Best Time for a 3D/4D/HD Ultrasound in Summerville, SC (and How to Get Picture-Perfect Results)

There’s nothing like that first glimpse: a tiny yawn, a thumb-suck, a wiggle that makes the whole room laugh. At Oi Baby in Summerville, SC, we specialize in elective 3D ultrasound, 4D ultrasound, and HD ultrasound sessions designed to help you connect, celebrate, and leave with keepsakes you’ll treasure for a lifetime. If you’re in Charleston, North Charleston, Goose Creek, Ladson, Hanahan, Mount Pleasant, or Moncks Corner, our boutique studio is an easy drive—perfect for a memorable family outing.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “When should I book my 3D/4D/HD ultrasound?” Great question! The best time depends on what you want to see—and how you want to feel during your visit. This guide breaks down the ideal timing trimester by trimester, plus expert prep tips to help you get the clearest, cutest baby photos possible.

Timing by Trimester: What You’ll See and Feel

First Trimester (6–12 Weeks): Heartbeats, Beginnings & Sneak Peeks

Early pregnancy is magical. At this stage, your baby is tiny and fast-growing. If your main goal is simple reassurance, bonding, and hearing that sweet heartbeat, an elective visit in the late first trimester can be incredibly special. Many parents in Summerville and Charleston come in to share the news with grandparents or to capture a few early keepsakes.

If you’re considering gender determination as soon as possible, Oi Baby offers a DNA option starting at 6 weeks and ultrasound gender checks at 13+ weeks. That gives you the flexibility to plan reveals around family schedules in Goose Creek, Ladson, or Hanahan—without waiting too long.

What you’ll likely see: Your little one’s outline, flickers of movement, and heartbeat. 3D/4D/HD is less about facial details at this stage and more about the joy of “There you are!”

Second Trimester (13–26 Weeks): Big Kicks, Full-Body Wiggles & Early Features

Welcome to the golden window for energy and excitement. From 13–24 weeks, babies have more room to stretch, flip, and wave. You’ll often see full-body movements in real time during a 4D ultrasound, and HD ultrasound can begin to hint at facial features—little noses and chins coming into view.

If your family plans a gender reveal in the Charleston area, the 16–20 week range is a sweet spot for ultrasound gender confirmation. Many parents book in the same outing as brunch in Downtown Summerville or a stroll at Hutchinson Square to make a day of it.

What you’ll likely see: Lots of movement, kicks, and stretches. Facial features are forming, and you may catch adorable profile shots, but cheeks won’t be fully filled out yet.

Third Trimester (27–34 Weeks): Those Adorable, Squishy Cheeks

For classic 3D ultrasound keepsake portraits, we recommend 27–32 weeks. By then, baby’s features are more defined and full—think “that looks just like Dad’s nose!” HD imaging shows subtle details like lips, eyelids, and chunky cheeks that melt hearts.

From 33–34 weeks we can still capture beautiful images, especially when baby’s position and fluid are favorable. After 34+ weeks, space can get tighter, so results vary. That’s why we suggest scheduling earlier in the third trimester for the best chance at variety and close-ups.

What you’ll likely see: Close-ups of baby’s face, hands, and expressions—yawns, smiles, tongue peeks—and sweet interactions like foot-to-face moments if the position is just right.

Why Timing Matters for 3D/4D/HD Ultrasounds

Elective images are influenced by a few key factors: gestational age, baby’s position, amniotic fluid, and placenta location. The Samsung Hera W10 technology used at Oi Baby produces crisp, high-contrast views, but choosing the right window increases your chances of those “frame-it!” moments.

• Gestational Age: Earlier = more wiggles and full-body views; later = stronger facial definition.
• Fluid Levels: More fluid in front of the face often means clearer images. Hydration can help (more on that below).
• Baby’s Position: A face-up or side-facing position is ideal. Hands or feet in front of the face can block the view—adorable, but tricky.
• Placenta Placement: Anterior placentas can add a layer between baby’s face and the probe; skilled scanning angles help us work around it.

How to Prepare: Our Insider Tips for Picture-Perfect Keepsakes

Here’s how families from Summerville, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant can set themselves up for success before stepping into our cozy studio.

Hydrate Like a Pro

Start increasing water intake 2–3 days before your appointment. While you don’t need a full bladder for elective keepsake scans, consistent hydration can help optimize fluid around baby’s face, which can improve clarity in 3D/4D/HD images.

Fuel Up (Unless Your Provider Says Otherwise)

A light snack 20–30 minutes before your session (think fruit, yogurt, or a small sandwich) may encourage baby to wiggle. Avoid a big, heavy meal right beforehand—it can make you sluggish and a tiny bit uncomfortable on the table.

Dress for Comfort (and Cute Photos)

Wear something comfy that’s easy to adjust around your belly. If you’re planning to snap family photos in our studio or around Downtown Summerville afterward, neutral colors and soft textures look great on camera.

Bring Your Cheer Squad—Within Reason

One of the joys of a keepsake ultrasound is sharing it with loved ones. At Oi Baby, we welcome parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. We also offer live streaming so far-flung relatives in places like James Island or West Ashley can be part of the moment in real time.

Gender Determination: From 6 Weeks (DNA) or 13+ Weeks (Ultrasound)

If you’re counting down the minutes to your reveal, you’re not alone. Many Lowcountry families book a combo: an early 6-week DNA gender test for the first surprise, and a 13+ week ultrasound reveal with 3D/4D/HD previews for the second celebration. It’s the perfect excuse for two parties—balloons in Goose Creek, cupcakes in Hanahan—you get the idea.

Pro Tip: Want total confidence before your Charleston-area reveal? Book your gender check in the morning when babies are often more cooperative, and have a backup plan for weather if your celebration is outdoors.

What to Expect at Your Oi Baby Session

From the second you step through our door at 203 Sweetbriar Road, Summerville, SC, your comfort is our priority. Our spacious viewing area, big-screen monitor, and cushy seating create a celebratory atmosphere so everyone can see baby’s expressions as they happen.

Tech That Makes a Difference

Our studio uses the Samsung Hera W10, one of the top systems for 3D ultrasound, 4D ultrasound, and HD imaging. Paired with a skilled, friendly tech who knows how to coax the best angles, you’ll be amazed by what we can capture—little smirks, sleepy stretches, and sweet hand-to-cheek moments.

Session Flow

• Welcome & Review: We’ll chat about your goals—gender peek, facial close-ups, sibling reactions—and set expectations based on your gestational age.
• Scan Time: We scan gently and patiently to get a variety of angles. If baby’s being camera-shy, we’ll try position changes, sips of water, or a brief stretch.
• Keepsakes: Depending on your package, you’ll leave with printed photos, digital images, video clips, and heartbeat recordings.

What If Baby’s Shy?

It happens! Hands and feet are fascinating toys, and sometimes they end up right in front of the face. If we can’t get the views we want, we offer free redo sessions within two weeks for qualifying packages. Our goal is always to give you a gallery you’re proud to share.

Choosing the Right Package for Your Family

Whether you want a quick peek or the full “we’re-all-crying-happy-tears” experience, Oi Baby has thoughtfully designed packages to fit your goals and budget. Explore our current options and pricing here:

See Oi Baby’s Ultrasound Packages

Great for Early Bonding (13–20 Weeks)

• Oi Baby 2D: Perfect for heartbeat listening, movement, and early gender determination (13+ weeks by ultrasound).
• Oi Baby 4D/HD: Adds real-time motion and HD detail for those magical kicks and stretches.

Best for Facial Close-Ups (27–32 Weeks)

• Oi Baby 4D/HD: The go-to for cheeky smiles and detailed facial portraits in beautiful HD.
• Double Oi Baby: Two appointments—one in mid-pregnancy for movement, one later for face close-ups—so you don’t have to choose.

Bundle Ultrasound + Newborn Photography

We also offer a From Bump to Bundle option that includes a newborn photo session—because those snuggly, sleepy days fly by fast. Many parents book their ultrasound and photography together so the whole journey is documented start to finish.

Local Love: Make a Day of It in Summerville & Nearby

We’re lucky—Summerville is charming, family-friendly, and full of spots to celebrate. After your ultrasound, plan a casual lunch downtown, a walk beneath the pines, or a sweet stop for cupcakes to mark the moment. Driving in from Charleston, North Charleston, Goose Creek, Ladson, Hanahan, or Moncks Corner? Turn your visit into a mini-adventure for siblings and grandparents.

“It’s not just an ultrasound—it’s the beginning of your forever memories.” We built Oi Baby to be a warm, welcoming place where families connect, laugh, and fall a little more in love with the tiny person they’re about to meet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Book Your Ultrasound at Oi Baby

Scheduling is simple, and we’re open 7 days a week to make planning easy for families across the Lowcountry. Choose your preferred package and appointment time online or give us a call. If you’re coming from Charleston or Mount Pleasant, plan for a little extra time to park, gather your crew, and settle in before your scan.

Ready to make memories? Contact our Summerville studio to ask questions or book your spot—we can’t wait to meet you and your little one.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Every pregnancy is unique, and every ultrasound is, too. Whether you’re dreaming of that first 4D ultrasound wiggle, the HD ultrasound close-up that makes you tear up, or a joyful gender determination reveal surrounded by family, Oi Baby is here to make it beautiful, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Ready to book your 3D ultrasound? Contact our Summerville studio today to capture your baby’s first moments in HD.