We specialize in pregnancy ultrasounds, offering both diagnostic and elective services to support you throughout every stage of your journey.

In addition, we provide a range of medical ultrasounds commonly ordered by your doctor, including abdomen, gallbladder, thyroid, kidney, pelvic, transvaginal, and small parts imaging.

An elective ultrasound is a non-diagnostic ultrasound designed to give you and your loved ones dedicated time to bond with your baby in a relaxed, comfortable setting, while enjoying real-time moments and receiving keepsake images.

In contrast, diagnostic ultrasounds at your doctor’s office are medically necessary and focused on assessing your baby’s growth and development, making them more clinical and time focused.

Our elective services do not replace medical ultrasounds. Our goal is to provide a meaningful, memorable bonding experience for you and your family.

At A Sound Image, your baby’s safety is always our top priority. We are able to detect and confirm a heartbeat very early using safe ultrasound methods like 2D imaging and M-mode—typically as early as 6 weeks. This allows us to visualize and measure the heartbeat without added exposure.

During the first trimester, your baby is going through a critical stage of development. All major organs and systems are forming during this time and are generally fully developed by around 12 weeks. Because this is such an important period, we take a more cautious approach.

To hear the heartbeat audibly, ultrasound uses something called pulsed wave Doppler, which involves a higher intensity of ultrasound energy compared to standard 2D, 3D, or M-mode imaging. While there is no confirmed research showing harm from first trimester Doppler use, the potential risks are considered theoretical.

Out of an abundance of caution, we typically wait until after 12 weeks to use Doppler for listening to the heartbeat. However, we believe in informed choice—if you would like to hear the heartbeat earlier, we are happy to discuss the theoretical risks with you and honor your decision.

Our goal is to balance safety with a meaningful experience for every family.

For the best possible images, we recommend staying well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment. Good hydration can help improve the clarity of your ultrasound images.

It’s also helpful to have a light snack or something sweet about 30–60 minutes before your session, as this may encourage your baby to be more active during the scan.

The ideal time for 3D ultrasounds is typically between 26–34 weeks, when your baby has developed more facial features but still has enough room to move.

Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience—our goal is to give you a beautiful, memorable bonding moment with your baby.

No, we are not able to estimate your baby’s weight during an elective ultrasound. Determining fetal weight requires specific biometric measurements, which are part of a diagnostic ultrasound. While we can’t provide an official weight estimate, we can definitely admire those chubby cheeks together and make some fun guesses!

If you are interested in knowing your baby’s estimated weight, we are happy to perform a diagnostic growth scan with an official order from your healthcare provider. This type of exam includes detailed measurements and is interpreted by a radiologist or perinatologist, with a formal report sent directly to your provider.

We always strive to provide the highest quality images possible; however, there are times when a baby may not be in an ideal position or other factors beyond our control may affect image quality. Even with an experienced, highly trained sonographer, we may not always be able to capture the desired images.

While we do not offer refunds, we are happy to invite you back for a complimentary follow-up session if needed. Any potential redo appointments will be discussed with you in more detail during your visit, as factors such as fetal position, amniotic fluid levels, and maternal body habitus can sometimes impact image clarity.

At A Sound Image, every ultrasound—both elective and diagnostic ultrasounds—is performed by a registered, highly experienced sonographer, ensuring a higher level of professionalism, safety, and quality than many boutique studios.

We specialize in pregnancy ultrasounds and focus on creating a personalized, relaxed, and intimate experience for every family. Unlike high-volume settings, we take the time to make your session meaningful—allowing you to truly connect with your baby while capturing beautiful keepsake images.

Our combination of medical expertise and a warm, family-centered environment sets us apart, giving you both peace of mind and a memorable bonding experience.

Yes, ultrasounds are considered safe for both you and your baby when performed properly. Ultrasound uses sound waves—not radiation—to create images, and has been used in pregnancy care for many years.

At A Sound Image, every scan is performed by a registered, experienced sonographer who follows established safety guidelines to ensure your session is both safe and comfortable.

As with any prenatal care, we recommend that all clients are under the care of a healthcare provider, and our elective ultrasounds are intended to complement—not replace—medically necessary exams.

• 2D ultrasound is the traditional, flat black-and-white image most commonly used in medical settings. It’s great for viewing basic structures and monitoring your baby’s development.

• 3D ultrasound creates a still, three-dimensional image, allowing you to see more detail—like your baby’s facial features.

• 4D ultrasound is essentially 3D in motion, giving you a real-time video so you can watch your baby move, stretch, or yawn.

• Advanced HD Rendering (5D/HD Live) ultrasound is the most advanced technology, providing highly detailed, lifelike images with enhanced lighting and depth, making it easier to see your baby’s features more clearly.

At A Sound Image, we use advanced technology to give you the best possible view of your baby while creating a memorable bonding experience.

Yes, we are open by appointment only. While we do not accept walk-ins, we may have same-day availability that can be booked directly through our website.

All appointments can be scheduled online, and if you don’t see a time that works for you, feel free to call or text us at (423) 430-8948. We are often able to accommodate special requests by adding additional appointment times when possible.

You can schedule your 3D/4D ultrasound at any point during your pregnancy. However, for the best images, we recommend booking between 26–34 weeks, with the ideal “sweet spot” being 27–30 weeks. During this time, there is typically enough amniotic fluid around your baby to help produce clearer, more detailed images.

Absolutely—the more, the merrier! This is your special moment, and we love celebrating your pregnancy with you.

Our scan room comfortably seats up to 5 adults, and we also have a kids’ corner that can accommodate up to 4 children. Additional guests are welcome to stand if needed.

For larger groups, we recommend arriving right at your scheduled time, as our waiting area is shared with other businesses and space may be limited.

Our space is more than just A Sound Image Ultrasound Studio—we’re proud to be part of a wonderful women’s health collaborative here in the Tri-Cities. Alongside our studio, you’ll find Optimal Nurturing Lactation & Wellness, Streams of Life Birth and Wellness, and Empassion Pelvic Health & Massage.

We’re truly grateful to be surrounded by such an incredible group of providers, all dedicated to supporting women and families through every stage of their journey.