Ways to Save On 3D/4D Ultrasounds

Even in rough economic times, the last thing you want to do is skimp on your baby. Cheap 3D/4D ultrasounds may be more affordable, but the sacrifices you make in quality may leave you feeling short-changed or may even result in exposing your baby to actual medical risks.

There are a number of ways to save money while still seeing the best in the Bay Area! Here is a short list of ways to get great discounts at 3DBabyVu:

Through our Girlfriend Package, receive $50 off when you book an appointment with a friend. Refer her for a 3DBabyVu scan during your pregnancy and you will both receive a FREE upgrade from any package to the next package up (a $50 value for each of you!). This upgrade is the most fun when both of you come in together for back to back appointments so that you can enjoy each other’s scans!

Receive 20% off when you come back for your 2nd scan in the same pregnancy!

Receive 30% off when you back for your 3rd scan in the same pregnancy!

Our Military Discount offers 10% off to those who serve our country.

And, all packages come with a special gift from us: A complimentary 5x7 color photo in a picture frame with heartbeat recorder, which allows you to hear your baby's heartbeat at the click of a button.

How To Make A Baby

A little bit off-topic, but still awesome! Stop-motion video on how to make a baby. So cute.

(via DesignMom)

Making Friends in the Maternity Community

This week, 3DBabyVu went to a mixer hosted by The Bump magazine at the Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa in downtown Sausalito. The Bump was recently purchased by The Knot (joining the family of The Knot, The Nest, and Lila Guide), but has been around for several years, providing informative and fun reads for parents - super relevant whether you are expecting your first or fourth (or nth...) baby.

What an amazing experience! There were about 20 women and 2 men (major props to GreatDad.com and 3DBabyVu's own Mark Hayward) in attendance, representing a variety of different resources for new and expecting parents - maternity and newborn photography, maternity stores, yoga and dance centers, a coffeeshop just for parents and their little ones (!)and spas (The beautiful Corte Madera Spa is home to Barefoot & Pregnant, one of the few places in the Bay that uses only certified prenatal massage therapists). All in all, a very innovative group of people, all of whom sincerely look to provide services and products that enrich the experiences of mothers, fathers, and their families. I'm trying to stay in touch with all of them to help build a community of locally-owned, quality places for you. so stay tuned for some exciting partnerships between 3DBabyVu and some of the amazing individuals and local businesses that we met in the very near future!

Why Should I Have a 3D Ultrasound Scan?

Having a 3D Ultrasound scan, though considered "elective," is an indispensible way for expecting mothers to bond with their incoming baby. 3D Ultrasounds have obvious benefits, such as a beautiful photos and family fun, but the rewards reach beyond that of a luxury service.
Scientific studies have shown that:

• The experience of 3D Ultrasound has a stronger impact on maternal-fetal bonding than just 2D Ultrasound. (link)
• Seeing ultrasound images of their baby is reassuring for parents, making them less anxious and stressed out about having a child. (link, link)

Studies have also shown that multiple prenatal ultrasound scans do not hinder childhood development (link). Yet, it is still worthwhile to be cautious when choosing a 3D ultrasound provider. 3DBabyVu uses ONLY fully-credentialed sonographers -- registered, licensed medical sonographers (RDMS) with over two years of schooling and one year of supervised training -- and the same low OB scanning mode that your OB/GYN uses at his or her practice. Additionally, our sonographers are the most experienced in 3D Ultrasound, each having performed thousands of scans since we opened our doors in 2002. In contrast, many other ultrasound centers use individuals with no medical background, who have attended only a weekend's worth of classes.

The New 3DBabyVu 3D Ultrasound Gift Registry

Ah! Exciting! My new pet project for the past few weeks or so, 3DBabyVu Pleasanton has just added the option for mothers to open up a gift registry with us! Check out more information the 3D Ultrasound Gift Registry web page.

With the gift registry, its easier to give your favorite expecting mother (which can totally be you!) the gift of 3D Ultrasound. Friends and family that are informed that momma is registered at 3DBabyVu can contribute funds over the phone or in person, making that Platinum Package you've been pining for suddenly within reach!

How Big Is Your Babe?

An interesting comparison between your baby in that belly and fruits and veggies, depending on how many weeks old your baby is. Sorta cute, or sorta weird? I think both. Either way, certainly interesting. How Big is Baby?

LBD for Expecting Mothers

Lil Sugar has an excellent post up on this mandatory article of clothing: Little Black Dresses (the Slightly Larger, Maternity Options)