Diagnostic Ultrasound VS. 3D Ultrasound
Are They One and the Same?
What is the difference between a diagnostic ultrasound that my doctor orders and a 3D ultrasound?
A diagnostic ultrasound is performed as a fetal survey of your baby. A fetal survey is a medical examination and is done to check for abnormalities that may be present in the baby. Fetal surveys are conducted using 2D ultrasound.
A 3D ultrasound provides 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound images of your baby. The purpose of these images is to provide you with beautiful photos and videos to keep and share with friends and family. A 3D ultrasound session is not a medical test and is not performed as a diagnostic medical ultrasound to evaluate the well being of your baby. It should never be considered a substitute for any ultrasound studies that may have been recommended by your doctor.
Who will perform my diagnostic ultrasound?
Your diagnostic ultrasound should either be performed by your OB physician or by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) who is board certified in obstetrics.
When should a diagnostic ultrasound be performed?
A diagnostic obstetric ultrasound monitors the general well-being of the pregnancy. In the first trimester, ultrasound is used to determine the number of embryos, confirm the age of the pregnancy and document the fetal heartbeat. Many women also have a nuchal translucency genetic screening between 11-13 weeks, in which ultrasound is used to measure the space in the tissue on the back of the baby’s neck. Most women also have an anatomy scan around 18-20 weeks. This ultrasound is used to check all of the baby’s developing organs. The baby’s growth is also evaluated, along with the placenta, amniotic fluid levels and fetal heart rate. The gender can usually be determined at this ultrasound as well.
Women with normal pregnancies typically receive only one diagnostic ultrasound from their doctor during their pregnancy, usually between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation.
Women who are in a higher risk group often have multiple diagnostic ultrasound examinations over the course of their pregnancy.
Can I bring my family to my diagnostic ultrasound to see my baby?
Often during the diagnostic ultrasound, the sonographer has a limited amount of time and needs to focus on the required medical images. Most medical facilities only allow one or two people to accompany you and often don’t allow children in the exam room. However, an elective 3D/4D ultrasound is performed in a relaxed and personalized environment. It is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to bond with your baby. This is the appropriate time to bring all of your family and really enjoy watching the baby move around.
Can a 3D/4D ultrasound be used as a diagnostic tool instead of a diagnostic ultrasound?
3D/4D ultrasound can be used as a diagnostic tool, however 2D ultrasound is still the primary method used for diagnostic ultrasound. 3D ultrasound, however, can often be used to enhance a diagnosis that was made in 2D. For example if a baby is found to have a cleft lip on 2D ultrasound, usually a 3D ultrasound will be performed to better visualize the nose and lips.
Do I need both a diagnostic and a 3D/4D ultrasound?
Most pregnant women do not need both a diagnostic and 3D/4D ultrasound. Your doctor will tell you if something was seen on the 2D ultrasound that warrants further investigation with a 3D/4D ultrasound. However, many women choose to have an elective 3D/4D ultrasound in order to bond with their babies and capture this special time with a DVD and photographs.
A diagnostic ultrasound is the ultrasound of choice to access the health of the pregnancy. This is used to answer questions that your obstetrician may have and to reassure you about the growth and development of the baby.
