3D/4D Ultrasounds
The technology of ultrasound has transformed parents' first glimpse of their child. Forget those black and white sonograms that no one but specialists can understand! With incredible new technology, your first introduction to your baby becomes real, meaningful, and emotional. With bated breath, parents experience their baby's first movements, characteristics, and facial expressions. The 3D/4D ultrasound experience lets parents, grandparents, and friends welcome their newest loved one sooner than expected!
What is an elective Prenatal Ultrasound?
The elective prenatal ultrasound technology uses an advanced machine that sends high frequency sound waves. The waves bounce off the tissues of the baby's body at different levels and return to the machine at different frequencies, depending on the density of the tissue. The ultrasound machine is a highly specialized computer that translates the returning sound waves into images for viewing on its monitor.
What is 2D, 3D & 4D Prenatal Ultrasound and how does it work?
The Prenatal Ultrasound Image is the interpretation of the reflected sound waves that form a picture of the fetus. 2D, 3D and 4D are trademarked terminology used in the industry to distinguish the different types of pictures and videos that can be provided.
2D (two dimensional) ultrasound or the traditional ultrasound sonogram, works by listening to the reflected sound waves in a single plain, forming a black and white image.
3D (three dimensional) ultrasound works by a process known as “surface rendering”. In this case, the same sound waves used in 2D are sent at different angles. The reflections then are interpreted through sophisticated software, forming an image of the surface details. A 3D image of the fetus is instantly created with remarkable clarity.
4D (four dimensional) ultrasound is captured in the same manner as 3D ultrasound. Time being the fourth dimension. Instead of looking at a single still image (3D), you are now viewing image after image of the moving fetus to create a live video.
Is it safe?
The ultrasound technology has been used in obstetrics since about 1965. During that time, many extensive studies of the effect of the ultrasound waves took place. None of which had detected any harm to mother or her baby. Actually, physicians require that women with critical pregnancies or those experiencing difficulties, undergo ultrasound scans monthly, and even weekly, throughout much of their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Many of these exams often take about 30 minutes of actual scan time or longer. The actual scan time of a 30-minute session is 15-20 minutes. If there were any known risks this would not be a common practice.
When is the best time to schedule my appointment?
Although they look lovely at any time, babies are not developed enough to look their best before 25 weeks. Yet it is not recommended to wait too late in the pregnancy when baby is too crowded and runs out of space. A range of 26 to 34 weeks is recommended. We'd love to see you at 28 weeks!
What can I do to help improve the quality of my 3D pictures?
Drink plenty of water. Hydration can significantly improve the clarity of the 3D pictures.
How do I choose a 3D/4D Ultrasound Provider?
Although there are plenty of entertaining aspects to a 3D/4D ultrasound, safety and professionalism should always remain paramount when choosing a provider. A responsible ultrasound provider will require proof that the client is seeing a healthcare provider for prenatal care.
The provider should use the system's obstetric mode to keep within FDA-established levels for frequency and power for prenatal use. They should also limit the actual scan time to 30 minutes per session. A session must be immediately suspended if anything adverse is discovered.
The 3D/4D experience is a very special moment during a mother's pregnancy. Remember that word of mouth is the best method to get the facts. Ask around; look for the best experience, a clean facility, the best equipment, and a professional, caring staff.
