5 Benefits Of Booking A 4D Third Trimester Ultrasound
Pregnancy is, without a doubt, an unforgettable time in any woman’s life. And one way to cherish this experience is to book a 4D third trimester ultrasound.
Unlike routine medical ultrasounds offered at the end of the first and second trimesters, a 4D third trimester ultrasound shows you a three dimensional image of your baby, with the fourth dimension being movement over time. This means you’ll be able to watch your baby in real-time, rubbing their eyes, sticking their tongue out or sucking their thumb!
As well as 4D third trimester ultrasounds offering a unique and enjoyable experience, there are several benefits to attending in addition to your routine check-ups. Here are five reasons to book a 4D third trimester ultrasound.
1. Your anxiety levels may reduce
There’s a long wait between the second trimester scan and birth, and within that time, pregnant women experience many physiological and emotional changes. One of the most common problems affecting 30 per cent of all pregnant women is anxiety.
Anxiety can manifest in many ways, including increased heart rate, sweating, insomnia, agitation and breathlessness. Sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing the anxiety, whereas other times it can occur as a response to underlying fear about the pregnancy. For example, a study published in the British Medical Journal showed a significant increase in third trimester anxiety in pregnant women who had experienced a previous pregnancy loss. One of the best ways for an anxious expectant mother to relax is to feel more reassured about the wellbeing of her baby, and a 4D third trimester ultrasound can help achieve this. Just seeing the baby can make the world of difference to a mother-to-be, reducing anxiety symptoms and allowing her to enjoy the rest of her pregnancy.
2. Your baby’s wellbeing will be checked
Ordinarily, women experience healthy, normal pregnancies and go on to deliver their babies without any problems. But sometimes there are pregnancy abnormalities that can cause unwanted and potentially dangerous complications. Often, these issues are detected in routine ultrasounds, blood tests and maternal monitoring, but sometimes they can be missed, or might only develop in the final trimester of pregnancy. The rate at which a baby grows in the final few weeks, for example, can drastically impact on his or her health. In fact, there is a strong correlation between low birth weight and stillbirth, with almost half of all normally formed stillborn babies measuring in the <10th centile for size. Similarly, undetected maternal medical conditions like gestational diabetes can affect the baby’s size and health, so it’s a good idea to be cautious. Third trimester ultrasounds give extra reassurance that the baby is developing within a normal range and that no other complications with mother or baby have arisen.
3. It’s a bonding opportunity for all
Nine months is a long time to wait for your baby to arrive, and a 4D third trimester ultrasound can be a lovely way to feel closer to the baby before the birth. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for Dads to bond with the baby. Just being able to see their son or daughter’s chubby face in pristine detail can help them to feel more involved with the pregnancy and excited about the birth. After the session, you’ll be able to show photographs of your baby’s button nose and tiny fingers to family and friends, allowing even more people to feel included.
4. Have your questions answered
Every pregnant woman has questions throughout her pregnancy and the third trimester can be a particularly curious time. You might be wondering about the baby’s position, movements and patterns, or have a couple of niggling worries. A 4D third trimester ultrasound can give you time with a qualified professional who can answer your questions and talk over your concerns. They’ll even be able to give you a guided tour around your uterus, showing you what the different images on the screen mean, allowing you to better understand your changing body.
5. Use it as a gender reveal
Discovering the gender of your unborn baby is not the sole purpose of a second trimester standardised ultrasound scan. Sonographers have a busy job of checking for abnormalities, fluid levels, growth progress and placenta function and while many will try to determine the sex at your request, this is not always possible due to the position of the baby and time restraints in the clinic. That’s why another opportunity for a gender reveal is often welcomed by couples during the third trimester, and a 4D third trimester ultrasound can be the perfect way to mark this exciting and memorable moment. Alongside your loved-ones, you’ll be able to discover whether you’re having a boy or girl and finalise your baby-prep and name choice.
At Bond Radiology, we offer unparalleled care for pregnant women who want to enhance and nurture their pregnancy experience. Book a 4D ultrasound using our quick and easy online booking system. Please note that we recommend you attend your 4D ultrasound between 27 – 33 weeks gestation for a singleton pregnancy. Click here to learn more.