1. What is 2d Ultrasound?

A 2D ultrasound is the standard procedure used during obstetric ultrasound. It is the one used to produce 2 dimensional images of what is happening inside the mothers and baby’s body. Generally, all pregnancy ultrasounds are still done using 2D technology. A baby’s gestation, growth, heartbeat, development and size can all be seen clearly using 2D ultrasound. The position of the placenta, cord and lie/position of the baby can also be clearly seen.
The images from a 2d ultrasound tend to be in black and white and have the same level of detail as a photographic negative. Depending on how the baby is lying and their position in the uterus, different images will be seen.
It really is a matter of luck if the baby is awake and active or having a little sleep when the ultrasound is being done. Some mothers choose to have a sweet or cold drink before the procedure or “poke” their tummy in an effort to stimulate their baby. Sometimes the images are very clear and it’s easy for parents to interpret the ultrasound images. At other times, this can be a little more difficult. But don’t worry; the sonographer can point out specific organs, features and details of the baby if you’re not sure. They can also freeze frame the images, take photos and label different body parts on the screen. With a little explanation, it can all be come a lot clearer!

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2. what is 3d ultrasound?

Having a 3D ultrasound is not such a different process to having a 2D ultrasound, at least for the mother. However, although the procedures are much the same, they use very different levels of technology to provide very different images.
A 3D ultrasound takes thousand of pictures or photos of the baby at the once time. These are then translated by computer into 3 dimensional images which are almost as clear as a real life photograph. These “still” pictures of your baby mean that you can see your baby in three dimensions, rather than two.
There is a depth and shape to a 3D image, giving a clarity which is not as evident in a 2D ultrasound. This is because a 2D ultrasound sees through the baby to its internal organs and tissues. Whereas, with a 3D and 4D ultrasound the baby’s skin can be seen so there is more of a realistic shape and form to the images. This is particularly clear when looking at the baby’s face and delicate features.
With 3D ultrasounds, both the transducer used to transmit the sound waves and the computer software are more advanced and complex. This is why a 3D ultrasound is more expensive and generally not included in standard obstetric practice.
How are 2D and 3D ultrasounds different?A 2D ultrasound takes image “slices” which can only be viewed by looking at one image at a time. Sound waves are sent to the baby and reflected straight back which means there is a rather flat, surface appearance to the baby. Whereas a 3D ultrasound involves taking thousands of “slices” in a rapidly occurring series called a “volume of echoes”. These send sound waves back at different angles, allowing for the characteristic 3D depth.
Once these pictures are stored and shaded by the computer, they can be seen on the screen as clearer, 3 dimensional images. The width, height and depth of the baby and its internal organs can be seen very clearly. With 3D ultrasound the baby has a more realistic shape and form, with distinctly baby type features and look exactly as they would if they were already born, only smaller of course.
Parents need to rely less on their imagination with a 3D ultrasound. It’s as if all the 2D images have been filled in and puffed out so the image is quite clearly a baby, rather than a grainy image on the screen

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3. what is 4d ultrasound?

4D or 4 dimensional scans build on the technology of 3D scans. The extra dimension is time, so that effectively 4D ultrasounds are moving images of your baby in real time. As your baby kicks, moves, frowns, grimaces, sucks their thumb, opens their eyes and moves their lips, you will be able to see these movements on the scan as they are actually happening.

The technology associated with 4D ultrasounds makes them more expensive and they are not generally offered as part of a routine obstetric service. If parents choose to have a 4D ultrasound done, they will need to pay for this procedure themselves. If it is done in a medically aligned sonography practice, Medicare may rebate some of the fee. Alternately, some private health insurance companies could provide a rebate. Check with your individual provider.
3D Ultrasounds are also known as elective prenatal ultrasounds. They are not designed to replace the standard 2D procedure which is commonplace obstetric procedure. Instead they offer a more enhanced “bonding” experience with the unborn baby and are instigated by parents choosing to have them done, rather than a medical need. 
Some parents are very keen to see for themselves how their baby is growing and developing, and for this reason another name for the 4D ultrasound is a “lifestyle” scan.

4. IS AN ULTRASOUND SCAN SAFE?

Ultrasound scans no known side effects and are painless, although you may experience some discomfort as the probe is pressed over your skin or inserted into your body.

There are no known risks from the sound waves used in an ultrasound scan. Unlike some other scans, such as computerised tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound scans DO NOT involve exposure to radiation.

To ensure you are able to make an informed decision about your care please follow this link to review the Health Protection Agency (HPA) 'Health Effects of Exposure to Ultrasound and Infrasound' document.

5. WHEN IS IT BEST FOR A 3D OR 4D SCAN?

Gestation period of between 25-30 weeks is optimal for a great 3D/4D ultrasound scan. 
Scans can be performed earlier than this and we are able to get great results. However, the earlier in the pregnancy the earlier the development of your child. If performing before the 25 week period you baby may not have a developed a high fat layer and can appear skeletal in appearance. This is fine and part of the natural part of the growth of you child. 

So to get really pretty examples of you baby we advise between 25-30 weeks but we are happy to conduct scans before this.

Please see the examples of this  below:

16 week 3D scan

20 week 3D Scan

30 week 3D Scan

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6. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A GENDER SCAN?

The best time for a gender scan is from 16 weeks

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7. HOW DO I PREPARE? 

Before having some types of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions to help improve the quality of the images produced. For example, you may be advised to:

• drink water and not go to the toilet until after the scan – this may be needed before a scan of your unborn baby.

To aid the sonpgrapher and for you to be comfortable, try to wear loose clothing.

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8. WHAT ARE PREGNANCY TRIMESTERS?

Pregnancy is a total of 9 months and this is divided up into three trimesters – the first, second and third.

Each trimester comprises three months

• First trimester –  conception up to 12 weeks.
• Second trimester –   12 up to 24 weeks.
• Third trimester – 24 up to 40 weeks.

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