Every year in the United States, there are nearly 4 million births. This number has remained relatively stable over the last few years, as the US fertility rate is approximately 56 births for every 1000 women between the ages of 15 and 44.
For many women who are getting closer to their due date, 4D ultrasound represents a new option to see your baby for the first time. This option is becoming very popular in major US cities. If you are looking for 4D ultrasound in Chicago, New York, or San Francisco, there are plenty of providers available.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about using ultrasound to see a high-definition image or video of your baby’s face inside the womb. We’ll discuss the main reasons you may want to consider getting a 4D ultrasound.
How the Test Is Done
While it is not always covered by insurance, 4D ultrasound provides special advantages to mothers and fathers who want to get more information about their coming child.
The first thing to note is that 4D ultrasounds have no potential to harm you or the baby. In fact, they can be used to improve safety in your pregnancy overall by detecting problems before they arise. These tests are entirely optional but do provide helpful information on an advanced timeline.
The test includes a standard abdominal ultrasound. You will lie down just like you have for other ultrasounds. The tech will perform the ultrasound the same way as at other previous visits.
There is a special computer that will create a 3D representation of the results from the ultrasound, and you can even get a copy of a four-dimensional movie to take home with you.
Four Reasons You May Want a 4D Ultrasound
4D ultrasounds offer many common benefits. Here are four common reasons parents seek a 4D ultrasound.
Assessing Fetal Movements
Ultrasounds are excellent for picking up on fetal movements before the mother can even detect them. This is helpful for providers to monitor the growth and progress of development of the baby. For women in their third trimester, getting a 4D ultrasound can be a nice confirmation that everything is going smoothly.
See Your Baby’s Face for the First Time
The joy of seeing a 3D representation of your baby’s face cannot be overstated. It’s wonderful to have a first experience looking at your baby while they are inside your belly before birth. This allows for special bonding between mother and child.
Capturing a Memory of the Experience of Pregnancy
For many women, pregnancy is a defining event in their life. The period of time, while they are with child, can be remembered fondly for decades to come. Having a copy of a 4D ultrasound of your child while they are still developing inside you can be a lasting keepsake that you cherish over time.
Detect Any Abnormalities Earlier in Pregnancy
Finally, 4D ultrasounds can pick up on unexpected abnormalities on an earlier timeline. This allows the parents to have additional time to prepare and make decisions about how to best care for their child. While uncommon to be detected at this stage, this information can be invaluable in certain circumstances.
The Best 4D Ultrasound in Chicago
At the end of the day, 4D ultrasound is a revolutionary technology that provides immense value to mothers and fathers in the third trimester of pregnancy. From viewing the baby’s face for the first time inside the womb to providing additional medical information, this tool provides amazing value to upcoming parents.
If you want to find the best 4D ultrasound in Chicago, please contact us today. We would love to set up a consultation between you and one of our providers to help you see your baby for the first time.