Many people aren't quite sure of the difference between a 2D scan and a 3D/4D scan. We offer both options here at First Encounters - today, we're going to explain each option in detail, helping you to select the ultrasound scan package that suits you best.
4D Scans
A 4D ultrasound scan - such as our
4DGrowth&Wellbeing™ package - allows you to see what your baby really looks like via detailed three-dimensional footage. Some clinics offer '3D scans', which give still images of your baby; here at First Encounters, we specialise in 4D ultrasound, which allows you to see your baby moving around in real time. 3D scans produce photographs; 4D scans produce video footage.
Here are some further details about our 4D scans:
- 3D/4D ultrasound technology renders an image from the surface of your baby's skin for unparalleled detail
- Scan footage is projected onto a large plasma television screen, allowing you and your guests to watch
- Our 4D scans are popular among expectant mothers who have already received their dating and anomaly scans, and who now wish to take a closer look at the baby that's growing inside them. Our 4D scans make fantastic baby bonding experiences, giving you a detailed glimpse into your baby's world and bringing you a little bit closer to the child you're about to bring into the world.
- Some of our 4D scan packages (e.g. 4DGrowth&Wellbeing™) include complimentary baby sexing; others allow you to find out the sex upon request. However, gender confirmation is always done via a 2D ultrasound scan, even if your package includes 3D/4D imaging.
- After your 4D scan, you will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of lovely souvenirs that can be shared with friends and relatives. These range from printed photographs and DVDs to key rings, fridge magnets, and our adorable Heartbeat Teddies (featuring your unborn baby's heartbeat!)
2D Scans
2D ultrasound scans don't offer the same level of detail as our 4D packages - you won't really be able to see your baby's face, for example - but they still allow our sonographers to get all the important information about your child. Options like our
Growth&Wellbeing™ package are designed to reassure you about your baby's growth and wellbeing; other 2D scan packages can even tell you whether your unborn baby is a boy or a girl!
Here's a little more information on our 2D baby scans:
- A 2D ultrasound scan produces a black-and-white image that show's your baby's skeletal make-up and allows the sonographer to identify any potential anomalies. As previously mentioned, this two-dimensional view is also ideal for gender confirmation, but please check if this is available with your chosen scan.
- While a 2D scan doesn't afford the same level of detail and bonding as a full 4D package, you and your guests will still be able to watch the scan on our plasma screen TV and purchase a variety of cute souvenirs after the appointment.
Still not sure which scan is right for you?
"Should I find out the gender of my baby?" is a wuestion we hear all the time - and it's certainly a difficult one. Suprisingly, not everyone is interested in hearing the answer - many of the people who come to us a for a pregnancy scan specifically ask not to be told their unborn baby's gender. But should you?
The Find Out or Wait debate is one that's caused a lot of arguments. Sometimes, even the parents themselves can't agree - one will want to find out right away, while the other will want to wait until the birth date! If you can't decide, then let us help. In this article, we'll discuss both arguments to help you decide if you should find out your baby's gender.
Why should you find out your baby's gender?
Here are some of the most common reasons why you should find out the gender of your baby:
- You'll be able to pick a name sooner! Finding out your baby's gender will make it a bit easier to choose a name, and you won't just be limited to gender neutral options. You won't have to worry about choosing between 'John" and 'Lilly' if you already know that you're having a boy!
- You get to tell all your friends and relatives! Your nearest and dearest are sure to be itching for updates on your pregnancy, and they'll be thrilled if they can find out the baby's gender ahead of the birth. You can even give them one of our Gender Reveal Cards to make it even more exciting!
- You won't be disappointed on the day! If you have your heart set on a specific gender for your unborn baby, it may be a good idea to find out in advance. If you aren't having a baby of the gender you were hoping for, you'll have time to get over your disappointment and get excited all over again for the child that you're actually having!
- You'll feel closer to your baby! Many expectant parents find that knowing the gender helps them to feel closer to their baby during the pregnancy. After all, it's easier to visualise your future child when you know a bit more about them.
Why should you wait to find out the gender of your baby?
You might think that, as an ultrasound clinic, we would encourage everyone to find out their baby's gender. However, we can keep your baby's gender a secret with many of our scans, and we understand why some parents may prefer to keep it a secret.
Here are some of the reasons why you should wait to find out your baby's gender:
- You'll ruin the suprise! It can be nice to have something to look forward to, especially if your baby's gender doesn't matter much to you. If you only care that your baby is healthy, then why not leave it as an extra reveal for the big day?
- You'll end up with loads of pink/blue stuff! You may be able to resist the temptation to buy loads of colour-coded, gender-specific products for your baby after finding out the results of your gender scan, but that doesn't mean your friends and family won't do it for you. If you want to avoid the 'sports for boys/princesses for girls' stereotypes, leaving the gender unknown can be a good way to do so.
- The sonographer might get it wrong! It's true that no gender scan is 100% infallible, so it's good to keep this in mind. That said, our sonographers can accurately identify the gender in the vast majority of cases. If the baby's position makes it difficult for us to know for sure, we'll tell you so - we never just guess! Furthermore, we will show you the evidence for our decision on a large plasma screen during your appointment, so you won't just have to take our word for it. If this is the only reason why you are waiting, you might want to reconsider.
Finding Out About Your Baby
Whether you want to find out your baby's gender or not, we at First Encounters Ultrasound can help you find out more about your baby. Scans are for more than just gender reveals - we can help you discover more about your baby's measurements and wellbeing.
Note that gender is always depicted using traditional 2D ultrasound technology (even when a gender scan is included as part of one of our 4D packages). Since gender is not visible on a 4D scan, you are not obliged to find out the gender if you get a 4D ultrasound session. We can keep it a secret for you!
If you've decided that you do want to find out your baby's gender, we have a variety of options to choose from. We even have a sneak peak gender blood test which you can take from as early as 6 weeks!
