Ultrasound -- 2D, 3D, 4D…What's the Difference?
What are they, and why is everyone always talking about them? As an expectant mother, you’re excited to see your baby at every stage, from the first little dot on the monitor to the sweet kicking baby ready to enter this world. Every ultrasound is a moment to treasure.
What are the benefits of a 3D/4D ultrasound? Studies show the bonding experience provided by a 3D/4D ultrasound can help mothers improve their diets, exercise more frequently, and eliminate harmful behaviors such as smoking and drinking. For fathers and siblings, the chance to see the baby and create a pre-birth bond is instrumental in drawing the whole family closer during this time of change.
What exactly is a 3D or 4D ultrasound? A 3D ultrasound is performed using the exact same machine as a 2D ultrasound. The difference is a 2D ultrasound visualizes the baby in planes (or layers) in black and white, and a 3D ultrasound looks at the surface of the baby in color. The term 4D simply means the element of motion has been added to a still 3D photo. 4D is also referred to as “3D Live”.
How is 2D different from 3D/4D? With a 2D ultrasound, the sonographer can view different layers of the baby, from the outer extremities to the internal organs. This technology is used when performing a 20 week diagnostic ultrasound. During a 3D/4D ultrasound, only the outside of the baby can be seen. 2D is displayed in black and white, while 3D/4D is displayed in flesh tone color.
