3D and 4D Ultrasounds
3D and 4D Ultrasounds at Polaris
We understand the excitement of expecting parents and their eagerness to catch an early glimpse of their precious baby. Traditional black and white ultrasound images provide essential information about your baby’s development, but they may not fully showcase your baby’s adorable features. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer elective 3D/4D ultrasounds at select Polaris Health Care, giving you a unique opportunity to see your new addition before delivery.
What is a 3D/4D Ultrasound?
A 3D/4D ultrasound is an elective, non-diagnostic imaging procedure. Unlike traditional 2-dimensional black and white ultrasounds, the 3D ultrasound provides a realistic three-dimensional image of your baby. These images offer more detail, allowing you to see your baby’s features more clearly. 4D ultrasounds take it a step further by providing a live video of the three-dimensional fetus, capturing your baby’s movements and facial expressions. Many parents choose this imaging to get an intimate look at their baby’s face. Physicians may also recommend this service to help identify certain birth defects, like a cleft palate, which may not be as easily visible with a traditional ultrasound.
The Best Time to View Baby
For the best 3D/4D ultrasound experience, we recommend scheduling it between 25-34 weeks of gestation. While our medical providers can visualize your baby earlier or later, doing it too early may result in less clear images due to underdevelopment, and after 34 weeks, limited visualization due to the baby’s size.
Preparing For Your 3D/4D Ultrasound
To ensure optimal results, please follow these preparation guidelines:
- Drink approximately 26-28 ounces of fluid one hour before your appointment to have a full bladder.
- Eating something sweet prior to your appointment can help stimulate your baby’s movement.
- As part of this experience, patients will receive a heartbeat stuffed animal with their baby’s actual heartbeat recorded inside, along with images of the baby in 3D/4D on a USB drive.
While we accept most major insurances, it’s important to note that 3D/4D ultrasounds are considered elective and are not typically covered by insurance. Payment is required before your appointment.
In addition to 3D/4D ultrasounds, we also offer traditional ultrasounds for diagnostic and medical obstetric needs. Our services include pregnancy confirmation, gender reveals, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester checks, size and dates assessment, fetal Doppler, and level 2 surveys.
If you have any questions or need further information about our 3D/4D and traditional ultrasound services at Polaris Health Care, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
