time to work through different angles and techniques to capture the best possible views during your keepsake ultrasound session.

Begin increasing your water intake several days before your appointment, as good hydration can help improve image clarity. On the day of your 3D, 4D, or HD ultrasound appointment in Knoxville, TN, eat normally unless your prenatal provider has given you different instructions. Some parents find that a light snack or juice about 30 minutes before the scan helps encourage baby movement, but always do what feels comfortable and appropriate for your pregnancy.

Session length depends on the package you select. Most keepsake ultrasound appointments in Knoxville, TN include about 10 to 25 minutes of scanning time. We recommend planning a little extra time for check in, getting comfortable, and reviewing your images and videos after your 3D, 4D, or HD ultrasound session.

Yes. Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN is designed to be a family friendly keepsake ultrasound studio, so you are welcome to share the experience with your partner and loved ones. If you plan to bring a larger group, we recommend calling ahead so we can help you choose the best appointment time and seating setup for your 3D, 4D, or HD ultrasound session.

No. Elective 3D, 4D, and HD (5D) ultrasounds are for bonding and keepsake purposes only, and results are not sent to your medical provider. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we do require that you are currently receiving prenatal care. Our ultrasound team does not diagnose conditions or provide medical advice, so if you have any questions or concerns before or after your appointment, please contact your doctor or prenatal care provider directly.

We are often able to capture beautiful keepsake images, but every pregnancy and every baby is different. If baby is facing the spine, positioned near the placenta, or covering the face with hands or feet, facial views may be limited during the session. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, our focus is on capturing the best possible images of what baby is showing at the time, and we use gentle techniques to encourage improved views whenever possible during your 3D, 4D, or HD ultrasound experience.

Baby’s position is the most important factor in image quality. Amniotic fluid levels, placenta placement, and gestational age also play a role in how clearly facial features can be seen. For example, when baby is pressed against the uterine wall or positioned close to the placenta, detailed facial views may be more difficult to capture.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, our 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound approach starts with finding the best possible angle, then adjusting technique and positioning throughout the session to maximize clarity and capture the best keepsake images available at that time.

Staying well hydrated is one of the most effective ways to help improve ultrasound image quality. We recommend increasing your water intake starting about a week before your appointment, as hydration can support clearer imaging. Scheduling your session during the ideal timing window, especially for detailed 3D, 4D, and HD facial images, can also make a difference.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we encourage you to always follow any guidance or restrictions provided by your prenatal care provider first, and do what feels best for you and your pregnancy.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, our 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound approach starts with finding the best possible angle, then adjusting technique and positioning throughout the session to maximize clarity and capture the best keepsake images available at that time.

Sometimes we may not be able to capture the exact keepsake views you are hoping for due to factors outside anyone’s control, such as placenta placement, lower fluid levels, or baby remaining face down during the session. If we are unable to obtain clear 3D, 4D, or HD ultrasound images, or if gender cannot be confidently confirmed during your visit, our team will review rescan options with you.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we are always happy to explain what options are available for a return visit so you have another opportunity when conditions may be more favorable.

Breech simply means baby’s head is up and feet are down. A breech position does not prevent a keepsake ultrasound, but it can sometimes make facial views less predictable. If you know baby is breech and your main goal is detailed facial images, you may want to consider scheduling a little later to allow time for baby to turn.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, many families still get beautiful 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound images with a breech baby when fluid levels and viewing angles are favorable. Our team works to find the best possible angles during your session to capture meaningful keepsakes.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we are always happy to explain what options are available for a return visit so you have another opportunity when conditions may be more favorable.

Yes, many parents with a higher BMI still receive beautiful keepsake images. Clear facial detail often improves later in pregnancy when baby has more facial fullness, so scheduling after about 30 weeks can be helpful for 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound imaging. Hydration and amniotic fluid clarity also play an important role in image quality.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, each session is tailored to your body and your baby’s position, with techniques adjusted throughout the scan to capture the best possible images available at the time.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, many families still get beautiful 3D, 4D, and HD ultrasound images with a breech baby when fluid levels and viewing angles are favorable. Our team works to find the best possible angles during your session to capture meaningful keepsakes.

At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we are always happy to explain what options are available for a return visit so you have another opportunity when conditions may be more favorable.

No. A full bladder is not required for our 3D, 4D, or HD keepsake ultrasound sessions. At Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN, we want you to be comfortable during your appointment. If your prenatal care provider has given you specific instructions for your pregnancy, always follow their guidance first.

We recommend arriving about 5 minutes early so you have time to check in, get comfortable, and ensure your 3D, 4D, or HD keepsake ultrasound appointment at Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN starts on time.

You will receive keepsake images and any package based items included with your selected session. If you have questions about what is included in your 3D, 4D, or HD keepsake ultrasound package, we encourage you to call Behind the Bump HD in Knoxville, TN before your appointment and our team will be happy to walk you through the details so you know exactly what to expect.