3D/4D Prenatal Ultrasounds
A Father’s Experience
“I felt such an incredible sense of excitement when I first saw my son.” “My daughter is so beautiful. She looks just like her Mom. ” “Look at my son. I can’t wait to play football with him.” are just a few of the comments from dads during their 3D/4D ultrasound. During their 3D/4D ultrasound many dads come to feel a greater sense of fatherhood when they see their baby’s face for the first time. Their baby becomes a little person with their pudgy cheeks and funny expressions and it is not unusual for Dad’s voice to be the one the baby responds to. Military father’s who are deployed can be part of the bonding experience by watch their baby’s 3D/4D ultrasound via the internet. As an Air Force veteran myself, there is nothing that makes me happier than being able to give our military dads the ability to see their baby from half way around the world. They give up so much and it’s nice to be able to give them something back.
Some families say they feel frustrated or disappointed with the conventional black and white “blurry” ultrasounds images that they often can’t understand. 3D/4D images give a realistic picture of their baby while showing their movements in the womb. Parents say they feel a much stronger connection with their baby and the experience makes becoming a family “more real”. There is nothing to compare to the excitement of the future big brother or sister when they see “their baby” for the first time. As research shows, realistic images provided a connection between parents and baby that can be beneficial to the entire family.
3D/4D technology uses the same ultrasonic sound waves as 2D with the difference in the sound wave patterns and software producing the 3D/4D images. Not all prenatal providers have the technology available in their facility. 3D/4D elective ultrasound facilities provide all expectant families this unique bonding experience.
When considering an elective ultrasound, safety may be a concern for the expectant mother. 3D/4D ultrasounds, when preformed properly, have not been found to be any more or less intrusive to a fetus then the conventional 2D imaging. Over 35 years of on-going research has not found ultrasounds to cause harm to the mother or baby. Reputable facilities will have established safety guidelines and will follow FDA guidelines for ultrasound imaging. The facility should request verification that the mother is under medical care, as elective limited diagnostic ultrasounds do not replace regular prenatal care.
When looking for a facility it is important to ensure that you are being seen by a reputable imaging center. Facilities often provide a more comfortable environment than a traditional medical office, but remember an ultrasound is a medical procedure and staff should be professional in all aspects of service. The provider should be experienced with appropriate training. Some states, including Connecticut, require a medical order by a physician. You should ask if your doctor will need to provide the order or if the facility has a qualified MD on staff.
When making an appointment for a 3D/4D ultrasound you will want to consider the stage of your pregnancy. Most facilities suggest between the 26th and 34th week as the baby has become more developed with increasing weight gain. 3D/4D ultrasounds can be preformed prior to the 26th week, which allows a fuller view of the body and the baby’s movements.
3D/4D ultrasounds used in conjunction with 2D ultrasound scans provide expectant families a unique and intimate bonding experience. Many facilities offer discounts to active duty military families. Internet connections offering family and friends the opportunity to watch are also often available.