Everything you are wondering

Diagnostic ultrasound has been used in pregnancy for more than fifty years and there is no evidence of harm at the output levels we use. What matters is who is holding the probe and how carefully.

I scan to the ALARA principle — as low as reasonably achievable.

Twenty-seven to thirty weeks is the loveliest window, and thirty-two weeks is about the outer edge.

Before twenty-four weeks there is not quite enough softness under baby’s skin yet, so the render can look a little stark. After thirty-three there is less room to move and less fluid in front of the face to see through.

From sixteen weeks we are confident, and our Pink or Blue? package starts there for exactly that reason. Earlier than that the anatomy is genuinely ambiguous, and I would rather tell you nothing than tell you something you paint a nursery over.

If baby is curled up and I cannot see clearly, I will simply say so rather than guess. That happens perhaps once in every thirty sessions, and we will talk together about the best next step.

They will not, at least at first. Almost nobody does. Baby will have a hand over the face, or their back to us, or their head tucked so far down that all we can see is an ear.

So we take our time. You roll onto your side, we step outside for some fresh air, get yourself something cold and sweet, and we try again. Most babies turn for us before the session is through.

Please do. That is rather the entire point.

There is room for your close family, and there is no charge for guests, ever. Little ones are truly welcome to come along for the whole thing.

Never. Twice the love, same price — if we find more than one little heartbeat in there, your package price stays exactly the same.

No referral is needed. We do recommend that you are under the care of a licensed prenatal provider — this is a keepsake session, not a substitute for the care they are giving you.

It is not, and I want to be very clear about that. Everything here is elective and non-diagnostic. We do not perform anatomy surveys, we do not measure fluid for a clinical purpose, we do not assess placental position for your delivery, and we do not give medical advice.

That said — if something ever looks like it should be checked by your own provider, I will tell you calmly and privately, and recommend you schedule with them as soon as possible. I am never able to diagnose anything myself — that is always their call to make.

Drink plenty of water in the two days beforehand — more than you think, and starting earlier than you think. Clear fluid around your baby is the single biggest thing between a soft picture and a beautiful one, and it is the one part you can help with.

Wear something two-piece so we can reach your belly without you having to undress. Have a small snack about an hour before — something sweet often wakes baby up. And please do not put lotion or oil on your belly that morning; it scatters the sound.

We record about twenty seconds of your baby’s heartbeat straight from the machine while you listen, then install the little recorder button into a plush animal you choose — a bear, lion, elephant, giraffe, hippo, fox, monkey, unicorn, etc. Squeeze the belly and there it is.

The button tucks into a small pocket in the toy, so you can take it out before a wash and tuck it right back in after.

Yes. Please come. As often as you need to.

Our Reassurance Peek exists for precisely this, and there is no limit and no judgment about how many times you book it. I will put the sound on the speakers so you can listen.

No deposit is required to book. We do politely ask for at least twenty-four hours’ notice if you need to move or cancel, so we can keep things running smoothly for everyone else booked that week. If you are unwell, or something has happened, or you are already in labour — just call. We will always sort it out kindly.

We do not have gift certificates set up just yet, but that will not stop us. Reach out and we will work out a way for you to cover a session or a keepsake for someone else.

Yes. The heartbeat animals, blankets, frames and little gifts are available whether or not you are having a scan. Baby Beats is by appointment only, so send us a quick message with what you are after and we will bring it by or add it to your session. Most people end up with a blanket too. You can also follow us on Facebook to see where the mobile boutique will be if you would like to shop in person.