Why would a mom-to-be choose to have an elective prenatal 3D or 4D ultrasound?

A 3D or 4D ultrasound with our center is an upgrade to the grainy, black and white images you’ll receive at your physician’s office.  Even if you are lucky enough to walk away from your doctor’s visit we a 3D image or two, we take more pictures along with video, later in your term and allow you and your family more time viewing your baby.  Our CDs and DVDs allow you to reprint or email images and make a great family keepsake.  You’ll be able to watch your baby moving in the womb for years to come.

Our prenatal imaging gives moms a chance to see who’s swirling about under her ribs and helps dads visualize the physical reality of becoming a parent.



What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?

An elective prenatal ultrasound is an option for moms and their families to view the baby in the womb.   The images are higher in quality than traditional black and white sonograms, yet they are not meant to be a replacement for the routine ultrasound images requested by physicians to assess gestational age, fetal anomalies, and general progression of the pregnancy.



Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor’s office?

No. All women seeking an elective 3D and/or 4D ultrasound with Miracle Moment Imaging must be under the care of a physician.   An ultrasound ordered by the healthcare provider to screen for fetal anomalies and identify any other pregnancy-related issues must be completed before any appointments with our center. 

At no time is any elective service provided by Miracle Moment Imaging to be used as a replacement for a medical, diagnostic ultrasound.



Is it safe? Are there any risks to me or my baby?

An ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves, listens for the return echo, and generates an image.    

Extensive studies done over the last 30 years have not found that ultrasounds cause any harm to mother or baby. Multiple ultrasounds during pregnancy are a normal practice in the United States.  All scanning, whether it’s in 2D, 3D, or 4D, uses the same type and intensity of sounds waves to create images of the baby.



Do I need an appointment?

Yes.   We want to be ready for you and your family when you arrive.  Call (507) 388-3747 or (866) 904-5008 to schedule your Miracle Moment Experience. We have convenient hours and offer Work Week Rewards for Tuesday and Wednesday appointments.



How much time should I allow for my appointment?

The longest our sessions run is an hour.   A prenatal ultrasound session will last between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the package you choose.  Then, we need time to process the images you’ll be taking home.  We request that those who purchase 3D Experience Plus or Miracle Moment Experience packages wait in our lobby while we create the CD and/or DVD.



How far along should I be before I have an ultrasound?

We can obtain images as early as 20 weeks, but it is better to wait until you ’re at least 25 weeks pregnant for most of our packages.  If you plan to have a Miracle Moment Experience with 4D, we recommend booking your appointment between the 27th and 32nd week of the pregnancy.  Some mothers obtain an ultrasound in both their second and third trimesters.



Can I be sure to get a clear picture of my baby?

Miracle Moment Imaging will make every effort to get vivid pictures of your baby; however, we cannot guarantee that the images we obtain will be the ones you hoped for.   Perhaps you wanted to see the baby’s face or feet or hands, or perhaps you wanted images just like the ones on our website.  A sonogram’s success is dependent on the baby’s position and gestational age, the environment of the womb, and the condition of the mother.

If it is difficult to see the baby’s face, we may wait, try again within the hour, and hope the baby has had time to turn to a more favorable position.



Can I bring my family and friends?

Yes.   In fact, we encourage it.  Seeing your baby in the womb is a wonderful experience, made even more memorable if it’s shared with those who mean the most to you.



Are you able to determine the sex of the baby?

Yes.   In most cases we can provide an indication of the baby’s sex.  Certain factors such as body tissue content, developmental stage, and fetal position all affect the ability to determine sex.  If the baby’s position interferes with gender verification, we will re-schedule your appointment.   



Are your ultrasound services covered by insurance?

Because our services are elective, most insurance companies do not cover the costs.   Our sonograms are not intended to be a replacement for a physician-ordered anatomical ultrasound.

We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and debit cards on the day of your appointment.    



What sets you apart from other ultrasound centers? 

We create a personalized experience for Moms and families by combining the comforts of home with the latest technology.   We cover the bed in freshly ironed linen and warm the gel before Mom arrives. We use the acclaimed GE Voluson 730 PRO ultrasound system with BT04 software. This is the best 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound machine available.

Other centers still use BT01 software. Our up-to-date system provides more images per second, creating superior pictures and DVD video.

We know you’re making an investment when choosing a place to see 3D and 4D images of your baby; thus, we’ve created a place--and experience--worth the drive from anywhere in the Midwest.



I live so far away, is a trip to Miracle Moment Imaging really worth it?

Absolutely. Miracle Moment Imaging ’s trained sonographers use the best equipment in the industry to make sure moms, dads, and their families have a memorable experience.  We promise personal attention, luxurious comfort and high quality pictures and video of your baby.

Our center is owned and managed by a parent just like you.  Owner Kristen Page brings her customers three years of parenting stories, plus the excitement of having her own 3D and 4D images done during her own pregnancies.

Driving to Miracle Moment Imaging is a good excuse to get out of town and make it a date.   Our center is located near Mankato’s hotels, retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment.



What training do your sonographers have?

All sonographers at Miracle Moment Imaging received training from Baptist Health School of Diagnostic Ultrasound.  They strive to heighten the excitement a new baby brings by being helpful and instructive during your ultrasound.  They lead moms and their families through the session, pointing out the position of the baby and umbilical cord and the baby’s anatomical features.  



What if I need to reschedule my appointment?

We request that if you need to reschedule an appointment (or cancel) for any reason that we receive a 48-hour notice.  We look forward to finding another time that will suit your needs.   

Miracle Moment Imaging reserves the right to charge a $50.00 fee for clients who cancel less than 48-hours prior to their appointments. We also reserve the right to charge the full package value to clients who offer no notice and do not show for their scheduled appointment.