May 22, 2013

Stork Vision Ultrasound Appointment Calculator

We are often asked by our mommies to be, when is the best time to come in for an ultrasound.  To help you plan the date to come into one of our Stork Vision Ultrasound Centers, we created our online Ultrasound Appointment Calculator.  Simply enter your due date and you will see a calendar which shows the best dates to come in for a 2D, 3D or 4D Ultrasound.

The calendar is color coded and shows you the best weeks to come in for gender determination as well as viewings.  We hope you find our online tool useful and we look forward to seeing you soon!

The sample calendar below shows the best ultrasound dates based on an August 28, 2013 due date.

Ultrasound Calculator Sample

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May 18, 2013

FAQ–What Will Determine the Clarity & Quality of My Ultrasound?

One of the questions that comes up quite often when moms schedule their ultrasound is, “What will determine the clarity and quality of my ultrasound?”    There are many factors involved in obtaining clear images. We use state- of- the-art equipment and highly qualified Sonographers however, there are several factors outside of our control which will determine the clarity and quality of the Images.

  • Fetal positioning: Some babies come ready for their pictures and seem to be posing at every turn. Others simply turn their back on us. Still others cuddle up to the placenta or uterine wall, or hide behind their hands. We know you particularly want to see your baby’s face and we do all we can to encourage your baby to turn your way. Particularly in 3D and 4D, a straight-on face view is not very common. We urge you to relax and enjoy this bonding ultrasound experience while viewing your unborn baby.
  • Maternal tissue: The more tissue the sound waves need to travel through, the less contrast the resulting images have. For this reason, we often find we get better results with our full-figured expectant mothers later in their pregnancy, typically around 20+ weeks for gender determination and 30 – 32 for 3D and 4D. Again, you will get the best images possible with the best equipment and Sonographers, but maternal tissue can be an important factor.
  • Fetal activity: It is breath taking to see your baby in motion during your Ultrasound. A little food or juice before your visit can assist in increasing your baby’s activity (Orange juice is always good). On the other hand, the best still 3D photo images occur when your baby is still or asleep. As always, we encourage you to enjoy your baby’s activity and we’ll do our part to capture the best images possible.
  • Gestational development: Each pregnancy is unique. Some babies are best seen at 20 weeks and others at 32, regardless of maternal tissue or other factors.  Again, we use state-of -the-art equipment and ARDMS® Sonographers to provide you with the best results possible.

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May 6, 2013

Mother’s Day Specials at Stork Vision

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and  we know the perfect gift to ask for (or give to yourself)…..a 3D/4D Session at Stork Vision.

Many of our centers are running Mother’s Day Specials.   Here are just a few…..

Our Eau Claire, Wisconsin center has this great package…..

Our Omaha, Nebraska location is working with Mak Images Photography and when you book your ultrasound package you can also receive a 75% discount on a newborn or maternity photo session.  What a great way to get photos that capture all the phases of your pregnancy!  You can even book your appointment online by clicking here:  http://storkvisionprenatalimagingcenter.fullslate.com.

Our Chicago & Schaumburg, Illinois locations have a $139 3D/4D Special that includes and adorable Heartbeat Bear.

And lastly, if you live near Oklahoma City, you will want to take advantage of their package to celebrate mom which is…

$145 2D, 3D or 4D 30 minute session.  Includes DVD, 8 photos.  A CD can be added for $10 and Heartbeat Bears are 1/2 off.

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April 26, 2013

How Did YOU Share Your Pregnancy News?

We know one of the most exciting times during your pregnancy is the moment you share the big news with your partner.  We thought it would be fun to ask our Storkies on our Facebook page how they announced their news to their significant other and here are just a few of the  responses we heard…..

“A text message with a photo of the pregnancy stick”

“I left a small box on the dresser with the pregnancy stick inside”

“A phone call after the confirmation at the doctor’s office.”

We’d love to hear how you shared the big news with your hubby.  Please leave a comment below.

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April 11, 2013

Interested in Owning Your Own Business?

Have you dreamt about owning your own business?  Have you been looking for a career that allows you the flexibility to spend time with your family while doing something you truly enjoy?

As the founder of Stork Vision, it is my  pleasure to offer you a one of a kind opportunity to own your own Stork Vision® Imaging Center. As a mother myself, I understand how special it is to enjoy time with family and have meaningful careers. Owning your own Stork Vision Ultrasound Imaging center encourages this choice of lifestyle.

While there are many franchising opportunities out there for you to choose from, what separates owning a Stork Vision from the others is our recognized brand, proven business model and  ongoing support.

Stork Vision Brand:

We created a facility for expectant families to view and bond with there baby outside of a clinical setting.  Our Stork Vision Brand ensures quality and consistency by setting and maintaining high standards for customer care, standard protocols, sonographer qualifications, practicing medical direct and quality merchandise.  At every location we are one brand with the same trademarked name and logo.

Proven Business Model and Ongoing Support:

We established the first Stork Vision® Prenatal Ultrasound Imaging Center in 2004, in North Richland Hills, Texas.  Stork Vision has grown from a single store to a multi-store franchise with locations across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

In this time, we have developed a business model that provides franchisors with the support they need to run a successful business.  Our team of professionals will work with you one-on-one from selecting your site to opening your doors and running your business.   Because we have a vested interest in your business, we do everything we can to help make your business successful.

If you are interested to learn more about our franchising opportunities please visit our website Stork Vision Franchising.  Here you will find additional details and a step by step outline to owning a Stork Vision Franchise.

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April 3, 2013

Wondering What Your Baby Will Look Like?

Are you wondering what your baby will look like?  Will she have your blue eyes or dads brown peepers?  Will her hair be curly or straight as a board?  If the suspense is getting the best of you, you should check out the Baby Morpher from The Bump.  This fun little tool will give you a possible peek at what junior will look like.  Just upload a photo of yourself and one of your partner an voila….

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March 27, 2013

FAQ: When Should I Schedule My Ultrasound Appointment?

“When is the best time to schedule an ultrasound?”  is a question we are asked frequently by our  expecting moms and the timing really depends on the type of ultrasound you are going to receive.

2D  ultrasounds can be done as early as 18 weeks gestation and can continue to term. At this point we can usually determine gender (but of course, the baby has to cooperate).

3D ultrasounds and 4D ultrasounds can be done at any time after 18 weeks gestation however the optimal time to have this type of sonogram is between 27 – 30 weeks.   Earlier ultrasounds allow you to see more complete images of you baby. Later ultrasounds reveal improved facial features since the developing fat layer enhances these images–you may even see a smile or the baby sucking his/her thumb!

There are several important factors involved when producing a 3D/4D ultrasound. One factor is the amount of space remaining in the womb. 2D ultrasound sees through everything but when scanning in 3D, everything becomes solid.  Therefore things like the umbilical cord or placenta can act as a barrier if sitting in front of the baby. The most optimal time to see the baby is between 26 – 28 weeks because there is still room in the womb. The further into the pregnancy you are, the more the remaining space decreases.

Another important factor is how much amniotic fluid is present. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the pregnancy. Extra fluid intake a few days prior to coming in for a 3D/4D baby ultrasound scan is known to help with the clarity of the pictures. The placenta position is another element that affects a ultrasound. An anterior placenta is on the front side of the womb and in front of the baby while a posterior placenta is on the backside of the womb and in back of the baby. With 3D/4D imaging, the posterior is ideal however, it is possible to capture the baby regardless.

Regardless of which type of ultrasound you choose, it is important to remember that all images are dependent on the baby’s position, movement, size, and the amount of surrounding amniotic fluid.   As a result, we cannot always guarantee image clarity or quality.

We are very excited to let you know that we have developed a tool to help you determine the best time to schedule your appointment with us.  Click here to use our Ultrasound Appointment calendar .  Just enter your due date and our nifty calendar will show you the best time to come in and see your baby!

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March 13, 2013

Spring is in the Air–March Savings

Good-bye winter and hello spring!  We hope that wherever you are that the change of seasons is upon you.  To celebrate the start of spring, many of our Stork Vision locations are offering March coupons.  Be sure to check out our website and the location nearest you to see what offers we have in your area.   Here is one example of what  our  Stork Vision, Schaumburg, Il store is offering (again be sure to check your location…offers may vary).

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February 22, 2013

Gender Reveal Parties at Participating Stork Vision Stores

We are so excited about a new package several of our Stork Vision locations are offering…..Gender Reveal Parties!

Our Gender Reveal Parties are being offered at our Chicago, Illinois, Schaumburg, Illinois and Eau Claire, Wisconsin locations and they are a fun option for the parents-to-be with family and friends. It’s a wonderful experience finding out the gender of their newest family member together. We start out with a ultrasound for everyone to share in the viewing of the baby. ” Mums” the word on the gender during the scan. Next, the party continues into a room that is set up with cupcakes for the whole gang to bite into. The baby’s gender is revealed with either a pink or blue filling inside the cupcakes.

Gender Reveal Parties On-Site

* There are other options available for Gender Reveal Parties, it’s best to call so that we can determine what best suits your needs.

* All Gender Reveal Parties are required to purchase the gender plus package which includes 2D and 3D pictures burned onto a CD-ROM with 5 printed pictures.

* A heartbeat stuffed animal makes a great add-on for the expectant parents. We record the their baby’s heartbeat into a recording device especially made for these keepsake animals. This is a cherished gift they’ll keep forever.

To book a party for Chicago or Schaumburg call 888.507.2254  and to book a Gender Reveal party in Eau Claire, Wisconsin call 715.514.3400.

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February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day!  We hope your day is filled with lots of hugs and kisses!  And if you are looking for a last minute gift for your sweetie (or yourself), consider a Stork Vision Gift Certificate.  What a great way to celebrate your love!

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