Your Guide to Elective Ultrasounds in Upstate NY: Albany, Saratoga, Troy & More
What Is an Elective Ultrasound?
An elective ultrasound—often offered in 3D or 4D format—is a non-medical scan performed outside routine prenatal care. Unlike diagnostic ultrasounds ordered by a healthcare provider, elective scans do not require a medical order and are not meant to assess fetal health or detect abnormalities. Instead, they typically serve as keepsake experiences for bonding and peace of mind.
Elective vs. Medical Ultrasound: Key Differences
Medical (Diagnostic) Ultrasound
Conducted when medically indicated—such as confirming pregnancy, dating, anatomy scans, growth monitoring, or evaluating complications—and interpreted by trained medical professionals. Insurance usually covers these scans when ordered by a clinician.Elective Ultrasound
Offered as an optional, non-diagnostic experience; results are not shared with your clinician nor intended for medical decision‑making. These scans are typically purchased out-of-pocket.
Benefits & Drawbacks
✅ Reasons people choose elective ultrasounds:
Early gender reveal (often after about 13–15 weeks), keepsake souvenir images or video, and bonding with the baby.⚠️ Risks or concerns:
Medical authorities such as ACOG and the FDA advise that ultrasound should only be used for medical purposes and performed by certified professionals.
Additionally, non-diagnostic scans may give a false sense of reassurance or lead to anxiety over unreviewed or misleading findings.
Skill matters:
The accuracy of ultrasound depends on the technician’s experience and training. Untrained operators may misinterpret what they see or fail to detect important information
When Might You Consider an Elective Ultrasound?
You might consider an elective ultrasound if:
You're already under prenatal care and seeking an extra bonding experience.
You understand it won’t replace medical scans.
You prefer early gender or facial views, but with clear expectations that it's keepsake-only and you will still attend all medically recommended ultrasounds.
Elective Ultrasound Providers in the Capital Region, NY
Here are several providers in Albany/Saratoga/Troy/Clifton Park that offer elective ultrasound services (3D/4D keepsake-style):
1. Mobile Mama Ultrasound, LLC (Albany / Capital Region)
Offers mobile in‑home and office-based 3D/4D elective ultrasound sessions, including early gender determination from around 13 weeks. Performed by an RDMS-level sonographer with extensive OB training. No medical order required, but you must be under physician care
2. Baby Bumps, LLC (Saratoga Springs / Capital Region)
Baby Bumps LLC is an elective 3D/4D ultrasound facility giving expectant mothers the exciting opportunity to view their unborn baby in real time 3D!
Vanessa and Ann collectively have over 50 years experience in ultrasound. The entire staff at Baby Bumps consists of ONLY registered sonographers with multiple years of experience to give you the best images possible.
2. Sneak Peek Keepsake Ultrasound, LLC (Niskayuna / Capital Region)
Here at Sneak Peek, we believe that there is no greater joy than the beginning of a new life. We truly enjoy bringing families together to witness the miracle of life by specializing in 2D, 3D and 4D live ultrasound imaging.
Sneak Peek is owned and operated in Niskayuna, NY and is the only facility in the area providing highly professional and special keepsake imaging service.
✅ Key Takeaways
Elective ultrasounds can be a fun bonding experience but must not replace medical ultrasounds.
They are not covered by insurance, and should only be done in addition to, not instead of, clinical care.
The safest choice is to use experienced, certified sonographers and limit frequency.
The providers listed above serve the Albany–Saratoga–Troy–Clifton Park region and range from mobile keepsake services to full diagnostic imaging centers.
