Elective Ultrasounds: Are They Safe, and Does Insurance Cover Them?
An elective ultrasound is a keepsake session you book for bonding and celebration, not for medical diagnosis. Because it isn't medically necessary, insurance generally does not cover a 3D ultrasound. On safety, ultrasound has been used in prenatal care for over forty years with no known harmful effects, and the key is choosing a qualified sonographer who uses it prudently.
What Is an Elective Ultrasound?
An elective ultrasound is any ultrasound you choose to have outside of your prenatal care, usually to see baby in 3D or 4D, hear the heartbeat again, or find out the gender with family. It's sometimes called a keepsake ultrasound or boutique ultrasound.
A diagnostic ultrasound, by contrast, is ordered by your doctor or midwife to check baby's growth, anatomy and health. Elective sessions don't replace those scans. At Mother Goose, we always encourage you to continue all prenatal care and diagnostic screenings with your provider.
Is a 3D Ultrasound Safe?
3D and 4D ultrasound use the same sound waves as a standard 2D scan. They're just processed differently to create a three-dimensional image. There is no radiation involved.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages using ultrasound purely for keepsake images. Its reasoning: while there's no proven harm, ultrasound can gently heat tissue, and long-term effects of extended or repeated exposure aren't fully known. The FDA's guidance is that ultrasound should be used prudently, by trained professionals, for no longer than necessary.
That's exactly the standard to hold any elective studio to. Here's what to look for:
A credentialed sonographer. Ask whether the person scanning you is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).
The ALARA principle. "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" means using the lowest exposure needed to get the image.
Reasonable session lengths. A good studio has defined session times rather than open-ended scanning.
Clear boundaries. A reputable studio is upfront that elective scans are not diagnostic.
At Mother Goose, every session is performed by Molly Mann, RDMS, who has 8+ years of professional OB/GYN ultrasound experience and follows ALARA with the same standards found in a clinical setting. Sessions run 15 to 30 minutes depending on the package.
Does Insurance Cover a 3D Ultrasound?
Generally, no. Health insurance covers ultrasounds your provider orders for a medical reason. Elective 3D, 4D and gender ultrasounds are optional, so they're typically paid out of pocket. If you have questions about your specific plan, your insurance company is the best source.
How Much Does an Elective Ultrasound Cost?
Elective ultrasound prices vary by studio, how far along you are and session length. At Mother Goose in Roswell:
Early pregnancy, 6 to 13 weeks: $85
Early gender, 14+ weeks: $125
3D/4D, 18 to 25 weeks: $135
3D/4D, 26+ weeks: $175
The Complete Anthology, three sessions: $345
See what's included in each on our elective ultrasound packages page.
Why Parents Choose an Elective Ultrasound
Medical scans are often quick, and partners, grandparents and siblings can't always come. An elective session gives you time. Parents book them to hear the heartbeat early with an early pregnancy scan, to learn the gender at 14 weeks, to throw a private gender reveal with the whole family, or to see baby's face in 3D/4D ultrasound in Roswell.
Not sure which week to book? Read our guide to when to get a 3D ultrasound.
Visit Our Studio in Roswell
Mother Goose Ultrasound Boutique is at 590 Mimosa Blvd, Suite 210, Roswell, GA 30075, a short drive for families looking for an elective ultrasound near Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs.
Elective ultrasounds are keepsake sessions for bonding and celebration. They are not a substitute for medical care and are not intended for diagnostic purposes.
