What Month is Best for 3D Ultrasound?

Know about 3D Ultrasound

3D ultrasound are three-dimensional images produced by an ultrasound device, a machine emitting sound waves that rebound off internal organs, muscles and bones. By calculating the distance between sound waves, ultrasound-based ultrasound generate accurate, lifelike images that are then displayed on a computer screen so the doctor and patient can view what is occurring inside the body.

Is 3D ultrasound better than 2D?

You'll probably have a 2D ultrasound about halfway through your pregnancy (between 18 and 22 weeks). During your ultrasound, a technician will use a handheld instrument called a transducer to send sound waves through your uterus. These waves bounce off your baby, and a computer translates the echoing sounds into video images that reveal details of your baby's body, position, and movements. You'll be able to hear the heartbeat and if your baby is awake, you'll see movement on the screen. When you're done, the technician will probably give you a few black-and-white images as a keepsake.

Many women will have an earlier 2D ultrasound as well. If your provider needs to do an ultrasound in the first trimester, she may use a vaginal probe to get closer to your uterus. These early scans are used to date a pregnancy and due date, and check on suspected problems such as ectopic pregnancy.

There are some exceptions. 3D ultrasound can be useful to diagnose or monitor conditions that are harder to spot on a regular ultrasound. These can include cleft palate or other visible physical problems. If your provider recommends this, your 3D ultrasound will be done along with other ultrasounds in a medical office and covered by insurance.

When Is the Best Time to Get A 3D Ultrasound?  

Pregnant women can get a 3D ultrasound anytime, either in addition to or instead of a traditional, two-dimensional ultrasound. The reason that 24 to 32 weeks is the best time for getting a 3D ultrasound is that by 33 weeks, your baby has descended into your pelvis, making the ability to receive clear images more difficult. However, depending on your baby's position in your womb, the position of the placenta and density of the amniotic fluid, good 3D ultrasound are still possible after 33 weeks. During this time, the baby will be developed enough to view him properly. There's also less risk that fluid or positioning in the pelvis will block results.

Your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of water every day one to two weeks before coming in to get your 3D ultrasound. This helps ensure you have sufficient amounts of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby and that this fluid is clear enough to prevent clouding of the ultrasound.

How Much Does A 3D Ultrasound Cost?

Since two-dimensional ultrasounds still give your doctor a good look at your baby's progression, some insurance companies don't provide coverage for higher-quality 3D images unless they're medically indicated. Insurance will never pay for ultrasounds given at shopping malls or other non-medical venues (which many experts recommend you avoid anyway). Check with your provider for more information.

Are 3D Ultrasounds Safe?

Just as with traditional ultrasounds, a 3D ultrasound involves no radiation or x-rays, and it's totally safe for both you and Baby. Just make sure you're getting it done by a qualified professional for medical reasons only.

Why Get A 3D Ultrasound?

Mothers can watch their babies move in the womb in real-time during a 3D ultrasound session. Your baby may wave a hand, scratch its nose, yawn and do any number of activities that are both exciting and comforting to mothers worried about the health of their unborn child. In addition, a 3D ultrasound done at the ideal time can often reveal the sex of the child as well as details of your baby's facial features.

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