Yes we have 3-D capability and do offer the service.  However, there are a few things to know.  First is that 3-D contributes little to medical knowledge and is therefore not covered by insurance plans.  The second is that images that appear satisfactory to the parents cannot always be obtained.  Fetal and placental position contribute greatly to the quality of the images.  If you do want an appointment only for 3-D or gender determination we would ask that you have already had your formal ultrasound between 18-22 weeks.  We additionally recommend that a 3-D ultrasound be performed between 24-34 weeks.  There is an additional charge not covered by insurance.

An elective ultrasound is not covered by your insurance plan.  Payment for this elective exam is required prior to the service.  The cost of this service is $150.00.

Absolutely not.  You must have current prenatal care and your routine diagnostic ultrasound before we can schedule your 3D/4D ultrasound.

Unfortunately there are no guarantees.  We are usually able to get a beautiful view of the baby’s face; however, depending on your baby’s position, fluid, placental location, and other maternal factors, it may not always be possible.  In most cases we can provide an indication of the sex of the baby.  However we cannot guarantee the baby’s cooperation during your session.

3D/4D images are best obtained between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy for a single pregnancy and 24-27 weeks for twin pregnancies.

Yes! This is a special family event.  However, room space limitations allow only three additional individuals.  The provider reserves the right to excuse individuals for any reason.

This ultrasound is not diagnostic and is not intended to replace necessary diagnostic ultrasounds and obstetric care.  No attempt will be made to evaluate abnormalities and no measurement will be taken.  These images provided are solely for your enjoyment.

Yes.  This in conjunction with Great Plains Health.  A trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is a high risk event.  It takes resources on our part as well as the hospital to offer this service.   Prospective candidates will meet with one of our physicians to review important parts of the medical history and calculate the success rate of possible vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC).  We request a predicted success rate of 70% before attempting a VBAC.

The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy.  When the cervix begins to open wider, the mucus is discharge into the vagina and may be clear, pink or slightly bloody.  Labor may begin soon after the mucus plus is discharged or possibly several weeks later.

For routine and uncomplicated pregnancies, travel can be acceptable up to 36 weeks and should be discussed with your doctor.

Headache:  Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Indigestion:  Mylanta, TUMS, Maalox

Diarrhea:  Kaopectate, Imodium AD

Constipation:  Surfak, Fibercon, Citrucel, Metamucil

Cold / Sinus:  Sudafed, Robitussin

Seasonal Allergies:  Claritin or Zyrtec, Benadryl

While pregnancy is felt to be a normal and beautiful aspect of life, we do know that things can turn quite complicated and do so rapidly.  Many people enter pregnancy and are considered low risk and later find out they are high-risk.  The most common emerging complications we deal with are preterm labor, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth issues.  None of these should be taken lightly.  Rest assured, we have a tremendous amount of experience with these issues and will lead you through them.

Let us first explain that the patients who are asking this question should be in the last month of their pregnancy.  If you are earlier than 36 wees please see our discussion of preterm labor symptoms.

Labor is basically uterine contractions that lead to a change of the cervix.  A good rule of thumb is to time these contractions and assess their intensity.  We think you should be heading to the hospital when your contractions are closer than five minutes apart and are strong enough to make it difficult for you to walk or talk through them, and if they continue for about an hour.  This is a general guideline.  Many of our patients come from far distances or may be confused or scared.  In these instances, please call us.

During business hours, you can either call and speak to one of our nurses who will help you decide your next steps, or proceed directly to the hospital through the registration desk.

After business hours, you can either page the on-call physician (308-534-4804) or proceed directly to the hospital via the Emergency Room registration.

This question would apply to you if you are less than 36 weeks.  If you have had a baby, you will of course remember what contractions feel like.  We would be concerned if you could readily time these contractions for greater than one hour.  First time moms may just simply feel ill and will even sometimes say they feel like they are getting a menstrual cycle.  They may also notice decreased baby movements as well as vaginal discharge or even spotting.  Of course, if you are in doubt, please call us.