Etsy artist sweetcarolinadesign offers a unique piece of custom-made artwork based on a child’s sonogram. She offers 8″ x 10″ prints of the sonogram on professional photo paper, accompanied by a color, font, and wording you choose. For just $22, this is a wonderful way to preserve this most precious first photo of your child. It’s a great gift idea for a friend or family member as well, as long as you can “borrow” their ultrasound photo long enough to scan and email it to sweetcarolinadesign.

When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I went a little ultrasound crazy. I desperately wanted to know if she was a boy or girl, so we took a weekend trip to go to a private ultrasound studio three weeks before I’d have the big diagnostic ultrasound with my midwife. I found out I was having another girl (much to my delight), and got some great photos and video footage to share with friends and family. We went back at 32 weeks for a 3D/4D session. Those pictures were great. We could see her big chubby cheeks, and I think it helped my older daughter prepare for the reality of a new baby.

We might have done the same thing this time, but the drive was a bit much with a toddler in tow, and a closer studio didn’t take appointments before the diagnostic one at the doctor’s office. While many people are against these “recreational” ultrasounds for a variety of reasons, I was pleased with my decision. I really felt it was a bonding experience for the whole family, and I think my daughter will enjoy seeing those pictures one day.

I wish I had them for all three of my girls. Of course these studios cannot diagnose medical conditions. They were completely unaware that I had placenta previa, for example, which was diagnosed by my midwife a few weeks later. There are also concerns about the overuse of ultrasound and possible risks to the baby, although I was satisfied from what I read that there is no reason for concern within limits. Ultimately, everyone has to make their own decision. If you are interested in getting a private ultrasound, you can find one in your area at 1800sonogram.com.