2-D and 3-D ultrasounds have become a popular way for parents to get a look at their growing baby. It's a service offered by private clinics.
You can pay a fee and get high-quality photos and videos to keep.
Winnipeg mom Lise Bale already has two boys with another baby on the way.
She has only gotten an ultrasound in hospital, for medical reasons.
She has never had one in a private clinic.
"Given that we don't know the risks of just a regular ultrasound, do you really want to go to a further risk and go with a 3-D version or the colored version?" asked Bale.
"I have family members and friends that have gotten them. It is their choice."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has urged parents to avoid extra ultrasounds deemed not-medically necessary.
Earlier this year, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Canadian Association of Radiologists issued a similar warning.
"With any tool, there's always a potential for harm,” said Health Sciences Centre Radiologist Dr. Ted Lyons.
Ultrasound involves exposing the fetus to an energy source.
While there's no evidence of harmful effects on humans, experts said the practice could involve some risk.
Dr. Lyons, who’s also the past-president of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, said there's no way to know if the technology is being used properly outside hospitals.
"You don't know who's using it. You don't know what training they've had. You don't know what equipment they're using and how safe the equipment is and you don't know how they're using it,” Dr. Lyons said.
Medical ultrasounds are commonly used to monitor the progress of a pregnancy and to find out if a baby is healthy.
People who operate those machines need accreditation from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
The college does not have authority over private clinics.
