Anxiety in Pregnancy: How Your “First Womb Date” Can Bring Peace of Mind

Hey mama  if you’re reading this, you’re likely navigating one of the biggest emotional rides of your life. Pregnancy can bring joy, excitement, hope… and yes, anxiety. Maybe you’re wondering: Is everything okay with the baby? When can I see the baby's heartbeat? Why does this symptom feel weird? You’re not alone and you’re not overreacting. It’s normal to feel that surge of worry when you’re growing a small human inside you.

I run Peek‑A-Bump Ultrasound in beautiful Bellingham, WA, and every day I meet moms who come in for our First Womb Date ultrasound (starting around 8 weeks) and say how much relief it brings them. So today I’m writing this for you: the mom who needs a little reassurance, the partner who wants a calm moment, the family who wants to see something tangible instead of just waiting. 

Why anxiety shows up in early pregnancy

There are so many valid triggers:

• You’re waiting for your first official prenatal appointment and ultrasound. Until then, you’re in limbo.  This issue is becoming more and more common, especially for those in British Columbia Canada where you might not get your first appointment till 11-13 weeks in pregnancy!
  
  

• You may have had a prior loss or difficulty and that makes your heart race every time you feel a new twinge.
  
  

• Your body is changing fast, hormones are wild, and that can stir up both physical discomfort and emotional roller-coasters. Can I get an amen on that?
  
  

• You’re wondering about timing, viability, health and you might find the waiting and not-knowing especially stressful.
  
  

• Everyone else seems calm or breezy, and you feel alone with your worry, but trust me when I say you are NOT alone!
  
  

If any of this resonates, know this: your feelings are very valid. Pregnancy doesn’t come with a “no-worry guarantee” and that’s okay. What is encouraging is there are tools and moments you can choose to help ease the uncertainty.

How the “First Womb Date” at Peek-a-Bump can help

Here’s what I love about offering early ultrasounds (starting at about 7-8 weeks) at Peek-a-Bump:

• You see your baby’s heartbeat flicker, you see the little shape of life in motion. That kind of visual can calm the mind in a way words alone can’t.
  

• You’re in a warm, non-clinical, family-friendly space. You’re not just rushed in and out. You’re welcome to bring your partner, maybe siblings, maybe your mom or best friend.
  

• We focus on you and your baby—not a medical exam, but a bonding “womb-date” moment. As I say: seeing your baby on screen brings peace of mind that numbers or labs alone can’t provide.
  

• The earlier you come (8–10 weeks is a sweet window), the more you’ll catch: little arms, little legs, little movements, a heartbeat that’s strong. We recommend 8 weeks or later rather than rushing too early.  My personal favorite week in the first trimester is 9-10, but if you are anxious and want to come in before that, don’t worry, you can come see baby any time! Peek-a-Bump Ultrasound
  

What other moms are saying!

Don’t take my word, just take a peek at just a few of our 75+ reviews! 

Here are a few quotes from our past clients:

“This was such an amazing experience! Roxana was amazing at getting images of our little girl! … So excited to come back in a few weeks for my 3D scan!” 

“We can’t recommend Roxana enough if you’re looking for peace of mind in those early days, an early gender reveal, or a fun 3D ultrasound. … Throughout my pregnancy, we went in four times and every visit was full of kindness, excitement, and lots of knowledge (and cookies!).” 

“Roxana was absolutely amazing!! Welcoming and such a joy. … Definitely worth the trip!!” 

These testimonials remind me every day why I opened this studio: to give parents not only memorable images, but also a moment of calm, connection and confidence.

Your next step

If your heart is racing, if you can’t quite quiet the “what ifs”, if you’re wishing you could see your baby instead of just hoping it might be time to book your early “First Womb Date.” Here’s what to consider:

• Schedule somewhere between 7 and 10 weeks (we recommend starting at 8 weeks because you’ll get more clarity and movement than earlier)

• Bring your partner, or a loved one, so you’re sharing the moment

• Ask questions, make your space comfortable, allow yourself to just breathe for a few minutes and soak it in

• Know that yes while the ultrasound is elective, and it’s not a substitute for your medical prenatal care,  it is a powerful tool for emotional reassurance and bonding
  
  

If you’re local to Bellingham or the surrounding area including British Columbia Canada, I’d love to meet you and your little one. We’ll dim the lights,show you your baby on the big screen, and just let you have a kind, calm, “wow ­ I’m growing a human” moment. P.s you might even get a homemade sweet treat after your ultrasound!

Peace of mind is priceless, Book your First Womb Date package today, and recieve a coupon code for next time you want to peek at baby!

Why Parents Choose Elective Ultrasounds – In Their Own Words

Why Parents Choose Elective Ultrasounds – In Their Own Words

Before I share some of the 80+ five-star reviews Peek-A-Bump Ultrasound has received, let’s talk about a few reasons why you might choose to get an elective prenatal ultrasound.

For many families, there’s more than one reason to visit Peek-A-Bump Ultrasound. Some experience delays in getting their first prenatal ultrasound. Others may be juggling work or dealing with scheduling conflicts that make it hard for their partner to attend medical appointments.

Some parents simply want to watch their baby grow — to connect with the life they’re nurturing. It’s rewarding to see the little one you’re working so hard to grow.

Many are eager to find out or confirm their baby’s gender before the standard 20-week anatomy scan — and that’s assuming you can even get scheduled right at 20 weeks. Local medical offices are often booked out, leading to delays.

For some women, the anxiety of pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Seeing their baby on screen brings peace of mind that no pregnancy test or HCG number can match. This is especially true for those who have previously experienced miscarriage and are seeking reassurance that their baby is growing healthy and strong.

For families coming in for a 3D ultrasound, it’s an entirely different experience than the standard 2D images typically offered at medical appointments. It’s not just a picture — it’s a chance to meet your baby. You can see who they might look like, catch a glimpse of their mannerisms, and watch their expressions. Do they sleep with their hands by their face? Are they thumb suckers? Toe suckers? A 3D ultrasound offers a peek into life in the womb, which is why we say getting an ultrasound with us is like going on a “womb date” with your baby — a special chance to get to know them a little better.

Just yesterday, I did an ultrasound for a little girl who loved her hands — she kept playing with them and stuffing her fingers into her mouth. These sweet personality traits are things her parents wouldn’t have known without coming in for a 3D ultrasound.

Another benefit of getting an elective ultrasound at Peek-A-Bump is that because we’re nondiagnostic, the focus is entirely on allowing you to see your baby. We're here to showcase their beauty, their personality, and to do it all in a warm, non-clinical, family-friendly environment.

Older siblings also get to join in the experience. Meeting their baby brother or sister makes the idea of a new sibling feel more real — it helps build a bond! And if they get a little bored because their sibling isn’t quite as entertaining as Bluey, we’ve got that covered. Our kid-friendly play corner is set up with toys to keep little ones busy so you can relax and enjoy your time with your baby.

Some women choose to come on their own — to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a quiet moment in pregnancy to focus on the new little life growing within them.

Self-care might look like getting your hair or nails done… or it might mean visiting a cozy, welcoming studio to see your baby.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here are just a few of the many glowing reviews we’ve received — they fuel my passion for what we do at Peek-A-Bump Ultrasound every single day!

Ascher Coleman:
“This was such an amazing experience! Roxana was amazing at getting images of our little girl! Plus, the things you get to take home after are more than worth the price. The app integration so you have a video of your ultrasound, the heartbeat stuffed animals you can buy, it’s all so wonderful! So excited to come back in a few weeks for my 3D scan!”

Heather Rankin: “I cannot recommend this place enough! She really made the whole experience so amazing! My little guy was being so stubborn and hiding a lot and she really went above and beyond to try to give us the best pictures she could. If you are contemplating doing a 3D scan, just do it! Such a friendly, warm and welcoming person and environment. If I could give her more than 5 stars I would!”

Aisha Jurado: This is our second time with Roxana and I’m happy we went back again each time is a good experience, the studio looks beautiful and just moved locations to a place with great parking !! Highly recommend going here she gives also enough time for baby to be able to move around for different photos

Juliana Cosper: We can’t recommend Roxana enough if you’re looking for peace of mind in those early days, an early gender reveal, or a fun 3D ultrasound. Throughout my pregnancy, we went in four times and every visit was full of kindness, excitement, and lots of knowledge (and cookies!). She really loves what she does and made the whole experience so special for us. We’ll definitely be back for any future pregnancies and always tell our expecting friends to go see her

Gabrielle Waslohn: Roxana has done ultrasounds for all of our babies and it has been so fun to have her be a special part of our journey each time. She is so fun to be around and makes each appointment so special and fun. She even let my daughter help scan our baby! We are so thankful for the part she has played in our family’s journey.

Lydia Sorescu: Roxana was absolutely amazing!! Welcoming and such a joy. Her new clinic is spacious with a beautiful ultrasound room set up. It was nice and dim in the room, cozy place and comfortable. Tv screen on the wall so mom on the table can see the little one on the big screen. We wanted the gender to be a surprise, and Roxana made sure to put the gender in an envelope and was extra cautious during the ultrasound as to not have baby expose itself. The waiting room had so many cute items to look through; teddy bear heartbeats, some baby items, confetti poppers and so much more. Definitely worth the trip!!

Best Time and Tips for Amazing 3D Ultrasound Photos During Pregnancy

How to Get the Best 3D Ultrasound Pictures?

What are some tricks to get the best 3D ultrasound pictures?

Now, you’ll have to forgive me if I get a little passionate about this topic. I’ve done thousands of ultrasounds, and it can be such a special moment in pregnancy when you see your baby. But… getting a 3D ultrasound is the difference between just seeing a profile of your baby and actually meeting your little one in 3D! The 3D view shows so much more detail than a regular ultrasound.

3D ultrasounds have been around for over 20 years, and in that time, they’ve become clearer and more impressive. The similarities between the ultrasound images and how your baby looks after birth can be amazing. I’ve seen it firsthand with my nieces and nephews, and when clients share birth photos with me. It still surprises me how much the 3D images resemble the babies once they arrive!

Before I dive into tips on how to get great 3D images, let me explain how 3D ultrasound works:

A regular 2D ultrasound gives you a flat, black and white image of your baby, kind of like a silhouette or an outline of their profile.

When I switch to 3D ultrasound, the system captures images from multiple angles and creates a three dimensional view. If I focus the scan on the baby's profile, the 3D image can give us a straight-on look at your baby’s face, so you can see features like their nose, mouth, and those sweet cheeks!

The key thing to understand about 3D ultrasound is that we’re scanning through several layers—mom’s skin, belly tissue, uterus, and sometimes even the placenta! You might think, “How on earth will you get any cute pictures of the baby?” That’s a great question—I’d love to tell you! (To quote Elyse Myers 😄)

So again… what can you do to get a great 3D ultrasound?

Follow these 4 easy tips! If you’re going to invest in a 3D ultrasound, why not give yourself the best chance of seeing your baby clearly?

I hightly recomment reading the whole blog, but here is the FAQ for a short version.

Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Ultrasounds

Q: When is the best time to get a 3D ultrasound?
A: The best time is between 27–35 weeks. If you have an anterior placenta, earlier (around 27–31 weeks) may give clearer images.

Q: Does drinking water help improve 3D ultrasound images?
A: Yes! Staying well-hydrated for at least a week before your appointment helps increase amniotic fluid, making baby’s features clearer.

Q: What should I eat before my ultrasound to make baby move?
A: Try fruit, a smoothie, or a small coffee about 15 minutes before your appointment to gently wake baby up.

Q: Can I still get good pictures if my baby is hiding?
A: Yes—we have tricks to help baby move, and sometimes waiting a few minutes or switching positions can make all the difference.

Intreaged? Get more details below!

Step 1: When Is the Best Time for a 3D Ultrasound?

Schedule your ultrasound during a window when great images are most likely.

A. Choose the ideal weeks to come in:

Some parents come in more than once, maybe around 22–26 weeks, and again at 28–36 weeks to see how baby has grown. Others come in just once, typically between 27–36 weeks. While we can do 3D ultrasounds earlier or later, these weeks tend to give us the best views.

B. Ask your OB where your placenta is located:

If you have an anterior placenta (in front of the uterus), it's best to come in earlier before 31–32 weeks. An anterior placenta adds another “layer” between baby’s face and the probe, which can make viewing harder if the baby is bigger and fluid levels are lower. Either way, hydrate! Hydration makes a big difference in clearing those “layers.”

Step 2: How to Drink Water Before a 3D Ultrasound for Best Results

Increased water intake can result in clearer images because more amniotic fluid surrounds the baby. Try to drink 70–90 oz of water daily during the week leading up to your appointment.

As your appointment gets closer, drink more water than usual. Carry a water bottle with you, and if plain water isn’t your thing, try flavored water or herbal teas. For moms with an anterior placenta, hydration is especially important, it helps the ultrasound see past that extra layer.

Unlike cramming for a college exam, drinking water only the night before won’t help much. Preparation matters, so don’t skip this step!

And don’t worry, you can empty your bladder before your 3D ultrasound. We want comfortable moms, not moms doing the “gotta-pee” wiggle! 😂

Step 3: What to Eat Before a 3D Ultrasound to Help Baby Wake Up

We recommend eating a snack with natural sugar or mild caffeine about 30 minutes before your appointment to help wake your baby up.

Good options include fruit, a smoothie, flavored water, or something like a latte, anything that usually gets your baby moving. Active babies make for more fun ultrasounds!

We do not recommend energy drinks, as they can actually have a counterproductive effect on baby’s activity.

Step 4: Relax and enjoy

If baby is in a tricky position when we start, don’t stress. We have a few tricks to help them move, and sometimes they just need a little time or gentle encouragement.

In the meantime, enjoy seeing whatever parts of baby we can see, feet, hands, ears, etc. Some babies have shy personalities, and that’s part of the charm! Talk to your baby, take deep breaths, or play music they like to move to.

We encourage you and your partner to be active participants during the session. After all, this is a special bonding experience with your little one!

At Peek-a-Bump Ultrasound in Bellingham, we specialize in 3D/HD and 4D/HD Live ultrasounds that let you meet your baby before birth. If you’re in Whatcom County or the surrounding areas, we’d love to help you capture those unforgettable moments.

Peek-A-Bump Ultrasound: Your First Look at Baby Starts Here

Seeing Those Two Lines... Now What?

Seeing those two lines on a pregnancy test... wow, what a moment!
Whether it’s a complete surprise, a long-awaited positive after infertility, or the exciting confirmation of a planned pregnancy, your mind instantly starts swirling with emotions. You might even freak out a little (totally normal!). But take a deep breath... after all, you’re breathing for two now. 😊

Before long, the excitement to see your baby kicks in—because seeing is believing, right?

At Peek-A-Bump, we offer first trimester ultrasounds starting at 8 weeks so you can meet the tiny human who's already making a big impact (and maybe making you a little sick too!). We know pregnancy can come with a lot of anxiety, and we’re here to help ease some of that. Countless moms have shared how much peace of mind this first ultrasound gives them. Watching their baby’s tiny heart flicker and hearing that unforgettable thump-thump-thump—like a little train chugging along—is pure magic. That strong heartbeat means all the blood flow and energy are hard at work helping your little one grow!

Why We Recommend 8 Weeks or Later

It’s amazing how much growth happens in the first trimester!
We recommend coming in around 8 weeks because we specialize in abdominal ultrasounds rather than transvaginal scans. To give you an idea:

• At 6 weeks, your baby is about the size of a grain of rice.
  

• By 7 weeks, they’re roughly the size of a blueberry—still less than half an inch!
  

Waiting until at least 8 weeks usually means you'll get a much clearer and more exciting glimpse of your baby. That said, we totally understand if you're anxious and want to come sooner—you’re always welcome to book when it feels right for you!

A Little Secret... My Favorite Time for First Trimester Ultrasounds

Between 9 and 10 weeks is hands-down my favorite stage to scan.
Why? Because your baby looks just like a tiny gummy bear! Their little arms and legs are forming, and if we’re lucky with their position, I love sneaking in a few 3D/HD pictures. Babies at this stage are often showing off their ninja moves—high kicks, wiggles, and all! It’s seriously the cutest thing you'll ever see.

Come Experience It for Yourself!

We invite you to come to Peek-A-Bump Ultrasound and enjoy our warm, relaxing environment.
Getting that first peek at your baby during the first trimester is truly a moment you’ll never forget—I promise you won't regret it!

Below are some examples of baby’s in the first trimester, 6-12 weeks! How sweet are these little ones? Click here to schedule your first trimester ultrasound!