Pregnancy is always an exciting time for expecting parents, and that moment when you get to have a glimpse of your growing little one for the first time will blow your mind. There’s nothing quite as amazing as getting to have a first look at the child you’ve made, before they make their big entrance into the world.
Not all ultrasound scans are the same, though. If you want to get an even closer look at your bundle of joy, a 3D scan is well worth the investment. Keep reading to find out more about these pregnancy scans, how they work, when to get one and what to expect.
What are 3D Pregnancy Scans?
3D scans are becoming an increasingly popular option for mums and dads looking for to meet their little one with a London pregnancy scan. 3D scans are a type of advanced ultrasound technology that creates a three-dimensional image of your baby, allowing you to get a closer look at their features compared to what you’d expect from a standard, traditional 2D scan. 2D scans are typically carried out by health professionals, and come included with your pregnancy care on the NHS. On the other hand, 3D scans are not usually medically necessary, but are well worth investing in for the joy of getting to see your baby’s face for the first time.
When Should I Get a 3D Scan?
A 3D pregnancy scan is usually done at between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It’s best to wait until you’re this far along before you book a 3D scan, as any earlier, and your baby’s features might not have developed enough yet to get a detailed look at them. At 24-36 weeks, your baby’s facial features are much more developed, allowing you to see them more clearly, and see which parent they resemble the most.
When booking a 3D pregnancy scan, it’s important to note that it might not be suitable for all. Even at this stage, some babies haven’t quite gotten into the right position for a 3D scan yet, so it’s worth checking with an ultrasound technician, your doctor, or your midwife first. They can advise on whether a 3D scan is suitable for you at this stage of your pregnancy.
What to Expect from a 3D Pregnancy Scan
The process of having the scan is like what you have already experienced with a standard 2D ultrasound. You’ll be asked to lie on a bed, and gel will be applied to your bump to help the ultrasound probe move smoothly over your skin. All in all, you can expect the scan to take around 20-30 minutes. During this time, the technician will take several images of your baby.
Once the scan is complete, you’ll get the images – and you should be able to see your baby’s face in more detail, including their cute little nose and mouth, and their teeny, little fingers and toes.
If you can’t wait until your baby is born to meet them, a 3D scan can offer the next best thing. With this type of scan, you can get a more detailed look into what your precious little one looks like, and who they’re going to be.
