2D vs. 3D & 4D Ultrasounds

The differences of the different kinds of ultrasound images.

Whenever expecting families come into my studio, I often get asked about the different kinds of images that our ultrasound technology can produce. You may be surprised to find out that there is not as big a difference as you might originally think! Here are some things about the differences between 2D vs. 3D & 4D ultrasounds and how they vary one from another.

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are a type of imaging technology used in the medical field to diagnose or evaluate the internal happenings of the body. They are most commonly used in pregnancy to view and understand the status of a growing child in his or her mother's womb.

Ultrasounds are a safe, non-invasive technology that do not use or emit harmful frequencies (like radiation) to either mother or child. The technology was first discovered in 1794 by an Italian physicist named Lazzaro Spallanzani who, after observing echolocation in bats, reasoned that there must be a way to use sound waves to discover location of objects.

A few other scientists picked up on this foundational theory which eventually got into the hands of physicist Paul Langevin who developed the first hydrophone (or sonar) to detect underwater submarines in World War I.

It wasn't until 1940 when several doctors began using the technology to view and understand parts of the human body. In the mid-1950s, ultrasounds began being used during pregnancy and have become a regular part of routine prenatal care.

As mentioned before, the technology is safe for use in pregnancy as it simply uses sound waves to create the images you see, regardless of if you choose to view 2D or 3D/4D images. The different types of images are simply produced by the software inside the computer, not by the frequencies themselves.

What are 2D Ultrasounds?

2D ultrasounds are the classic black-and-white images that you think of when you think of the word "ultrasound". These images are considered "flat" so they don't show dimension or facial features, but they can still capture the details of your growing baby's anatomy, facial profile, gender, and little fingers and toes.

These ultrasounds are most commonly used for medical or diagnostic purposes. Some of the most common uses of 2D ultrasounds are:

• Early dating to determine a proper due date

• Checking amniotic levels

• Verifying baby's heartbeat

• Evaluating the placenta

• Checking baby's position in the uterus

• Evaluating baby's anatomical structure and organ development

These types of images are still the medical standard and will be the most frequently used ultrasound images throughout pregnancy.

What are 3D Ultrasounds?

3D ultrasounds use the exact same technology as 2D ultrasounds, except the software combines multiple layers of these images from different angels to produce a more detailed still image. So, what you end up seeing is a more life-like image of the baby's external features.

Because these images can produce more accurate images of the baby's face and external appearance, many parents and practitioners alike want to use 3D/4D ultrasounds to:

• Promote parental bonding with the growing baby

• Assess baby for cleft lip

• Evaluate spinal defects

• Check for any skeletal maladies

While still fairly new technology, these are growing in popularity for the amazing clarity with which they help both parents and medical professionals view and observe the baby in the womb as he or she grows.

What are 4D Ultrasounds?

4D ultrasounds are essentially the same as 3D ultrasounds except they add real-time motion. This means that a sonographer using 4D technology could capture things like a baby yawning, sucking his or her thumb, or see facial expressions as the parents engage with the child in the womb.

Because of their ability to view motion in real-time, these images are used by parents and medical providers alike in order to:

• Promote prenatal bonding as the parents engage with their growing baby. This is especially great for dads and older siblings who may not feel as connected to the new child during pregnancy.

• Evaluate fetal neurological development

• Assess certain structural conditions

While 3D and 4D imaging are increasing in popularity, they still do not replace the standard 2D images that medical providers use. However, they are amazing complimentary images for both expecting families and doctors / midwives alike. And here at Belly Vision, we absolutely love to encourage parents to use whatever types of imaging they are most comfortable using.

If you are curious to see your growing baby in 3D or 4D during your pregnancy, you can add on these amazing images to any appointment type at checkout using the link below!

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