20 Week Anatomy Scan Question

Kevin & Dominique

Are the anatomy scans usually a 3D ultrasound? I've been seeing some of the girls posting beautiful 3D pics and I was just wondering if you asked for it or if they just do it.

finndog

Where I am at they aren't normally 3D, it could be different elsewhere though.

MrsYam

I'm not much help b/c I haven't had mine yet this time, but for DD I just had the regular 2D u/s. I'm not sure if its just because they don't have the right equipment or what.  I guess you could always ask if you'll be seeing baby in 3D. 

jessr510

I consult a high risk OB for some parts of my pregnancy (I know it's strange) and they use both for the anatomy scan.  Not sure what it would be like at my regular OB's office though.

shabby

My OB's office will do a 3D ultrasound for an extra $125, but they don't do them until later in the pregnancy. I was told they are purely for "entertainment" purposes. So I wouldn't assume you'd get a 3D rather than a 2D at your 20 week.

Kevin & Dominique

Thanks everyone... I planned on paying for a 3D sonogram later in the pregnancy (maybe 28-30 weeks or so), but I got excited when I saw some 3D pics already and thought maybe it's a routine thing for the anatomy scan. My doctor sent me to the hospital for the NT scan and I will be going back there again for the 20 week scan. They do have the 3D machines there, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and see what they do.

sklein625

My OB's ultrasound machine just had the 3D and normal capabilities. They looked at some stuff in 3D and some stuff regular and gave me pictures of both! I'd just ask if yours can do that and they might pop some pictures out for you!

kvans81

We haven't had our anatomy scan done yet, but the doctor that performs all my u/s isn't my Ob doctor (Ob doctor has super old u/s machines).  He did our NT scan at 13 weeks and randomly did a 3D without us even asking.  I guess it depends on the office and doctor??  I'm not entirely sure, but I hope he does another 3D when we find out what we're having!!

WestCoastMommy

No. You most likely have to go to a 3D/4D place for that. We did a 3D gender determination u/s at 15 weeks for DS because our Dr. one wasn't until 20 weeks.

izzourclue

Ours was 2D, but they switched over the 4D (3D pic) for a couple of shots.  Wasn't extra as far as I know.  They didn't ask me if I wanted it, they just did it.  It was a flip of a switch for them.

headlight

Anatomy scans have to be in 2d, otherwise you are not able to check everything. For diagnostic purpose 3D is only used if baby has cleft palate, for example. Newer equipment has 3D/4D possibilities. So if the tech will be nice you can ask  him/her to switch to 3D so you can see. some places will charge you extra for couple pictures in 3D.