3D ultrasound scans show still images of the inside of the abdomen in three dimensions. 4D ultrasound scans show 3D images in motion of the inside of the abdomen (usually of a fetus). The fourth dimension is time.

It is normal to be enthusiastic about the prospect of a first 3D or 4D ultrasound scan. Many mothers who opt for the more conventional 2D ultrasound scans end up disappointed when they see a gray scale image that is impossible to make out. This kind of scan is like an x-ray. It goes right through the mother and then right through the baby.



Hence, all a person sees are the baby’s internal organs. It is also why 2D ultrasound scans are used to view other things within a person’s abdomen (e.g. growths, hernias, etc.).
3D and 4D scans allow a mother to see her baby's outer features; that is the skin, rather than the baby’s internal organs.

3D and 4D ultrasound scans are general just as safe as 2D ultrasound scans. The images here consist of pieces of two-dimensional photos converted into one single image. Still, it goes against the recommendation of many experts to have 3D or 4D ultrasound scans solely as a memento image. This is because with these types of ultrasound scans, babies are exposed to a lot more ultrasound than they should be exposed to (more than is necessary).

3D and 4D ultrasound scans may however offer more information regarding an abnormality within the uterus. Since such scans often show a lot more detail from various angles, they often aid in the diagnosis of any sort of known issues such as a cleft lip.

3D ultrasound scanning may also be helpful when looking at any other internal organs. This is the reason why some fetal imaging units have 3D scans, though they only use them when they are strictly necessary.

There is no evidence that actually says that 3D and 4D ultrasound scans are unsafe.Most of the mothers who go for such scans gain some sort of reassurance from these sorts of scans. Even so, any sort of ultrasound scan ought only to be done by a qualified medical professional, and for as short a period as possible, and at the lowest possible intensity.

If you would like to get a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan, you will most likely have to organize it privately and then pay the required amount. The medical facility you go to may as well give you some sort of recording of the scan (a photo or a video).

The transducers and the software that is required to perform 3D and 4D ultrasound scans are quite costly. There are very few known medical benefits of these scans.Medical experts say that 3D and 4D ultrasound scans should only be performed if there is a medical necessity for them.

If a mother opts to get a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan, the time to get the best results is when she is between 26 and 30 weeks pregnant (about seven months in).

There are 3D and 4D ultrasound for sale all over the internet. It is, however, advisable that only qualified medical professionals perform such scans in registered medical facilities.