NILES — When Ashley Ferrier was pregnant with her daughter, she got an ultrasound in high definition that allowed her to see her child’s features for the first time. It was a special moment that Ferrier knew she wanted to give to other moms and their families.

“I had never thought about ultrasound until I was going through pregnancy,” Ferrier said. “I was just fascinated with ultrasound [after that moment]. Just being able to show people their babies is really rewarding.”

Late last year, Ferrier opened The Bump at 1501 S. 11th St. in Niles. The elective ultrasound studio allows moms a chance to see a detailed image of their child in a relaxed environment. Here, ultrasounds are available in 2D, 3D, 4D and HD Live.

Since opening her doors, Ferrier has helped customers across Indiana and Michigan.

“They are extremely grateful for the service,” Ferrier said. “In the past, they have had to drive to Chicago. People are really happy that there is one locally.”

Ferrier is a graduate of Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis. After high school, she began studying sonography at Lake Michigan College and became a licensed ultrasound technologist. Before opening her business, she spent seven years working in an obstetrics office.

While 2D ultrasounds offer standard blank and white imaging, equivalent to what a woman could see at a medical clinic, 3D shows more of the baby’s features. In 4D moms can see their baby move in 3D imaging. HD live is the newest version of the 3D imaging and offers a difference in lighting.

Ferrier offers ultrasound packages for women starting in their ninth week of pregnancy, so long as the woman has established prenatal care at a facility. She emphasized that the business allows families to see an ultrasound of their child, but does not diagnose the health of the baby.

Ferrier also offers moms the chance to find out the gender of their baby at 15 weeks into the pregnancy — about a month earlier than OB offices. Ferrier adds a few special touches to make the moment memorable, too. When the baby’s gender is revealed, blue or pink lights will glow behind the TV screen where the scan is shown.

“It’s like a little gender reveal inside the room here,” Ferrier said.

Ferrier also takes pride in offering a large room so that moms can share the moment with many family members and friends. The room has seating for seven people, but Ferrier said moms can bring as many as they want.

“Our room is very spacious,” Ferrier said. “In a hospital, they are there to do one job, and that’s to make sure the baby is healthy. They are not there to entertain. They usually allow you to bring only one person [to see the ultrasound].”

Ferrier also offers mementos to capture the moment, including stuffed animals that can play a recording of the infant’s heartbeat.

Ferrier said she would encourage those who wish to see a sneak peek of their child in a relaxing setting to check out the business.

Those interested in learning more can find details and prices for ultrasound packages available at The Bump’s website: thebumpultrasound.com. Ferrier’s hours vary based on appointment, so she encouraged those interested to call her and find out what slots are available. She can be reached at (269) 262-6022.