When to Schedule elective 4d Ultrasound

MelleTX · August 2012

MoMs,

Did anyone do the boutique-type 4D ultrasound? I am trying to determine when the best time to have it done would be. I have numerous recommendations anywhere from 22-34 weeks. I was wondering when the best time with twins would be.

I want to be able to see their faces with a little bit of baby chub on them, but I don't want them to be so crowded in there that we can't get good pictures.

Any recommendations?

MrsCali_Bride · August 2012

I would actually wait and see if your MFM/Peri's office does any for you. Starting at around 27 weeks the techs at my Peri's office would do the 2D scans to get all of their measurements and then flick a switch and do some fun 3D/4D images for us. We got some good pics of their faces and the chubby cheeks at 27w4d, 31w4d and my last scan at 34w4d and we never had to pay anything extra.

tma1685 · August 2012

MrsCali_Bride:
I would actually wait and see if your MFM/Peri's office does any for you. Starting at around 27 weeks the techs at my Peri's office would do the 2D scans to get all of their measurements and then flick a switch and do some fun 3D/4D images for us. We got some good pics of their faces and the chubby cheeks at 27w4d, 31w4d and my last scan at 34w4d and we never had to pay anything extra.

Mine did the same thing. Right around 30 weeks was great photos. They were getting to squished around 34. 26 weeks you can defiantly see your babies features and they look the same as at 30 but just a little skinnier.

E&RMommy · August 2012

With as many u/s as you get for a MoM, I think it's worthless to pay for the "elective" ones.

My MFM office always grabbed 3D shots for me.

thetwinkies&Vivi · August 2012

I had an elective scheduled for 28w but ended up being too sick that day to go. My MFM tech ended up doing 3D that week, and has every week since then. We've got great shots each week so far even with twins and anterior placenta. The most clear shots for us came from the 30 week scan.

If you are set on the elective place, I'd say somewhere around the 26-34ish week range should produce good images, a lot will depend on positioning and cooperation of your girls though. Most weeks we only get good images from one of the girls.

Bel4780 · August 2012

I had an elective gender u/s at 16 weeks and the tech said the best time to come back to see twins without them being too squished is right around 28 weeks... They should be "chubby" enough then to get good facial features.

Ourfamilyof5 · August 2012

Just echoing the others to say that our MFM did 3D shots for us for the first time at our 24w appointment. I had no idea they were going to do that so it was a fun surprise! We didn't get a great look at baby B because her hands were covering her face and the umbilical cord was in the way, but they said they'll try harder at my 28 week scan so I think 3D is just going to be part of things for my next few visits. Definitely check with your MFM's office before booking the elective!

karebearmccroar · August 2012

I didn't realize so many MFMs routinely do 3D shots. Mine doesn't

so it's not a given that yours will. I thought about getting it done electively but decided I would rather spend the money on a newborn photo shoot.

MrsLouie10 · August 2012

I just called a "boutique-style" place yesterday to find out because I only see the MFM every 4 weeks and he hasn't done a 3D yet - so I figured I should get on the ball. They told me with twins I should schedule for 26-27 weeks if I want the best chance at getting good pics, which is now for me. Hope that helps!

Snickers2005 · August 2012

My MFM did the 4D as well. I think they started with the anatomy scan. They would usually switch over and try to print a few if they babies were cooperating. DD wasn't very cooperative but I did get a bunch of DS.

BabyCarryingVessel · August 2012

I didn't do the elective 4D either. My u/s tech said she would flip the switch at our 30 appointment to see 4D, but she said not to get my hopes up because they probably wouldn't be able to see anything. We ended up only getting a picture of one baby face, the other was too smashed and we couldn't see a thing. I was happy to at least get the one picture, though. And also that I didn't have to pay the money for the elective 4D. I'd say to answer your question, no later than 25 weeks would probably be best.

sugacattey · August 2012

I agree with the pp's - definitely ask! I've been getting 3D/4D pics since my very first appointment at 12 weeks (and that's with my OB) so I wouldn't be surprised if they don't plan to do that at some point with you.

But if they won't do it/aren't equipped I have to say that we got some cute mugshots at our most recent appointment at 20 weeks. I'm excited to see the change at 24! Good luck with whatever you decide.

projectbaby2012 · August 2012

I would check with your dr's office. My OBGYN's office has done 3D/4D since the beginning. I love the tech, we've become friends through this pregnancy. 3D too early are freaky. Around 24 weeks they looked good - enough fat to look more human.

Despite this, i have yet to get great shots - Baby A always has his hands in front of this face and Baby B is so low down and always turned towards my back. I'm hoping that at my next growth scan they will cooperate. If not, I guess I'll just have to wait until they arrive to get a good look at their faces.

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