3D and 4D Ultrasounds: The New Thing in Pregnancy Technology

Since I had to look it up myself, I decided I'd better explain the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasounds. There really is no difference aside from the motion/time factor. 3D ultrasound images are "snapshots", still photos. 4D ultrasounds are videos, and show the baby's movements as well as the 3 dimensional image.¹

These types of ultrasounds have become very popular among expectant parents. So much so that free-standing, non-medical ultrasound offices have sprung up across the country. These offices bear names like "Prenatal Peek" and "Bella Baby" and their websites feature excited copy describing all the wonderful bonding that can be had by viewing your baby in the womb in 3D and 4D. "So much better than flat old two dimensional ultrasounds!!!", they imply, "Who can bond with a fuzzy black and white outline?"

Most of these places offer a variety of "packages", the range starting at just under $100 (basic package) to a little over $200 (if you want the "complete bonding experience"). At least for middle- and upper-class families, not too bad a price, especially if they view the experience as a priceless intangible with souvenirs (CD's and DVD's) to keep forever.

There is some debate about the safety of this technology, although no serious harm has yet been proven. The FDA warns very strongly against "keepsake" ultrasounds, and urges expectant mothers to limit ultrasound exposure to controlled, prescribed occasions under the care of a doctor. The FDA's Robert Phillips, Ph. D. says: "Although there are no known risks of ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, the radiation associated with them can produce effects on the body. When ultrasound enters the body, it heats the tissues slightly. In some cases, it can also produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues." ²

In Connecticut, a bill was introduced to ban "entertainment" ultrasounds, and to limit ultrasound used to that prescribed by doctors. This concept is backed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which states that obstetric ultrasound is best obtained through standard prenatal care.³

Because there is no clear and present danger apparent at this time with the use of 3D and 4D ultrasounds (even the strongest warnings are somewhat vague and seem to lack concrete examples of the danger), expectant parents must consider all the possibilities and make the decision to use this technology or not according to the information available. No-one should rush to use new technology just because it's novel, or "cool" or because everyone else is doing it. Past "new technologies" used in pregnancy have at times proven to be downright dangerous ("twilight sleep", x-rays, DES, thalidomide) and caused a great deal of harm due to the faddish nature of their rapid spread through the culture. However, ultrasound technology has a decades-long history of use in obstetric care, with no clear, widespread detrimental results.

It seems reasonable to suggest that those considering the use of 3D and 4D ultrasounds do so in consultation with a trusted doctor or midwife. And while the images they provide can be fascinating and beautiful, it should be remembered that they are not the only way, nor necessarily the best way, to bond with a baby.

¹Ultrasound: 2D, 3D, 4D...What's the Difference?, Ultrasona St. Louis, www.expectantmothersguide.com
²Avoid Fetal "Keepsake" Ultrasounds, staff, fda.gov
³Ultrasound Exams, ACOG education pamphlet, acog.org