What are they, and why is everyone always talking about them? As an expectant mother, you’re excited to see your baby at every stage, from the first little dot on the monitor to the sweet kicking baby ready to enter this world. Every ultrasound is a moment to treasure.
With insurance companies restricting the number of ultrasounds allowed during a pregnancy, more parents have begun to utilize 3D/4D ultrasound centers as a way to get extra viewing time. These centers typically provide an “elective” service, which is usually not covered by insurance.
Do these services replace my regular OB/GYN visits?
Definitely not. You should still be under the care of your physician or nurse midwife (where appropriate).
What are the benefits of a 3D/4D ultrasound?
Studies show the bonding experience provided by a 3D/4D ultrasound can help mothers improve their diets, exercise more frequently, and eliminate harmful behaviors such as smoking and drinking. For fathers and siblings, the chance to see the baby and create a pre-birth bond is instrumental in drawing the whole family closer during this time of change.
What exactly is a 3D or 4D ultrasound?
A 3D ultrasound is performed using the exact same machine as a 2D ultrasound. The difference is a 2D ultrasound visualizes the baby in planes (or layers) and a 3D ultrasound looks at the surface of the baby. The term 4D simply means the element of motion has been added to a still 3D photo. 4D is also referred to as “3D Live”.
How is 2D different from 3D/4D?
With a 2D ultrasound, the sonographer can view different layers of the baby, from the outer extremities to the internal organs. This technology is used when performing a 20 week diagnostic ultrasound. During a 3D/4D ultrasound, only the outside of the baby can be seen. A 3D ultrasound can help in diagnosing certain conditions (such as a cleft lip) that may not be visible with 2D technology.
When is the best time to have a 3D/4D ultrasound?
Most 3D/4D ultrasounds are done between 24 and 34 weeks. Prior to 24 weeks, babies have not started putting on brown fat so they won’t have the “Gerber Baby” look. Around 27 to 28 weeks is usually considered the ideal time, because the baby does have some fat and still has plenty of room to move. After 34 weeks, the baby begins to get a little squished and may be facing the spine, which is the position for birth.
Why does it matter how much room the baby has to move?
First of all, you’ll enjoy the viewing experience more if your baby has room to move around. Often you can watch little hands and feet in motion, toes and fingers wiggling, and see your baby’s face from all different angles. Second, if the baby is in a position that makes viewing difficult (facing the spine or covering its face with hands and feet), you have a better chance of repositioning your baby if there’s room for it to move.
Will I get great pictures like you see on the internet?
Maybe. Several factors determine the quality of the ultrasound photos including:
Amount of amniotic fluid
Sound waves travel through fluid to create the images. The more fluid around your baby, the clearer the photos will be. Although it’s always good to drink plenty of water during your pregnancy, drink a little extra starting a few days before your 3D/4D ultrasound session.
Location of placenta
Unfortunately, the location of the placenta is one factor you can’t change. The placenta can be on the front of the uterus, the back, or the side. When the placenta is on the front, it can block the baby’s face, because the sounds waves pick up the placenta as the same type of tissue as your baby.
Maternal body tissue
If the mother is full figured, the sound waves have more tissue to travel through which causes grainier looking photos. If this is the case with you, it’s best to wait until around 32 weeks for your 3D/4D ultrasound because the tissue will be stretched out as your baby grows.
Position of baby
If the baby is facing your spine, you’ll probably only get a photo of the back of its head or an occasional profile. The technician would then try to reposition the mother in an attempt to get the baby to move. This brings us back to the importance of having plenty of fluid.
Are all facilities the same? What should I look for?
Facilities can vary greatly in operational procedures as well as training and certification. Make sure the facility you choose has medical oversight and is not just a prenatal photography studio. Most locations perform a standard Limited Medical Fetal Study in which the baby’s heartbeat is verified, the number of babies confirmed, position of baby is determined, and the gender of the baby is verified (when desired). In addition, some facilities are capable of performing a more thorough ultrasound service, a Level 1 study, which includes obtaining measurements to determine/verify the baby’s size and your due date.
In your search for the right ultrasound facility, some other things you might want to consider are: what type of packages are offered and what items are included in those plans, the facility’s policy for return visits if you are unable to see your baby’s face (usually due to position), and the policy regarding family members and friends in the viewing room (some facilities are more conducive to guests than others). But most importantly, find a place that makes you feel comfortable and a technician you can be at ease with, who understands your specific needs, concerns, and all of the excitement that comes with this wonderful time of your life.