Many parents look forward to catching a glimpse of their little one during pregnancy. Knowing your baby is growing and developing in your belly, even feeling little flutters and movements, makes 9 months a long time to wait to kiss those little fingers and toes! Ultrasounds allow you to see your developing little one, and they also can be a helpful diagnostic tool for your care provider. There are so many choices today – how do you know if a 2D, 3D or 4D ultrasound is best? We asked one of our Kiinde expert partners, Baby Face HD Ultrasound, to share all about 3D and 4D ultrasound technology.
What is the difference between a 2D or 3D, 4D ultrasound?
“New parents have a big choice to make when it comes to ultrasounds:
should we get a 2D or 4D ultrasound? Parents have more options than ever before when it comes to seeing their future child. 4D ultrasounds are one such option.
Unlike a 3D ultrasound, a 4D ultrasound shows a fourth dimension: time. This technology kicks it up a notch by leveraging the power of specialized computer programming to deliver a crisper, clearer, and life-like image of the baby. What does that mean? With a 3D ultrasound, you see a 3-dimensional image of your child in your womb.
With a 4D ultrasound, you see those 3D images moving. It’s a live stream of the fetus.”
should we get a 2D or 4D ultrasound? Parents have more options than ever before when it comes to seeing their future child. 4D ultrasounds are one such option.
Unlike a 3D ultrasound, a 4D ultrasound shows a fourth dimension: time. This technology kicks it up a notch by leveraging the power of specialized computer programming to deliver a crisper, clearer, and life-like image of the baby. What does that mean? With a 3D ultrasound, you see a 3-dimensional image of your child in your womb.
With a 4D ultrasound, you see those 3D images moving. It’s a live stream of the fetus.”
First, let’s do a basic overview of the differences between the three types of ultrasounds.
“2D ultrasounds: show a grey, blurry outline of your baby. With a traditional 2D ultrasound, the scan sees right through your body. That means a 2D ultrasound is essentially revealing your baby’s internal organs.
With 3D and 4D ultrasounds, you see more than just your baby’s internal organs:
you see his or her skin. You can see the shape of your baby’s mouth and nose. You can see if your baby is yawning, sucking his or her thumb, or sticking his/her tongue out. You get a more realistic look at your future child. The main advantage of a 4D ultrasound is that you can see a moving image of your child. Again, time is the fourth dimension here.”
Are 3D/4D Ultrasounds Safe During Pregnancy?
“The revolutionary ultrasound technology is safe. 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds are safe. The reason is simple: 3D ultrasounds are just a collection of two-dimensional images converted into a picture by computer software. A 4D ultrasound provides the best-quality visual of your baby and can also make for a better memento. Many parents prefer a video of the fetus over a photograph.”
Why would you have a 3d ultrasound?
“3D/4D ultrasounds offer parents a chance to create a bond with their child before birth. It can spruce up the communication and strengthen the relationship between parents. It’s a super cute keepsake of the pregnancy. It helps reassure the parents that the baby is healthy and growing and helps older siblings feel connected and prepare for the soon-to-be new member.”
Ultrasounds are part of your prenatal care
These 3D/4D ultrasounds are elective procedures. A diagnostic ultrasound will be done by your prenatal care provider as needed during your pregnancy. Some of the reasons your provider might do an ultrasound during your pregnancy:
To determine the gestational age of your baby or to confirm your estimated due date
Confirm the number of babies you are carrying
Watch and listen to your baby’s heartbeat
Check anatomy and determine the sex of your baby
Measure baby’s developing organs
Check your amniotic fluid levels
Estimate the size of your baby
Determine the positioning of your baby
Check for certain birth defects and anomalies
To reassure parents that baby is healthy and all is going well in their pregnancy
Please remember to consult with your prenatal care provider before receiving any type of elective procedure. While these ultrasounds may be safe during pregnancy, your doctor will know your unique situation and needs best.
Kiinde Kommunity – Support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms
Looking for support and education during your pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond? We would love to have
you in our Kommunity! Kiinde Kommunity is
our lactation consultant led, peer support group.
With over 5000 moms just like you, it is a safe space to ask questions, gain support, and learn more
about babies and parenting.
you in our Kommunity! Kiinde Kommunity is
our lactation consultant led, peer support group.
With over 5000 moms just like you, it is a safe space to ask questions, gain support, and learn more
about babies and parenting.
You can invite your partner and other caregivers to join our Kiinde Kompanions group. Partners, spouses,
grandparents, best friends, and other caregivers are invaluable but they often don’t have a place to ask
questions and get support for themselves. This group was created to offer evidence-based guidance
specifically for these people.
grandparents, best friends, and other caregivers are invaluable but they often don’t have a place to ask
questions and get support for themselves. This group was created to offer evidence-based guidance
specifically for these people.
Kiinde Lactation Professionals – Support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms
Kiinde’s lactation professionals are available to answer your questions and provide support at no additional charge to you! Send an email to lc@staging-kiindecom.kinsta.cloud anytime, and our team is ready to
help.
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube for more education, and tips and tricks!
help.
You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube for more education, and tips and tricks!
