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An Elwood ultrasound clinic is offering its clients - and up to 15 of their friends and family - the chance to see the little one's first squirm by watching a 3D ultrasound on a 127cm plasma screen.

It's a time-honoured tradition where expectant mothers are showered with gifts and their girlfriends impart pearls of wisdom. But the humble baby shower is ballooning almost as quickly as mums' bellies, as they shell out for extravagant events.

More mums are taking their showers seriously, splashing out on pamper parties, hiring caterers to make cupcakes with first footprints carved from icing, and compiling guest lists resembling classroom roll calls.

Elliott Rosenberg and his wife Lisa started up what is believed to be the first ultrasound shower in Australia two months ago.

The "gold package" treatment, which costs around $400, starts with a cup of non-caffeinated fruit tea.

Depending on how the baby is feeling, partygoers then watch your baby move in the womb, suck its thumb, yawn or even kick - for up to 35 minutes.

"It's a really nice chance for everyone to bond," Mrs Rosenberg said.

A 19-week scan is undertaken in private to ensure there are no medical complications. Parents get a DVD of the baby moving in real time, set to music, and a CD of the photographs.

Pink Frosting director Kathryn Porritt said lavish baby showers, which had always been big business in America, were taking off in Australia.

"The baby shower is becoming a milestone celebration in a woman's life, like a christening or a first birthday," she said.

Leah Hudson, director of Butlers in the Buff, has also noticed a trend in women wanting baby showers with a twist - she says they are open to hosting parties a tad more risque.

Source: Herald and Weekly Times