First Glance Prenatal Ultrasound Imaging in Thomasville, AL is offering women and their families a personalized opportunity to see their new little boy or girl in an up-close and intimate way.

Anna Sims Gates, a sonographer with 16 years of experience, recently opened this unique service in Southwest Alabama. Open by appointment, First Glance provides a variety of services including, print-out pictures of the baby, videos, gender reveal parties, and a baby boutique.

“When women and their families make an appointment, I do everything I can to provide a happy and celebratory atmosphere. It’s such an exciting time of life,” expressed Anna with a smile.

An expectant mother can begin seeing images of her child in utero as early as 4 ½ weeks after conception and hear its heartbeat at 5-6 weeks. First Glance begins offering glimpses of the baby as early as 8 weeks.

“No physician’s order is needed to make an appointment.” Anna explained, “and it does not replace medical care. I don’t process insurance, so the experience is simple and uncomplicated.”

Gates performs the ultrasounds in a large, comfortable room that can accommodate about 15 people. Images, or video, of the baby are shown in real time on a large screen television.

The 4D ultrasound imaging is the most unique service offered at First Glance.  During a 4D ultrasound a live video is created with movie like quality to capture the baby’s facial expressions.

First Glance Ultrasound packages include:

Anytime Scan – 8 – 40 weeks – $45

See the baby head to toe, hear its heartbeat, get two prints, and optional USB (extra fee) of photos.

Gender Reveal – 14 – 40 weeks – $80

See the baby head to toe, hear its heartbeat, get two prints, and optional USB (extra fee) of photos. Get a $10 credit towards a 4D imaging session and invite up to 12 of your family and friends.

Gender Reveal Party – 14 – 40 weeks – $130

See the baby head to toe, hear its heartbeat, get two prints, and optional USB (extra fee) of photos. Get a $15 credit towards a 4D imaging session and a plush “heartbeat” keepsake. Family and friends may be invited, and food, drinks, and celebration decorations are allowed.

4D Ultrasound Imaging – 25 – 40 weeks – $150

See live, high-definition imaging of the baby’s movements in real time. USB option available, as well.

Because of her interest in sonography, Anna shadowed at the Thomasville Hospital while in high school and in 2004 became a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, with a certification from the Florida Institute of Ultrasound. She worked as a sonographer at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital for 16 years.

“Offering a service like this has always been a dream of mine. Over the last year, with the changes due to Covid, my husband and I debated and decided to just do it,” shared Anna.

The First Glance boutique carries LaJenns Heirloom Clothing, gender reveal items and kits, picture frames, milestone blankets, handprint and footprint canvases, stroller caddies, Big Brother and Big Sister shirts, and an assortment of other baby supplies.

Nestled in the courtyard area of the downtown shopping center, First Glance is a lovely setting for a family celebration. Contact Anna to schedule your celebration today at (334) 830-0689 and visit her location at 118 Alabama Avenue, Thomasville, AL.