Every mother wants to see the baby they are bringing into the world. If you have to wait nine months, it could feel like an eternity. We have the technology at True Harmony to take a 3D and 4D ultrasound which allows the baby to be seen in the womb with more detail and clarity than a normal ultrasound would show.

But that doesn't mean every parent should be requesting 3D and 4D ultrasounds. You want to make sure your baby is protected and strong. One way to keep your baby that way is to know when you should get ultrasounds that can be taken in 3D and 4D. Each type of ultrasound will be discussed below so you know which one you should get in which situation.

2D Ultrasounds: If you have already given birth to a child then you probably have gotten a 2D ultrasound and experienced the joy when you saw the baby. The way this test is given, a device shaped like a wand will be placed on the woman's belly (or sometimes vaginally) which will produce sound waves into the body of the mother. The waves will travel through the body producing echoes and a computer turns the echoes into a picture of the baby growing inside you.

Doppler: With the use of a jelly-like substance, the doctor will use a doppler device that makes it easier to hear the heartbeat of the baby.

3D Ultrasound: We don't need a 3D camera for a 3D ultrasound. Several 2D photos are taken from different perspectives and then those pictures are combined. It would look closer to a normal photo than an ultrasound.

4D Ultrasound: 3D and 4D are similar but a 4D image can show the baby moving when a 3D can not. So if you got the 4D ultrasound, you might see your baby sucking on their thumb or opening and closing their eyes.

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Why Should You Get Ultrasounds

Women who are young and healthy will get an ultrasound at least once. If a woman is older or has health issues then they are likely to get more. The reason for these ultrasounds is to make sure complications are not arising for the mother or baby.

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How To Safely Get A 4D Ultrasound

The reason 3D and 4D ultrasounds are given is to see if the baby has a deformity or other issues that could make delivery harder and more dangerous. When you get an ultrasound, extra gas can be created and the long term effects of this are still unknown. While it might be appealing especially if you didn't know about these ultrasounds, the 3D or 4 D ultrasound should only be done under the advice and guidance of your healthcare practitioner and never for long periods of time.

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For prenatal care with one of our midwives, for more pregnancy support resources, or to make a prenatal appointment for a 3D/4D ultrasound, call (480) 539-6646.