What Is 3D Ultrasound?

A 3D (3-dimensional) ultrasound is basically a 3D image of the internal body, usually taken of developing fetuses. To produce the 3D images, a 3D ultrasound uses a modified version of the same technology that produces common 2D ultrasound images. Though the 3D technology certainly produces clearer images, it is not yet a standard in prenatal health care because most health-insurance companies do not cover the procedure.

How It Works

• In standard ultrasounds, high frequency sound waves are sent through the body and reflect back to a sender/receiver. The reflected sound waves are then analyzed by a computer which, in turn, outputs a 2D image. 3D imaging technology simply sends the sound waves into the body at angles, instead of straight down, like 2D ultrasound. The result is a more rounded perspective in which a lifelike 3D image is produced.

Medical Importance

• While 3D ultrasounds are not typical prenatal procedures, having them done offers certain medical advantages. They have been shown to aid in the early diagnoses of facial deformities, such as cleft palates. Skeletal malformations and neural tube defects may also be more easily detected by 3D ultrasound imaging.

Other Considerations

• Some studies have suggested that maternal bonding is stronger for mothers who have seen prenatal 3D ultrasounds.

4D Ultrasound

• A 4D ultrasound is basically a video of the moving 3D image, the fourth dimension being time. The technology used for the actual scanning/receiving is basically the same. However, the computer program used to analyze the image is much more advanced, as it captures a rapid succession of 3D images, creating a video. The videos are typically not viewable in real-time but are computer generated after the fact.

Cost

• As insurance does not generally cover 3D or 4D ultrasound scans, future mothers wishing to undergo the procedure must pay out-of-pocket. In addition, these scans must usually be done at clinics that specialize in this kind of service, as most hospitals do not have 3D ultrasound machines.