To get a 3D ultrasound or not to get a 3d ultrasound.. that is the question.

When considering whether or not to have a 3D ultrasound, the two main factors in my decision was a) would it harm my baby and b) how much would it cost. After speaking to my midwife about what I read in a bunch of google about how it can really mess up your baby, I was assured that it would be fine (I was only planning on doing a short one for pictures!) and to stop reading posts from crazy people. So.. now to consider price.

A lot of places will take you for all your worth when it comes to 3D ultrasounds (at least here in Canada)... I have friends who have paid hundreds of dollars for it and came out happy that they did. I on the other hand refused to pay the ridiculous prices I kept seeing. After a bit of research (aka a lot of Googling), I found a few places around the GTA offering deals on certain days and settled on one place that did a 20 minute ultrasound with gender determination and a couple printed pictures for $99 if you booked on a Tuesday.

 I will never forget seeing Mila's big cheeks for the first time during that ultrasound and finding out that I was having a girl. I had always thought that the babies in the ultrasounds would look like little aliens, and while she did have alien like looks to her, she was completely and utterly a baby. I watched as she yawned and moved her little arms and legs around and even snuggled into the placenta. It's honestly an experience that, while expensive, is totally worth a sneak peek at the little one growing inside of you.

The detail in this 3D ultrasound photo still amazes me today... I had to take a picture of Mila at the same age after birth and compare.

If you do end up going, the best time to do so is between 24 and 30 weeks. This way you get to see all the features and it makes for a more interesting ultrasound as they are active and still have room to move around.. which is really cool to watch.

To me, the 3D ultrasound was completely worth it, even being the cheapo I am. I got an experience I'll never forget and I was able to for SURE know that I was having a girl (and therefore go shopping!).