The first picture you’ll ever have of your baby is from an ultrasound. This grainy, black and white photo gives you a tiny two-dimensional visual of what your baby looks like right inside your womb! It’s no wonder why parents feel such an intimate connection with these images, wanting to share them with their friends and family.
But did you know that ultrasounds have come a long way from these low-quality images? Many OB/GYN offices now have 3D ultrasound tech, giving you an even better look at your little one! Here’s everything you need to know before getting your 3D ultrasound in Miami.
What’s a 3D Ultrasound?
Like the traditional two-dimensional ultrasound, 3D ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves and special imaging software to create images of your baby’s soft tissues, organs, and other anatomy. However, 3D ultrasounds produce much sharper, clearer images of your baby, allowing you to see an even more accurate image. You can see your baby’s unique features, like their face shape and their nose!
Just like traditional 2D ultrasounds, your doctor will use a cooling gel and transducer on your belly.
Another great benefit of 3D ultrasounds is that they’re performed like any other ultrasound. First, the doctor or technician will rub the gel on your belly and then move a transducer across the area. The transducer directs the sound waves toward your uterus and the baby inside it, giving you a picture of your developing baby.
The process is simple and easy, just like traditional ultrasounds, so you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed.
Should I Get a 3D Ultrasound?
Because the images are much sharper and clearer in a 3-D ultrasound, your doctor can see more details to spot any health issues your developing baby may have. Your OB/GYN may recommend both a 2D and 3D ultrasound. It can help your doctors detect and diagnose medical conditions and potential defects early on, including cleft lip or cleft palate, other craniofacial abnormalities, neural tube defects like spina bifida, and skeletal malformations.
Because 3D ultrasounds can give you a much better look at your baby’s face, this makes pregnancies even more exciting for the parents, allowing them to develop an even stronger bond with their baby. There are numerous benefits to a 3D ultrasound, so talk to your OB/GYN about it so they can determine if it’s a good choice for you.
How Much Does a 3D Ultrasound in Miami Cost?
Because every insurance provider is different and not all provide the same coverage, your provider may not cover it unless your OB/GYN or healthcare professional specifically recommends it for further testing and monitoring of any issues your baby may have. Because two-dimensional ultrasounds still give your doctor a good look at your baby’s progression, you likely won’t get a 3D ultrasound recommendation from your doctor.
Before getting a 3D ultrasound, check with your provider to see how much you would have to cover on your own, if applicable. Remember that insurance providers will never pay for ultrasounds from kiosks or stores at shopping malls or other non-medical venues, which you should avoid anyway.
The Best Time to Get a 3D Ultrasound
Pregnant women can get a 3D ultrasound at any point in their pregnancy and the traditional, two-dimensional ultrasound. Often, medical professionals prefer conducting them between approximately 24 and 34 weeks after the baby has developed significantly. There’s also less risk that fluid or positioning in the pelvis will block results at this point in the pregnancy.
Like traditional ultrasounds, a 3D ultrasound involves no radiation or x-rays, and it’s safe for you and your baby. Make sure you’re getting any medical procedures done by doctors and medical professionals, especially when pregnant.
Dr. Susan Fox | 3D Ultrasound Miami
Dr. Susan Fox’s Center for Women strives to make each patient feel welcomed and secure.
Backed by our professional medical team, Dr. Susan Fox is a gynecologist ready to provide the best gynecological care for women with various unique needs in the Miami area. Give us a call today and ask about 3D ultrasounds!
