1. The Baby Guide
Ultrasounds 101
By Jessica Murray
Ultrasounds provide expectant parents with much more than simple black-and-white
images of their unborn child; advancements in medical technology have made ultrasounds
more valuable than ever before.
An ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to scan a
woman’s abdomen and pelvic cavity to predict due date, check for birth defects and to
determine the growth, size and gender of the baby.
There are different types of ultrasounds, and it is important to be able to distinguish
between them. Diagnostic (2D) ultrasounds, which are usually performed at about 20
weeks, are traditional, two-dimensional images used primarily to assess the gestational age
and health of the baby and assure viability of the pregnancy.
If the scan points to any possible anomalies in the baby’s development, the parents may be
referred to a perinatologist (high-risk physician) for a level II ultrasound, which would
involve a more detailed exam of the fetal skeleton.
While they are not a replacement for diagnostic ultrasounds, many parents also opt to have
aesthetic (3D and 4D) ultrasounds, which provide multi-dimensional views of their baby
through digital imaging. A 3D ultrasound is a series of fetal scans combined to generate 3D
images. It is referred to as a 4D ultrasound when those 3D images are scanned
continuously to exhibit movement.
The best time for optimal viewing of a 3D or 4D ultrasound is between 26 and 32 weeks.
During this time, there is usually plenty of amniotic fluid available for a clear scan. The
baby has also started to gain weight, making his or her facial features look similar to the
way they would at birth.
Studies have found that aesthetic ultrasounds can positively influence the parents' bond
with their babies, according to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).
Mothers tend to improve their diets, exercise more and eliminate harmful behaviors such
as smoking or drinking.
Preparation for ultrasounds varies depending on the type of ultrasound and which stage in
the pregnancy it is being performed. The exam may last anywhere from 10 minutes (initial
diagnostic ultrasound) to 30 minutes (follow up or aesthetic ultrasound).
When choosing an ultrasound facility, parents should verify that the individual performing
their exam is a trained sonographer who is recognized by the American Registry of
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).