Find answers to your questions about 2D, 3D and 4D baby ultrasounds, and the most frequently asked gender determination inquires.
We have over 25 years experience in the industry assisting expectant parents with all their 3D ultrasound needs.
When is the optimal time to have a 3D/4D baby ultrasound?
We recommend scheduling your full 3D session between 24 and 34 weeks for a single pregnancy and before 26 weeks for twins. However, beautiful 3D images can be obtained both much earlier and later than this suggested time frame but it becomes very dependent on the individual pregnancy. Gender determination scans can be done much earlier at around 16 weeks or less.
Younger babies tend to be quite active and because they are smaller, we can often visualize more of the baby in a single frame. As the pregnancy advances and the baby becomes larger less of the baby can be imaged in a single frame. However, visualization of facial detail usually improves as the pregnancy progresses and the baby has an overall chubbier appearance. Many clients opt for the “Double Take” or “Watch Me Grow” packages to capture forever these exciting stages in their little one’s life as baby transitions through the trimesters.
What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound?
2D ultrasound is the traditional black and white images obtained during your medical diagnostic ultrasound. 3D is an ultrasound technique that provides a three dimensional volume image of the fetus. Usually these still 3D images are captured rapidly in succession to produce 4D real time images of the baby. Three dimensional ultrasound utilizes exactly the same sound intensities as traditional 2D ultrasound. It is the high tech software that is able to manipulate the information into a 3D picture of the baby.
When can the gender be determined?
We recommend scheduling your gender determination appointment at or after 16 weeks gestation although many folks come earlier. If for any reason we are unable to assess the gender during your ultrasound (eg. difficult fetal position), you can return at a later date for a free reassessment.
Can we choose not to have the gender disclosed?
Yes, absolutely! Gender assessment is optional and will not be divulged without parental request. Optional gender determination is included with most of our 3D/4D packages.
Who will be doing the 3D ultrasound?
Baby in Sight employs only registered and very experienced ultrasound technologists. Our technologists each have over 25 years experience in the medical imaging field and continue to work as diagnostic ultrasound technologists in several imaging facilities throughout the GTA. We proudly display our credentials in the facility and welcome any questions or concerns regarding our qualifications.
Is 3D ultrasound safe?
3D images are produced using sound waves of the same intensity utilized to create traditional 2D images. It is the high tech software in our state-of-the-art medical ultrasound machine that manipulates the 2D image into a 3D image of the baby. Ultrasound technology has been the subject of hundreds of clinical studies over several decades and has not been found to cause any harmful effects to either the developing fetus or mother in the sound intensities or duration utilized.
What preparation is required?
We recommend being well hydrated in the days prior to your 3D ultrasound appointment as it improves the quality and quantity of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby translating into better pictures. We suggest drinking several glasses of water per day at least a week before your scheduled appointment if possible. The day of your appointment drink 500-600 mls of water about a half hour prior to session and don’t go to the bathroom. The partial filling of the bladder helps in a couple of ways. Firstly, it lifts the baby’s head up (if the head is down) making it easier to see the face. In addition, if the baby is in a difficult imaging position, by voiding, it can encourage baby movements/position changes and possibly result in better pictures.
Will measurements be taken of the baby to determine due date?
All services offered at Baby in Sight are non-diagnostic which means that no medical information regarding the baby/pregnancy will be obtained or communicated. Our services are not a substitute for a medical diagnostic ultrasound examination ordered by your health care provider.
What factors affect the image quality?
Several factors impact the clarity of images obtained including most importantly fetal position, placental location, volume of amniotic fluid, maternal size, and whether there are structures obscuring visibility of areas being imaged (eg. hands/legs over the face).
At Baby in Sight we make every effort to obtain the best possible images and ensure ample time is allotted for each appointment should it be necessary to get Mom moving around, drinking juice etc. to encourage baby movement/position change.