By Lisa B. Samalonis
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 It used to be that when you showed your friends your fuzzy gray ultrasound pictures you had to explain what they were seeing.
Not anymore.
With today's 3-D and 4-D ultrasound technology, parents can view the fetus in great detail, and the pictures taken are remarkable. The ultrasound viewing is done in comfortable surroundings, and Mom and Dad can take a "portrait" home as well as a DVD if they wish.
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Ultrasound Facts
Ultrasounds are common in many pregnancies. Healthcare providers frequently request that their patients have an ultrasound performed at various crucial stages in the pregnancy.
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With ultrasound, a small transducer sends sound waves into the body, which reflect off internal structures, including the baby. The sound waves or echoes that reflect back are received by the transducer and translated into a picture on a screen that can also be printed out.
Ultrasounds are done for numerous reasons, including determining the age, sex, and size of the baby, the position of the baby and placenta, or if there is more than one baby. The ultrasound can also be used to detect certain birth defects or evaluate the baby's heart rate, movement, and general well-being.
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Views Like Never Before
According to GE Medical Systems, the difference between 3-D and 4-D Ultrasound represents the difference between video and a still photograph. 4-D stands for "four-dimensional," which refers to the fourth dimension of time. 4-D Ultrasound takes three-dimensional ultrasound images and adds the element of time to the process. The result: live-action images of your unborn child or of any internal anatomy, offering a view that could possibly help physicians and sonographers to better analyze fetal development.
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A 3-D ultrasound uses the same basic concept of a 2-D ultrasound, technology-wise, but rather than take the image from a single angle, the sonographer takes a "volume" image. The volume image that is displayed on the screen is a software rendering of all of the detected soft-tissue, producing a still image.
A 4-D ultrasound (also referred to as "real-time 3-D") extends the concept by taking numerous images in rapid succession. The result of these images displayed in succession is a motion video of the baby.
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3-D and 4-D Facilities
Ultrasound Centers like Stork Snapshots, in Naperville, IL, and Grand View Ultrasound, Saint Paul, MN, offer pregnant women between 20 to 36 weeks gestation an opportunity to view their baby through 3-D or 4-D Ultrasound in a comfortable setting. At Grand View, it is a "home-like" atmosphere (bed, soft music, dim lights, sheets and towels, and a nicely decorated studio with plenty of room) where family and friends are encouraged to join in the ultrasound viewing.
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"Mom and family are able to see the baby in flesh tone color, count fingers and/or toes, and compare facial features to see who the baby most resembles. If the baby is active they may be able to see it smile, yawn, kick, swallow, stretch, and make funny faces. To see the baby as a real baby makes it so much more real for the mom, dad, siblings, and everyone present. It enhances the prenatal experience and strengthens the bond with all of those present," said Jane Sieckert, of Grand View Ultrasound.
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If parents wish, the gender of the baby is usually discernible. "It is often very obvious what the gender is when looking at it in 3-D or 4-D. Our certified sonographers spend as much time as needed with each mom and family, letting them view their baby, hear and see the heart beat, ask questions, and just watch their beautiful baby," she commented.
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Timing is Everything
For a 3-D or 4-D ultrasound, viewing is best between 24-34 weeks gestation because the baby has more facial tissue and skin. A baby whose ultrasound is done prior to 24 weeks gestation may look somewhat skeletal.
Before a 3-D or 4-D ultrasound, centers usually require women to have a full prior diagnostic ultrasound through their healthcare provider, so there are no unpleasant surprises during the ultrasound that should have been handled with a healthcare provider. For example, Grand View requires that mothers notify their doctor that they plan to have an elective 3-D or 4-D ultrasound. A doctor's note or phone call is also required.
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"Everyone that has had an ultrasound with us has been extremely happy and finds it amazing and wonderful. It is hard to find the words to describe what happens and what is felt during the viewing experience, but there are always plenty of 'ooooohs' and 'ahhhhhs', giggles and tears of joy. Some come back a second time during their pregnancy to do it again," Sieckert added.
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At Grand View, parents receive several printed pictures of the baby and a CD (for a fee of $150.00), which includes all still snapshots of the baby taken during the viewing. In addition, a DVD slideshow set to music is available (at an additional cost of $25). Intermingled with pictures of the baby, the DVD has pictures of the mom and dad and others present, and is taken during the viewing.
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Stork Snapshots offers a similar experience with packages that include 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D (live images). Prices at this center run from $95 to $175.
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Sieckert explained that women are often disappointed with their ultrasound experience at the doctor's office because they don't understand what they are seeing on the screen, are often rushed, and don't get a chance to ask questions or find out the gender of the baby. "There is seldom enough room for family members and they are treated as an inconvenience with no regard for including them as part of the ultrasound experience," she added.
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Quality of Imaging
Many factors determine the quality of the images obtained. Parents should keep in mind that with ultrasound technology, the baby's position, size, and movement will often determine the ability to obtain ideal images. Parents should also inquire if the center uses certified sonographers.
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Future Research
While many experts note that the 3-D and 4-D ultrasound will not become a necessity in the average pregnancy, the technology will have an impact on research and the study of fetal embryology. "Whether 3-D ultrasound will provide unique information or merely supplemental information to the conventional 2-D scans remains to be seen," noted Dr. Woo.
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| About the Author |
| Lisa B. Samalonis writes from Gloucester Township, NJ, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She frequently writes on health and parenting topics. Lisa also writes family-oriented essays for regional and national magazines.
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