Ultrasounds have come a long way from black and white, hazy images that leave people asking, “is that the head?”
3D and 4D ultrasounds allow parents to capture some of their baby’s amazing first moments in a more realistic and meaningful way.
Every moment with your little one is precious, including the ones when they’re still in the womb. Learn a little more about capturing the moment with 3D and 4D ultrasounds in Chicago below!
What is a 3D Ultrasound?
A 3D ultrasound is produced by piecing together multiple 2D ultrasound images taken at different angles. 3D ultrasounds offer you more details than a 2D ultrasound. You can see your baby’s skin and the shape of their mouth and nose.
They can be done as early as 8 weeks. However, keep in mind that facial features will be hard to spot before 20 weeks.
What is a 4D Ultrasound?
For 4D ultrasounds, the 4th dimension refers to movement. It’s similar to 3D ultrasounds except that it uses sound waves to create a moving image. This produces an effect that is similar to watching a live video.
With a 4D ultrasound, you can see exactly what your baby is doing inside your womb. From seeing your baby smile or yawn, 4D ultrasounds are becoming valued keepsakes among parents.
For the best results, 4D ultrasounds should be done around 25-28 weeks. Anything past 30 weeks might reduce the clarity of the picture since your baby will be taking up more space in your womb.
How to Prepare for a 3D or 4D Ultrasound
It’s important to stay properly hydrated throughout your pregnancy. Unless you’re on a fluid restriction, you should aim to drink 64 ounces of water for 4 to 5 days leading up to your ultrasound appointment. Doing so will result in a better ultrasound picture since your amniotic fluid will be at optimal levels!
On the day of your appointment, make sure you drink 16 ounces of water 30 minutes prior to your appointment so your bladder will be full. You can also munch on some snacks to make sure the baby is awake for the experience!
Wear loose-fitting clothes that you can easily move around in. Don’t wear anything that may interfere with the ultrasound probe. The clothing you wear should give us easy access to your abdomen without the need to remove anything.
3D & 4D Ultrasounds at Baby Bound Ultrasound in Chicago
Baby Bound Ultrasound is a family-owned private ultrasound clinic in Downtown Downers Grove. Our sonographer, Cindy, has 20+ years of experience as a healthcare professional and is an ARDMS-certified sonographer.
We’ve designed our clinic to be a calming and spa-like experience so that you feel comfortable the moment you walk through our doors. We strive to make your 3D or 4D ultrasound experience an unforgettable one.
Take a look at our wide range of ultrasound packages and experiences to find the right one for you. If you’re interested in our ultrasound services or have any questions, contact us today!