What’s the Difference Between 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D Ultrasounds?
There are many different types of ultrasounds, some more popular than others. However, choosing the right one can be tricky without knowing what each type encompasses and is capable of achieving for you as a parent-to-be. To help make that determination easier on yourself – Look at Me 4D Imaging has compiled this list to shed light on the Difference between 2D 3D 4D 5D Ultrasounds.
What is an Elective Ultrasound?
Here at Look at Me 4D Imaging, we specialize in what’s known as an “elective ultrasound.” What this means is that you have the option to request an ultrasound at any point during your pregnancy.
What are the Benefits of an Elective Ultrasound?
The benefit of having an elective ultrasound, as opposed to one done for medical reasons, is that it gives parents-to-be a chance to see images and videos of their child in utero before they are born and offers women a more personal and relaxed experience.
How is an Elective Ultrasound Different Than What I Get at My Doctor’s Office?
An elective ultrasound is similar to a regular one, but it’s done for non-medical reasons. The doctor will still use the same equipment and method as in regular ultrasounds.
Medical Ultrasound Scanning
In a medical ultrasound, which takes place in a medical setting, the ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina, and you’re only able to see a 2D image on the screen.
With an elective one, in addition to being able to see 2D pictures of your baby’s face or body as they develop week by week, you can also choose between viewing them in either black-and-white or color.
Elective Ultrasound Scanning
In an elective ultrasound, the ultrasound technician will use a 2D/B color Doppler device that sends sound waves through your abdomen and towards the uterus, showing if blood is flowing smoothly around the placenta.
Why book an elective ultrasound scan?
Now that you know the difference between medical and elective ultrasounds, here are the benefits of having an elective scan in addition to a medical scan.
An elective ultrasound scan should never be used as a substitute for medical scans. Elective scans are intended to complement the information you get from your doctor so that both mother and child can enjoy an intimate experience with one another before birth.
High-quality 3D/4D imaging
Expectant parents can choose to undergo an elective ultrasound scan for a wide variety of reasons.
Some people might wish to have high-quality 3D/4D scans taken, while others may be looking for more detailed images than those that would typically result from medical scans only.
It’s not uncommon when someone is pregnant that they are treated with the sound of their unborn baby-making and waving!
Early Gender Confirmation
Most expectant parents want to know if they’re having a baby boy or girl earlier than their doctor will tell them. If your husband is on the fence about finding out your baby’s gender early, here are nine tips to help convince him.
With your choice of gender scans starting at 16 weeks, you’ll be able to find out as soon as possible!
Additional Information
If you’ve already been to the hospital for a scan, why not make your next visit even more of an event? Attending one or two additional ultrasound sessions will allow us to track your baby’s growth over more extended periods and give you more time to bond with your bundle of joy before they make their grand entrance.
Keepsakes and Video Souvenirs
Make this momentous occasion last even after the birth of your child with an elective ultrasound. What better way than by picking out something special for them with our wide range of souvenirs at Look at Me 4D. For example, if they’re a newborn, there are Heartbeat Animals who come complete with an adorable outfit and play your baby’s actual heartbeat as recorded during the ultrasound. Or you can print 3D images to send to your family and friends.
Keepsake ultrasounds are one of the most popular reasons we see moms-to-be visit.
Heartbeat Animals
Heartbeat Animals make the perfect gift for family members and siblings who weren’t able to be present for the ultrasound. In addition, our store also offers videos and USB thumb drives for you to take home, publish on social media, or just tuck away to show your family at a gender reveal.
What are the Differences between 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D Ultrasounds?
Now that you know the benefits of having an elective ultrasound let’s talk about the difference between 2D and the other three types of ultrasounds. There are four main categories that ultrasound imaging falls into:
- 2D Ultrasounds
- 3D Ultrasounds
- 4D Ultrasounds
- 5D Ultrasounds
2D Ultrasound
2D ultrasounds are the traditional ultrasound method that has been used for years.
2D produces a flatter, two-dimensional, black and white image of your baby.
2D ultrasounds allow you to see their bone-in detail as it highlights them with an alluring hue of white like they’re glowing from within!
2D ultrasounds can be done as early as eight weeks. Using state-of-the-art machines, we can produce beautiful baby photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
3D Ultrasound
3D ultrasounds are an advanced method that captures an accurate, three-dimensional image of your baby.
3D often allows the ability to see specific facial features and well-defined internal organs.
Your baby will appear in a yellow/tan color on top of black & white background for better contrast between light and dark areas.
3D ultrasounds are a great way to get to know your baby.
During the ultrasound, you’ll be able to see your baby moving and hear its heartbeat for the first time.
4D Ultrasound
4D ultrasound technology is the new cutting-edge in baby imaging.
It allows you to experience what it’s like from a real-time, third-person perspective – as if YOU were inside that picture!
Watch your child smile, yawn, or move around without any editing tricks whatsoever, and get excited for their arrival today with this 4D video package offer.
4D ultrasounds are the latest innovation for parents who want to know all about their bundle of joy before they’re born.
With absolutely no photo manipulation, these live videos will amaze viewers by allowing them to glimpse into an event happening right now outside themselves; pretty cool stuff!
4D baby ultrasounds are done after 18 weeks and provide the expectant mother with a complete image of her unborn child.
Early 4D ultrasounds, between 26-32 weeks gestation, show images that reveal facial features better because fat can be seen in developing babies’ faces; later, ultrasound images will show improved clarity as they grow even more. It is essential to know what time frame this type of scan should occur so you can see your little one’s face and see your baby smile!
5D Ultrasound
5D technology is the next great thing in baby viewing. With a realistic view of your little one inside, you’ll see their skin tone with reds and pinks that mimic what they’d be like so close to birth.
5D new tech offers an up-close look at how babies will appear as newborns–with reddish/pink colors just before coming outside!
5D Ultrasound video can be obtained at any stage. However, we do recommend a gestational age of 26-34 weeks for the best facial detail—at this point in development, your baby has put on some weight but still looks just like an alien!
At such stages, you could see anything from their eyes to fingers to toes; it’s incredible what technology can pick up now.
3D vs. 4D Ultrasounds
3D ultrasounds show what the baby looks like. They can tell if it’s a boy or girl and how big the baby is getting.
4D ultrasounds are better because they show pictures of the baby moving around, and you can see a live movie of your baby sucking its thumb or waving at you!
Now you know the difference between 2D 3D 4D 5D Ultrasounds!
Here at Look at Me 4D Imaging, we are proud to offer the latest in ultrasound technology. Our 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D ultrasounds give you a glimpse into what your little bundle will be like, even before they arrive.
If you’re pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant soon, our elective 3D/4D ultrasound is perfect for capturing moments with your family that can last forever.
See Your Baby Today
We know how important it is to capture these precious memories from pregnancy, so don’t wait any longer! Schedule an appointment today for one of our 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasounds, and get ready to make unforgettable memories together as a new family!