When Baby Doesn't Cooperate on the Big Day... And What You Can Do About It!!

Only a very low percentage of scans encounter a baby with a stubborn streak and they won't come out and play. For those that don't, we do guarantee a rescan. But the goal is to enjoy an active baby and have a great bonding visit.

Let's start with what you can do BEFORE your ultrasound to help ensure an active baby. If you are able, and we understand scheduling is difficult, make your appointment during the time you know your baby is usually active. On the day of your visit, make sure you eat before the appointment. Liz suggests lots of tropical fruits (bananas, pineapple, citrus fruits etc.) for their health benefits and high sugar content. Your baby will likely feel energized as well. On the drive over, drink orange juice and hopefully the little one will be energized and ready to put on a show. Caffeine should be discussed with your doctor.

You have hydrated (covered in the "Magic of Water" and a MAJOR factor in clear ultrasounds), had a fruit breakfast, and drank orange juice. What can go wrong? For the vast majority of visits, everything will be fine. And we do guarantee a second visit if baby won't cooperate. But there are a few situations that can pose a challenge.

The most common position for a baby in the second and third trimester is upside down and folded up. Hands and feet may block the baby's face. Liz will work with this positioning and get the results you are looking for. A bigger challenge for Liz occurs when baby turns and faces toward Mom's spine. Baby must turn around. If Liz can't get baby to turn (not very common), then a second visit is scheduled and the second visit is almost always a success.

Liz's experience has also noted another position that babies use to "hide" that generally happens during stormy weather. Like a puppy hiding under the bed, some babies will turn and snuggle against the placenta. Without amniotic fluid between the baby and the placenta, we won't get the pictures you want. Liz has her tricks, and they work most of the time, but this may also require a second visit to be scheduled.

If you have hydrated, had a meal of tropical fruit, and filled your travel mug with orange juice and still run into a problem, you need not worry. Baby Expressions guarantees a rescan if we run into a baby "hiding". Rescans are almost always successful