Seeing your baby for the first time is truly unforgettable. But when is the best time to book your ultrasound? Whether you want a first glimpse, to find out the gender, or get keepsake 3D/4D images, here’s a week-by-week guide to help you decide.
Early Pregnancy (7–12 Weeks): A First Glance at Baby
First up is our First Glance Session, a 2D ultrasound that starts at 7 weeks. As much as we’d love to offer this earlier, there’s not much to see before that time and we want you to walk away with something magical. This visit is especially popular with parents who’ve just found out they’re expecting and want a little peace of mind and pregnancy confirmation (while keeping in mind that our sessions are elective and not diagnostic). During this visit, we’ll listen to baby’s heartbeat and watch them wiggle and roll around, it’s often the first bonding moment for many of our clients, and many choose to come back for another peek between appointments with their healthcare provider.
What You’ll Experience
•A tiny flickering heartbeat
•Early Development like the yolk sac and fetal pole
• Reassurance if you’re feeling anxious
Second Trimester (13–27 Weeks): The Gender Reveal Window
Next we have our GENDER DETERMINATION SESSION, which starts at 17 weeks. While gender can sometimes be spotted earlier, we feel confident making that call once baby is a bit bigger! We don’t do guesses here, only confident confirmations! This session is done in 2D and includes a look at baby’s heartbeat. Depending on your preferences, we can tell you the gender during your visit, put it in an envelope for a surprise later, or keep it a secret until the big reveal. Some parents bring a whole crew of loved ones for this moment, while others opt for a quiet, intimate experience. We also offer a sneak peek in 3D/4D/HD Live during this session (if time allows and upon request!).
Don’t want to wait to find out if baby is a boy or girl? We offer SneakPeek Early DNA Gender Test! Starting as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy, this test allows you to find out baby’s gender through a simple blood draw. It’s fast, safe, accurate and let’s be honest, perfect for those of us who just cannot wait! Whether you want to know ASAP or plan a surprise reveal, this is a fun option to kick off the journey early. You’ll get results straight to your email in just a few days, and it pairs perfectly with our First Glance ultrasound if you’re wanting to hear that sweet heartbeat too.
What You’ll Experience
•Full-body baby movements
•Facial profile, hands, feet
•Clear genitalia for gender determination
Third Trimester (24–33 Weeks): The Best 3D/4D Views
Now for our most popular visit: the Basic 3D/4D/HD Session. This is where we get to see those squishy cheeks and tiny features that make everyone say, “Oh my gosh, they look just like……!”
We’ve found the golden window for this session is between 24 and 33 weeks. Earlier than that, baby may be too tiny to show off their features, and after that, they may be too cozy and curled up to get a clear view.
One important tip for this session: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The more fluids you drink in the days leading up to your appointment, the better the amniotic fluid levels, which helps us get those crystal-clear images.
If you know you’re going to want to see baby twice in 3D/4D/HD, then our Premium 3D/4D/HD Session is for you. This two-visit package is perfect for parents who want to see just how much they’ve changed over time. We recommend booking your first visit between 24–26 weeks, and your second between 33–35 weeks. You’ll hear baby’s heartbeat during both visits and walk away with double the memories (and probably double the photos!).
What You’ll Experience
• Chubby cheeks, yawns, stretches
• Detailed facial expressions in HD Live
Ideal Package at Nest - Full Pregnancy Journey
For the parents who want it all, there’s The Nesting Journey package. This is our full pregnancy experience, with four visits spaced out to match every stage of the journey. Your first visit (7–12 weeks) offers that early heartbeat moment with a 2D ultrasound. The second visit lands in your second trimester for a gender determination or confirmation, and the third and fourth are saved for those magical 3D/4D/HD visits in your third trimester. You’ll leave with a beautiful timeline of your baby’s growth and plenty of sweet keepsakes to love.
What You’ll Experience
• Four visits timed across all three trimesters
• Early 2D heartbeat scan (7–12 weeks)
• Gender reveal or confirmation (17–20 weeks)
• Magical 3D/4D/HD moments in third trimester
• A keepsake timeline of baby’s growth
Heads or Tails Visit: A Final Peek Before Delivery
For those nearing the finish line, our Heads or Tails Visit is perfect for parents who are 36 weeks and beyond. This session is a quick check-in to see what position baby is in…head down, breech, or maybe still doing somersaults! It’s a fun way to get a sneak peek at how baby is prepping for their big debut. We’ll take a look using 2D imaging, listen to that familiar little heartbeat, and give you peace of mind (or at least a little preview!) of what’s going on in there. It’s a great visit for those final weeks when anticipation is at an all-time high.
At Nest, we’re all about making the most of every milestone, creating a cozy, welcoming space, and giving you the chance to bond with your baby before they’re even here. Whether it’s your first time seeing that little flicker of a heartbeat or watching them yawn in HD, we feel so honored to share these moments with you.
What You’ll Experience
• A quick 2D ultrasound to check baby’s position (head down, breech, or transverse)
• Listen to your baby’s heartbeat one more time before the big day
• Peace of mind and reassurance as you approach delivery
• A sneak peek of baby’s movements or profile (if baby allows!)
• A chance to relax, celebrate, and soak in one of the final milestones of your journey
FAQs About Ultrasound Timing
What’s the earliest I can see my baby on ultrasound?
Most providers offer early ultrasounds starting at 7 weeks to confirm heartbeat and development.
When can I find out my baby’s gender?
We recommend coming in between 17–20 weeks for the most accurate gender scan.
When do 3D/4D images look the best?
Most clients book their 3D/4D sessions between 28–32 weeks for best clarity and baby position.
Can I come in more than once?
Absolutely! Many of our clients come early in pregnancy for peace of mind and return later for keepsake photos.