FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We’ve compiled answers to the most common asked questions about our Ultrasounds and Massages here. If you have a specific question that’s not covered below, please contact us and our friendly staff will be happy to help.


  • How clear will the pictures be?
  • What if you can’t capture any clear images?
  • Who will perform my ultrasound?
  • What are the benefits of having an elective 2D/3D/4D ultrasound?
  • What are the benefits for having a 3D/4D ultrasound scan?
  • When is the best time to schedule my 2D/3D/ 4D ultrasound?
  • Why is it more expensive for twins?
  • What do I need to do before my ultrasound, and should I come with a full bladder?
  • Are your non-diagnostic Ultrasounds safe?
  • What should I wear to my ultrasound appointment?
  • How far in advance should I make my ultrasound appointment?
  • What will I see when I’m being scanned?
  • Can I bring friends and family to my ultrasound appointment?
  • Do I need a doctor’s referral & Are ultrasounds covered by health insurance?
  • Why do expecting parents choose us?
  • Will the ultrasound give me any medical information?
  • When will I receive my images and/or DVD?
  • What if I need to reschedule or cancel my ultrasound?
How clear will the pictures be?

The images are usually excellent.  However, we aren’t able to guarantee perfect pictures of your baby because they all scan differently. Factors that affect the quality of the ultrasound transmission are the gestational age, placenta position, amount of fluid surrounding the baby, body tissue, baby position and the mother’s condition can all influence the quality of pictures.

We strongly recommend that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day, for one week prior to your appointment. This increases the amniotic fluid around the baby, assisting the clarity of images.

We do endeavour to capture the highest grade images that can be achieved on the day.  However, if the technician decides the ultrasound scan is not possible for reasons listed above, the deposit is not refundable as it covers the technicians time.

What if you can’t capture any clear images?

If the baby is persistently looking down, covering its face, or positioned up against the placenta wall, it may be difficult to see the face clearly. In these cases, we’ll let you have a walk, a cold drink of water or even give you a gentle tummy massage to try and encourage the baby to move to a more favourable position. We strive to capture the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen, but if your baby is just not co-operating, we’ll happily reschedule the ultrasound scan (Memories, Date with Baby or Embrace Package) for another day at no extra charge.

Reassurance, Precious Glimpse, Miracle of Life, Gender Discovery and Precious Journey do not attract a return visit to capture images if baby is not facing the camera.  We will ultimately do our best to capture 3D Images in the  time allotted for you.  If we are able to capture any images we will make them available to purchase at the end of your scan.

Who will perform my ultrasound?

One of our fully trained technicians will conduct your ultrasound. All our experienced technicians are very caring and delight in making your experience one to remember.

What are the benefits of having an elective 2D/3D/4D ultrasound?

Once you see your baby in this way, we believe you will feel more connected to it than ever before. You can watch your baby move in real time! We’ve seen unborn babies yawn, stretch, scratch their nose or even suck their thumb – a truly amazing experience. Mothers, fathers, siblings and other loved ones build a closer bond to the baby through these incredible ultrasounds.

What are the benefits for having a 3D/4D ultrasound scan?

Precious Previews believe once you see your baby in 3D this will be a realization for some new parents and that you will become more aware of healthy pregnancy habits. With 3D Ultrasound, you see your baby before birth, and with 4D real time technology you can watch your baby move. Imagine seeing your baby yawn, stretch, scratch its nose or even suck its thumb whilst it is still in the womb. It is a wonderful way for mothers to further their maternity and parenting experience and for fathers and siblings to begin bonding with the baby before he or she is born.

When is the best time to schedule my 2D/3D/ 4D ultrasound?

We perform Gender Discovery scans from 14 Weeks at Strathpine (HD Live) and from 15 weeks at Browns Plains, and the optimum time for a 2D/3D/4D scan is between 27 – 34 weeks. If you’re expecting twins, the best time is around 24 to 26 weeks. You can choose what stage of your pregnancy you’d most like to capture.  If you are planing a gender reveal, ensure you give enough time between your party and appointment date, just in case the little one does not show the gender on the day.  In the event this occurs we offer a return visit at no additional charge until we find the gender for you.  You are under no obligation to accept our return visit but we offer it for our gender scans.   Should you do not wish to return your deposit is non-refundable.

Many mothers visit two to three times to capture the different stages of development.

Why is it more expensive for twins?

We endeavour to capture clear images of both your little miracles! As you can imagine, this takes longer than scanning only one baby. We don’t want to rush the process, so we allow for additional ultrasound time and charge an extra $50 per scan.  Sometimes it may only be possible to capture images of one of the twins due to the position of both babies.

What do I need to do before my ultrasound, and should I come with a full bladder?

We recommend that you drink eight glasses of water per day, for one week prior to your appointment. This increases the amniotic fluid around the baby, assisting the clarity of images. You do not need a full-bladder for our ultrasound services.

Are your non-diagnostic Ultrasounds safe?

Yes, there is no risk to you or your baby. Ultrasounds have been used for 35 years with no evidence of harmful effects. Prenatal ultrasounds have been used with confidence by the medical community and are common practice throughout pregnancy to monitor the development of the foetus.  Between 8 and 12 it is not recommended to listen to the baby’s heart by doppler imaging.

What should I wear to my ultrasound appointment?

We recommend that you wear two-piece outfits for ease and comfort. Easy access to the baby makes for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. A dress is not recommended.

How far in advance should I make my ultrasound appointment?

We recommend you make an appointment as soon as possible! Our popular appointment times fill quickly. Just call us or use our booking form. Appointments outside our regular hours may be available but will incur an extra charge.

What will I see when I’m being scanned?

This depends on the position of your baby but you may see it sucking its thumb, moving around, changing position, wriggling its fingers and toes, kicking or stretching. During a 4D scan, you may see your baby poking its tongue out, yawning or smiling.

Can I bring friends and family to my ultrasound appointment?

Absolutely! We are completely a mother focused and family friendly environment. Both our Loganholme & Strathpine studio locations can accommodate up to ten adults comfortably, so you can share and enjoy the experience in our home theatre-viewing environment with your whole family. Our ultrasound imaging rooms have large plasma screens for easy visualisation. At Precious Previews we understand that this is a special moment for mum and dad as well as your guests. Our friendly staff have a special talent for creating a warm, fun and exciting environment.

With Covid-19 Restrictions, we are currently allowing 5 people in for each appointment.  Please follow staff instruction on arrival.  Restriction can change without notice due to government updates.

Do I need a doctor’s referral & Are ultrasounds covered by health insurance?

No, you do not require a doctor’s referral because our services are non-diagnostic. No. Our ultrasounds are an elective and non-diagnostic service, and are not a replacement for your doctor-ordered ultrasound. There is no medical rebate.

Why do expecting parents choose us?

We do not lock you into any of our packages and you can upgrade or downgrade your selected package.  We do not have restrictions on the day you can book your gender scans or 3d/4d ultrasound packages.  We do have seating for up to ten people but if you have more you are welcome to bring them, it just means they may have to stand during the scan, (we have had up to 30 people in our rooms).  Gender Reveals products are onhand ready at reception to purchase over the counter on the day of your scan.  No, you don’t need to have used our services to purchase our gender reveal products.  We are very much a family environment so bring the little ones.

Will the ultrasound give me any medical information?

No. We do not replace the diagnostic ultrasounds your doctor will order. We offer no form of medical advice throughout the session and cannot provide measurements of the baby or establish a due date. If you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, you must seek advice from your medical provider.

When will I receive my images and/or DVD?

We complete everything onsite using the highest quality products. You’ll be able to take your package away with you when you leave our studio.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel my ultrasound?

Our ultrasound appointments are very popular, so we require 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule your ultrasound appointment.  If you need to cancel your appointment, your deposit is non-refundable.


Casting Questions


  • Optimal Time to have it done?
  • Preparation for your appointment:
  • How long does the baby hand & feet casting take?
  • Do you offer a photography service?
  • Will the process hurt or irritate my baby?
  • Does my baby have to be asleep, so they don’t move too much and mess up the casting?
  • What is used in the mixture to make baby castings?
  • What happens at a casting appointment?
  • Does my child have to be a certain age to have a casting done?
  • When will my castings be ready to take home?
  • Can I choose the colour of the casting?
  • Is the process going to be messy?
Optimal Time to have it done?

We recommend you bring your baby in from newborn to 12 weeks, to capture the memory as soon as possible as they grow quickly.

Preparation for your appointment:

The stiller your little baby is during the process, the better the mould.  For best results plan your appointment time when your baby is most relaxed.  This may be during feed time or when they are asleep.   Although the product we use is not toxic, it is highly recommended that your baby’s nails be cut to ensure no residual gets caught under the fingernails.

How long does the baby hand & feet casting take?

The appointment will take approximately 20-60 minutes depending on how many casts are required. The actual moulds take a few minutes each to set.

Do you offer a photography service?

Currently we don’t. We ask each customer to supply either a printed photo or send across a hi-res, good quality and clear photo.  If you would like us to print it for you we can do so for a small fee. Professional ones look great but don’t worry if you don’t have any. Either a 6×4 or 7×5 photo works best.

Will the process hurt or irritate my baby?

No, the material I use is completely safe and leaves very little mess if any at all on babies skin.

Does my baby have to be asleep, so they don’t move too much and mess up the casting?

No not at all! It’s true that the stiller a baby or toddler is, the better the result, but we certainly can’t expect all children to be asleep 🙂 We always try to put your child at ease and make them feel as comfortable as possible, but some children are more fidgety than others. If we think a child has moved too much during a casting we will do it again straight after.

What is used in the mixture to make baby castings?

We use alginate to make all casts. This is completely skin-safe and ideal for baby hand and foot moulds and suitable for all lifecasting work. The formulation we use is dental grade alginate. The final cast is made from plaster, which we pour into the newly created mould.

What happens at a casting appointment?

Firstly I will explain the whole process before starting the casting. We can discuss the options available and will show you example frame styles/colours and mix and match your choices to your photo. Try not to have anything tight/elasticated around your baby’s wrists/ankles on the day as this can leave indentation marks which can show on the casts.

Does my child have to be a certain age to have a casting done?

We primarily work with newborns to 12 months.

When will my castings be ready to take home?

We will aim to get your completed framed casts back to you within 3-4 weeks. This time is needed to clean, prepare and paint the casts, fit them into the frames and add the name plate. Once ready we will inform you and the frame can be picked up from our studio. Collection is required within two weeks of completion to avoid storage fees of $5 per week

Can I choose the colour of the casting?

The actual cast is white, and then painted to your choice afterwards. Our paint options include silver, gold metallic.

Is the process going to be messy?

Not really. We’ll typically moisturise / oil your babies hands or feet beforehand to make it easier to slip out afterwards, and then you can just wash their hands/feet afterwards. The messy bit comes afterwards when we have to pour the plaster into the mould, and then peel the finished cast away from the mould at the end. However, as a precaution we would recommend that you and your baby do not wear designer brands to your appointment.


Pregnancy and Post-Natal Massage Questions


  • What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?
  • What are the benefits of post-natal massage?
  • How will I lie during the massage?
  • Is pregnancy massage completely safe for me and my baby?
  • At what stage of my pregnancy should I have a massage?
  • What if I need to cancel my massage?
What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?

There are so many benefits! Pregnancy massage can release tension and discomfort, minimise muscular imbalance and alleviate sciatic pain. It can ease tension in all areas of the body, relieve headaches and help with leg cramps. It can also reduce stress, assist with sleep and aid circulation and proper posture.

What are the benefits of post-natal massage?

Post-natal massage restores and detoxes muscles after childbirth. It increases strength and flexibility, and soothes areas of tension or muscular pain. Importantly, it offers new mothers some valuable ‘me time’ to recharge their energy so they can maximise their enjoyment of motherhood.

How will I lie during the massage?

At Precious Previews, you can safely lie on your front during your pregnancy massages! No matter what stage you’re up to, our specially designed tables have a supportive hole to safely and comfortably fit around your tummy. If you prefer, you can lie on your side supported by pillows. Our massage therapists will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the massage.

Is pregnancy massage completely safe for me and my baby?

Yes. Our fully qualified massage therapists are specially trained in pregnancy massage. We only use specially selected water-based and nut-free oils that safely restore your body to a more relaxed state.

At what stage of my pregnancy should I have a massage?

We recommended that massage treatment only begins after the first trimester. Our massage therapists will consult with you about any conditions or problems during your pregnancy as certain factors will determine whether massage is suitable or not.

Please Note: If you had a Caesarean birth please wait at least six weeks to schedule your first post-natal massage

What if I need to cancel my massage?

Our massages are very popular, so we require 48 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment.

Precious Previews

Precious Previews are the leaders in 3d/4d ultrasound and the first of it’s kind in Brisbane, proudly opened in 2007.

Browns Plains Hours


Monday Closed
Tuesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday Closed

Strathpine Hours


Monday Closed
Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday Closed

© 2007 - 2016 Precious Previews 3d Ultrasound Brisbane All rights reserved.

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