Cara Canino's baby shower was held at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers. There were presents, mimosas, games, plus a surprising reveal.
"Something different. Something fun. Why not? Other than just playing games why not add a little something extra for the people that won't even expect it," said expectant father Alex Canino.
His wife Cara confessed: "Actually, I had a couple of people say, 'Oh really? You're just going to pull up your clothes in front of everybody at a shower?"
Not exactly. Cara was behind a blue curtain while a technician performed an ultrasound for the entire party to see, in the 3 and 4D. Guests were busy trying to figure out exactly what they were looking at.
Chad Berry pointed to the TV monitor in the middle of the room and said: "The foot is right in front of his face."
He owns Miracles Imaging in Lehigh Acres, which charges $249 for this baby shower package.
"i know we're the only ones in Florida that actually go to the baby showers and do this kind of stuff. I have had some calls recently from people in Miami. 'Will you come to Miami?' " said Berry.
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Berry's wife is the ultrasound technician.
"I'm pregnant now, and I'm definitely having this at my shower. Hopefully, they'll come over to Fort Lauderdale," said guest Michelle Samuelson.
The Caninos' family and friends really enjoyed getting a sneak peak of Lucas, but there are others who are not embracing this baby shower trend.
Obstetrician Jonathan Bratter delivers at Memorial Hospital Miramar.
"This is a medical test, and yes, it doesn't hurt and yes it's easy to do, but it's still a medical test and should be in my opinion for medical purposes only," he said.
Bratter says this test is safe for mother and baby. His concern is what if it detects a rare but possible problem.
"While a fetal demise is not a common occurrence, it is something that we've all seen and often times it goes unnoticed until just a routine ultrasound. I would hate to see that happen with a room full of people," he said.
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Miracles Imaging owners say they understand that risk and work closely with a doctor.
"If there's an issue like that I can call our physician and say we have a problem here. We do no ultrasounds on anybody unless they're under the care currently of a qualified physician nurse practitioner or midwife," Berry said.
Thankfully, this ultrasound served to reassure the Caninos' that their baby boy is well, growing and not shy about all the attention.
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