3D Ultrasound Technology
Latest news from A Little Insight 3D 4D Ultrasound
08/14/2008
Opening a Window into Your Baby's World
3D Ultrasound Technology
By: Michelle Trippi (Commuity Parent aka. Community Kids)
When I first met Stan and Paula Hardwick a couple of years ago, we had coffee with their little baby Eden propped on the table in her baby carrier. Just seeing baby Eden and listening to their excitement of their business they were opening reminded me just how exciting pregnancy and new motherhood was for me just a little more than 10 short years prior to that meeting. I remember the joy of hearing the heartbeat for the first time, and then when the ultrasound appointment came I was ecstatic. I had a video I watched over and over and a picture I carried around and showed everyone who would look at it. I felt I had seen a window into my baby’s world and could see what she was up to in there even if it was only for a brief few seconds or in a still photograph. It was like meeting her before she arrived. When I was pregnant, the ultrasounds were not as advanced as they are now. It was not an option to elect to “see more”. If it were, I would have been pounding down the doors of the Hardwick’s business A Little Insight. That is why the Hardwick’s decided to bring this fascinating technology to our community. “When Stan and I were pregnant with Eden, we looked for a place to have this done ourselves and found that there was an 80 mile radius where no 3D/4D services were available,” says Paula. So they did something about it. They brought it Vacaville, which is in the center of that radius. After going through the training and certification process that Paula states sounds “simpler than it really was”, they are providing this wonderful elective procedure to expectant parents from all over. When we asked Paula about her business, we learned some fascinating facts about ultrasound technology. I had no clue that this technology, which is used by the medical field for many reasons other than the most popular diagnostic tool for pregnant moms, was developed by the military. Its primary use was for the purpose of detecting submarines under water. Paula tells us that since its advent, the ultrasound technology has been modified to provide many other beneficial uses, including 3D/4D Ultrasound. “From a yawn, to a stretch to a smile, or the beating of your baby’s heart, a 3D/4D ultrasound session will give you a realistic first look at your baby’s first movements in the womb,” says Paula. She tells us that 3D/4D ultrasound is the latest in ultrasound technology and is becoming highly desired by the pregnant community. Pregnant women between 20 and 34 weeks who have had their full diagnostic ultrasound work up from their doctor are able to make an appointment at A Little Insight. Paula tells us that the best time is between the 24 and 34 week of pregnancy. “Usually before the 24 week the baby may still be a bit small and sometimes skeletal,” Paula tells us. “After the 34 week, baby may be facing mom’s spine or just too big. Although we have performed scans before 24 and after 34 weeks, each baby is different and results vary as well.” The ultrasound room has a comfortable memory foam pillow top mattress for mom (sorry dad) and it has 3 stools for friends and family. Because A Little Insight encourages friends and family to attend, there is also room that seats 6-7 more people comfortably in the viewing room. The Hardwick’s are parents of four children. Gloria, 23, Jelisa, 18, Isaiah, 15 and Eden, 4, make this truly a family owned and operated business. Mom, Paula, and daughter, Gloria, work at the office full time. When we asked Paula if it has been difficult balancing family life and business ownership, she told us that it has been difficult at times, especially at the beginning stages of the business. “We are a team and we do our best to compliment each other to make the best of both family and business,” says Paula. Paula’s tip for other family entrepreneurs is excellent advice: “Family MUST have first priority. If the family isn’t running, as it should, then most likely your business won’t either.” A Little Insight offers packages that fit all budgets ranging from $75 for a 10-minute session for those basically wanting to know their baby’s gender and receive 2 black and white photos, to $299. The most popular package is the Platinum Special which includes a 25 minute session, 4 black and white photos, 4 color photos, a CD, a DVD, a free access to a customized baby website and a $100 gift certificate to Ryan Bates Photography, regularly $225. A weekday special that is a 15-minute session on Tuesdays through Fridays is only $119. The weekday special comes with 2 color photos and a CD that holds alls the photos from the session. Gift Certificates are also available and make a great baby shower surprise, gift from the grandparents, or from mom or dad to the other expectant parent. Open from 9-5 on Tuesday through Friday and 9-4 on Saturdays, A Little Insight accommodates all schedules so parents can plan the time that works best for them and their friends and family.
For more information, to schedule a session or to purchase a gift certificate, call 707-446-3D4D (3343). You can visit them on the web at www.alittleinsight.com or email alittleinsight@sbcglobal.net. A Little Insight is located at 190 South Orchard Ave., Ste A107, in Vacaville.