What Are 3-D Ultrasounds?

During your pregnancy, you may feel impatient about knowing what your baby might look like, how much she is moving and her actual size. While 2-D ultrasounds are done every few months by your obstetrician for updated information on your unborn baby's health, 3-D ultrasounds are an option for a more extensive look at your baby before she is born.

About 3-D Ultrasounds

• Ultrasounds, also known as sonograms, use high-frequency sound waves to create images of your unborn baby. While 2-D ultrasounds create flat images by listening to the sound waves on a single plane, 3-D ultrasounds listen to those sound waves from three different directions and provide a 3-D image of your baby. These images give you a three-dimensional view of your unborn baby.

Procedure

• The procedure for a 3-D ultrasound is the same as a traditional 2-D ultrasound but with more high-tech equipment. Unlike with a medical ultrasound, you do not have to drink a certain amount of water before the procedure. It may last anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes and should not last longer than one hour. The ultrasound technician will add a few drops of gel onto your stomach and run a small device along it to catch a variety of images. You will be able to see the images on a screen that looks similar to a computer monitor. The ultrasound technician will print out a variety of photographs from the ultrasound, and may even give you several photographs for a brag book.

  Some ob/gyn offices offer 3-D ultrasounds; however, because they are an elective procedure, you will more than likely go to another clinic offering these ultrasounds. Call ahead to ask how many people you can bring with you, as bringing your other children helps them bond with the baby during the ultrasound process.

Cost and Safety

• Because 3-D ultrasounds are not medically necessary, they are not typically covered by insurance. The average cost for a 3-D scan is between $100 and $300.

  Ultrasounds are safe for both you and your baby when done properly by a licensed technician. Since they were developed, there have been no claims of injury to the unborn baby or mother during an ultrasound. Individuals should not purchase or use an ultrasound machine for personal reasons without the proper training and licensing.

4-D Ultrasounds

• Another elective option for seeing your unborn baby's features are 4-D ultrasounds. These are typically done in the same session as a 3-D ultrasound; however, they might cost you a little extra. A 4-D ultrasound is basically a 3-D ultrasound but with live video that you will be able to bring home. In this video, you may see your baby smile, wave his hands or kick his feet.