If you are expecting a child, you may want to consider a 3D or 4D ultrasound to see your baby’s face for the first time. A 3D ultrasound can provide a level of detail that traditional 2D ultrasounds cannot, offering expectant parents both a treasured keepsake and the opportunity to bond with the baby well before birth.
How Does It Work?
A standard medical ultrasound works by emitting sound waves to create an image. Sounds are sent out and then bounce back to the ultrasound machine. Those sound waves are then interpreted as an ultrasound image.
A standard 2D ultrasound listens to sound waves on only one plane, which results in a flat, two-dimensional image. A 3D ultrasound emits sound at multiple angles and then uses an algorithmic process called surface rendering to interpret the sound waves and create a three-dimensional image. The details available in a 3D ultrasound image allow parents to view their baby’s body and facial features with much more detail offered by a 2D ultrasound. While 2D ultrasounds are useful for examining an infant’s internal organs, more and more expectant parents are opting to obtain a 3D ultrasound because it results in an image that looks more like the baby.
Expectant parents may also opt for an even more advanced 4D ultrasound, which also emits multiple sound waves and renders several images per second for a real-time look at the baby in the womb. Parents can watch their baby move around, smile, or yawn. This offers a powerful bonding opportunity for parents well before their child is born.
A 3D ultrasound can also offer the baby’s siblings the opportunity to bond with their new brother or sister. Studies suggest that 3D ultrasounds increase familial involvement with the pregnancy and birth as well. Images and videos produced by a 3D or 4D ultrasound can be preserved, offering a priceless keepsake that families can cherish.
3D and 4D ultrasounds have benefits for parents as well as physicians. Using advanced ultrasound technology means that physicians can identify certain birth defects that might not show up on a traditional 2D ultrasound, like a cleft palate. This offers families and physicians the opportunity to develop a treatment plan before birth.
How Is An Ultrasound Done?
A 3D or 4D ultrasound is conducted exactly the same way as a traditional 2D ultrasound: the patient lies down and a specially-trained technician places a special gel over your stomach. This gel helps conduct the sound waves to and from the machine. The technician will place a probe against the patient’s belly and slowly move it around to obtain an image. The test is completely painless for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Are 3D and 4D Ultrasounds Safe?
3D and 4D ultrasounds utilize the same technology and equipment as the 2D ultrasounds that are performed at hospitals and physicians’ offices every day. They also use the same amount of power as a 2D ultrasound. Extensive studies over the past thirty years have demonstrated that 3D and 4D ultrasounds are safe for both mothers and developing fetuses. Of course, as with any procedure, it is important for anyone opting for a 3D or 4D ultrasound to find a reliable, well-trained provider. Specially-trained 3D ultrasound providers will be skilled in minimizing the baby’s exposure to ultrasound.
For expectant parents, the months leading up to the birth of a child can be hugely exciting. Beyond our 3D and 4D ultrasound packages, we offer a full range of cost-efficient services for expectant mothers, including newborn photography and health and wellness services like Lamaze and newborn CPR classes. Our sonogram technicians are experienced and certified in obstetric sonography. We welcome families and encourage you to bring your loved ones with you to your appointment.
A 3D or 4D ultrasound is a safe way to obtain a priceless memento before your child is born. Our highly skilled technicians can provide you a highly detailed image or moving video of your baby that you and your family will cherish forever.
