What is the difference between an elective vs. diagnostic ultrasound?

An elective ultrasound is an imaging scan that is not medically necessary and is performed for personal reasons. They are also known as non-medical or recreational ultrasounds. Elective ultrasounds are usually performed by private companies. They are non-diagnostic. I do not diagnose ANY medical issues or determine gender.

Diagnostic ultrasounds on the other hand are ordered by a physician, and the purpose is always medical; monitoring or diagnosing medical conditions in the uterus, monitoring the fetus’s development and guiding medical procedures.

What is the purpose of having an elective ultrasound?

Elective ultrasounds are used for personal reasons; creating a bond with the developing baby or creating mementos of this time. Often people want to come in to my office to check on baby before their doctor will see them for their first prenatal appointment.

When in pregnancy can I have an ultrasound?

I offer ultrasounds starting at 7 weeks in pregnancy.

Is this an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound?

I only do abdominal ultrasounds.

Will I be able to hear the heartbeat out loud?

No, my machine does not play the heartbeat out loud. If you are at least 10+ weeks along, I will be happy to try with the audio doppler and there is a good chance we will be able to hear it. 

What happens if we can’t see anything?

The reasons for this could include not being as far along in pregnancy as you thought, not having a full bladder, or the position of the uterus preventing us from seeing anything. If we are not able to see baby or heart activity yet, you may come back for a follow-up scan in a week or two for FREE. 

Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of seeing baby on the ultrasound?

Yes, if you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, you MUST drink at least 24oz (3 cups) of water 30 minutes prior to your appointment and come with a full bladder. If your bladder is not full we will NOT be able to see baby, particularly if you are only 7-8 weeks. 

Are printed pictures included with the ultrasound?

I will print one picture with the best image we are able to get of baby. I can send a few more and a video to you by email. 

How much do you charge?

The fee for an ultrasound is $50 for week days, $75 on weekends. I accept cash, Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/yourtaylormidwife, Zelle, Paypal, or Ca$h app. I can also swipe most cards. Personal checks are not accepted as payment for ultrasounds. Payment is due at time of appointment prior to service. 

Can you submit to insurance or Medicaid?

No, insurance/Medicaid will not cover elective ultrasounds because they are not medically necessary and no physician order is needed.

Can you determine gender?

No, I do not determine gender. I can give you my best guess if 14-16+ weeks and the baby is cooperative, but if you want to know gender with 99.9% accuracy, you may have the SneakPeek gender blood test performed in my office for $140. 

Can this replace my anatomy scan?

Absolutely not!  This is an elective ultrasound, which means the purpose is non-medical. I cannot and do not give any diagnostic information. Diagnostic information is only available from a doctor or radiologist who reads ultrasound scans, not a sonographer. As these ultrasounds are elective, we do not send the ultrasound reports to a doctor to be evaluated. If there are any concerns I see on the ultrasound and you need a referral for a diagnostic ultrasound, I can refer you to multiple locations around Austin.

Can I see any examples of what we may see at the ultrasound?

To view some examples of ultrasounds I have performed, please see my Instagram or Facebook page.