3D ultrasound in pregnancy-is it worth doing?

3D ultrasound in pregnancy-what is it?

3D ultrasound is three-dimensional ultrasound imaging increasingly used in gynecological offices. This examination is carried out with the same apparatus and in the same way as classic 2D ultrasound.  However, an image in 3 dimensions is obtained, i.e. its length, width and depth are evaluated. Based on the measurements taken, the camera reproduces the appearance of the structure in question, and the doctor (and Parents) can take a close look at it.

3D ultrasound in pregnancy-when to do it?

The best time to perform a 3D ultrasound in pregnancy is around the 20th. Week, which is around the time of the midterm ultrasound. That’s when it’s easiest to depict a child. The older the pregnancy and the larger the size of the baby, the harder it is to get a good shot. Technical difficulties such as unfavorable positioning of the baby in the uterine cavity or excess body fat in the mother-to-be should also be taken into account. Image quality is also affected by the volume of amniotic fluid.

3D ultrasound in pregnancy-is it worth doing?

3D ultrasound is a chance for most Parents to see “realistically” the baby still in the uterine cavity. Often on a classic ultrasound they are not able to observe much.  3D ultrasound also makes a great souvenir, especially when the doctor captures a smile or grimace on the baby’s face.

According to specialists, 3D ultrasound should not replace grayscale ultrasound, but it is an excellent complement to the classic examination. It is particularly useful if a child is suspected of having a malformation such as cleft lip and palate or polydactyly (abnormal number of fingers). 3D ultrasound allows the specialist to see any anatomical abnormalities in detail, as the image is more accurate than in classic ultrasound.

3D ultrasound in pregnancy- how much does it cost?

The price of 3D ultrasound in pregnancy depends on the city. In the most popular clinics in Warsaw, prices range from PLN 300-400. They are higher for multifetal pregnancies. If desired, Parents can receive the ultrasound recording on a disc or flash drive. Sometimes this service also comes at an additional cost.