WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

3D Ultrasound, Explained

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
3D Ultrasound, Explained
The Miracle Unveiled
3D ultrasounds are a remarkable technological advancement in prenatal care, allowing you to witness the life-like images of your baby. However, they are not universally recommended for medical use.
Understanding the application and expectations of 3D ultrasounds is crucial in assessing their relevance to your pregnancy.
Anatomy and Function
In prenatal checkups, ultrasounds play a pivotal role. Typically, a 2D ultrasound is used, but occasionally, your doctor might suggest a 3D ultrasound. This advanced technology works by sending high-frequency sound waves into your body via a transducer, which then creates images from the echoes.
The primary difference between 2D and 3D ultrasounds is in the image presentation: while 2D ultrasounds show two-dimensional images, 3D ultrasounds compile multiple 2D images to create a three-dimensional view, offering a more detailed glimpse of your baby's features.
Formation and Development
  • 2D vs. 3D Ultrasound: The standard 2D ultrasound provides essential information throughout your pregnancy, like confirming the pregnancy, revealing multiples, estimating due dates, and more. In contrast, a 3D ultrasound, though not typical protocol, offers a more in-depth look, especially useful for assessing developmental concerns.
  • 3D vs. 4D Ultrasound: A 4D ultrasound is essentially a 3D ultrasound with motion, displaying real-time movements of your baby. While captivating, these 4D ultrasounds are usually not medically necessary and are more common in non-medical settings.
Critical Roles in Pregnancy
3D ultrasounds are particularly beneficial in specific scenarios:
  • When a 2D ultrasound raises questions, a 3D scan can offer a clearer view of the area of concern, aiding in the evaluation of conditions like facial abnormalities.
  • In high-risk pregnancies, 3D ultrasounds can provide crucial spatial information, aiding in the management of conditions such as placenta placement.
Common Variations and Conditions
3D sonograms excel in providing detailed imagery of various conditions:
  • Facial anomalies, such as cleft lips, are more clearly visible.
  • Congenital heart disease can be better assessed due to the clearer view of fetal heart anatomy.
  • Neural tube defects and placental issues are more thoroughly evaluated, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Fascinating Facts
  • Safety: Under professional guidance, 3D ultrasounds are generally safe, utilizing non-ionizing radiation. However, they do generate heat, which can slightly warm tissues.
  • Optimal Timing: The ideal period for a 3D ultrasound is generally between 28 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby's development is suitable for 3D imaging.
  • Keepsake Ultrasounds: Commercially offered "entertainment" ultrasounds are cautioned against by medical professionals and regulatory bodies. These non-medical procedures may expose you and your baby to unnecessary risks.
In conclusion, while 3D ultrasounds offer a remarkable window into your baby's development, they should be undertaken with medical guidance, keeping in mind their specific applications and potential safety considerations.
Always consult your doctor for personalized advice on the use of 3D ultrasounds in your pregnancy journey.
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K
Kristen
11 Jan 2024

🌹Mommy's babygirl🌹 I went today to do what I thought was going to be a 3D ultrasound and the ultrasound technician told me that apparently I'm too early at 20 weeks to be able to do 3D. Does that sound about right to anyone?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
T
Toyia
That is so not true they can do a 3D at any point in pregnancy my sister got a 3D of her baby at every last ultrasound she got my other sister got a 3D at her date scan Ig it depends on where you go I’ve heard of them saying they can’t do one due to the position of the baby but not 20 weeks being too early shoot most moms get they first 3D weeks
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
I get at least 3 3d pics every appointment. I got my first one at 10 weeks and it was just a little gummy bear
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mary
11 Dec 2023

Has anyone had a 3D/4D ultrasound with an anterior placenta? My ultrasound tech tried to show us a 3D but due to my placenta, it didn't show much.

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4 comments
I
Isabel
I had mines done at 22 weeks with an anterior placenta
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mercedes
I have had a few, as baby grows it will get easier to get a good picture
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mayra
1 Nov 2023

My baby boy!! Who else did a 3D ultrasound? He’s so beautiful I’m so in love already 🩵🩵

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3 comments
M
Mayra
Omg that’s amazing!! So adorable!!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Janica
14 Oct 2023

Baby girl 3D/4D ultrasound.. She’s so precious.. Her parents and I adore her already #SurrogateMom 💞

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8 comments
A
Amber
You’re a surrogate?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
That’s what’s up I love it and love how you’re helping others become parents Good freaking job mama 🥰😍😘
27 Mar 2024

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P
Paulina
9 Oct 2023

I have a 3D ultrasound this Wednesday ! I’m super excited anyone have pictures on how your ultrasound has came out?🥰💙

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1 comments
K
Kisha
Mine is scheduled for Wednesday also!!
27 Mar 2024

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E
Eboni
18 Jan 2023

Did y’all hospitals ever give y’all a 3D ultrasound up close of your baby? I see a lot of ppl have those of their baby’s faces from their regular ultrasound tech, and not having to go to a place that does the 3D/4D.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
6 comments
L
Lindsay
My maternal fetal medicine doctor said once I'm in the third trimester they'll get me a couple 3D pictures. She said it won't be an in depth long one cause they don't like doing that cause it can actually heat up the amniotic fluid
27 Mar 2024

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E
Eboni
Ugh 😩 i hope they at least give me that!
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dede
14 Dec 2022

Went for a 3d ultrasound wasn't enough fluid around his face wtf does that even mean 😫

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2 comments
M
Madison
I think that might mean you're dehydrated and not drinking enough fluids But idk what else did your doctor say? Did they seem concerned?
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dede
it wasn't through my ob I also have two different due dates
27 Mar 2024

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S
Syidah
29 Oct 2022

My baby 3D ultrasound was so ugly im nervous. Did anybody else 3D ultrasound look weird?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
20 comments
C
Chinesha
Well with my last baby it did he kinda looked like a alien lol. An funny thing he looked just like his ultrasound I guess it look weird because you can’t see the skin hair eyes ect
27 Mar 2024

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F
Famta
My baby face was looking smooshed and weird and she definitely got some lips and cheeks on her. It looked a lil weird but it's gonna be fine most babies come out a little weird looking.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shaniyah
26 Oct 2022

I want a 3D ultrasound so bad, but these people just refuse to give me one. However, I have a bunch of ultrasounds coming up. What was your appointment called when they did your 3D ultrasound??

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
D
Danielle 🦦🪷
I had to pay for mine with a third party place. My Drs never offered it
27 Mar 2024

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🧸
🧸🎀 De'monni mom 🧸🎀
I think they said 20 weeks you should get one mama I could be wrong
27 Mar 2024

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G
Gabriell
3 Aug 2022

Had my 3D ultrasound today my daughter literally looks exactly like her big sister 😂

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
6 comments
G
Gabriell
My doctor did mine all of them were regular until today and I’m 35 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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