Seeing your baby at different stages of development before they have been born via an ultrasound scan is a really special experience. It can help both parents feel even more connected to the little one, especially the father or same-sex partner who doesn't get to feel the fetus grow inside of them and won't get to feel kicks externally until much later on. Being able to view inside of the womb and see what baby is getting up to can make the pregnancy seem more real for everyone.
According to the NHS: "Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build a picture of the baby in the womb. The scans are painless, have no known side effects on mothers or babies, and can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy. "
Ultrasounds have come a long way, with 3D and 4D ultrasounds being available privately. But if we're talking about them making a pregnancy seem more real, we need to talk about 5D ultrasounds! You may be wondering what exactly a 5D ultrasound is and how they are different to 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound scans. So we've researched the differences to find out and share everything you need to know.
What does 5D mean on ultrasound?
The term "5D ultrasound" is a bit misleading, and in order to understand what a 5D ultrasound really is, you'll first need to understand what a regular 2D ultrasound is, as well as the more advanced 3D ultrasounds and 4D ultrasounds. So let's take a look at these first, and then examine what is really meant by the term "5D ultrasound".
2d vs 3d vs 4d vs 5d ultrasound
With so many to choose from it can be difficult to know what's what, and more importantly, which is the best option for you. Ultimately, all ultrasounds have a few things in common; the main purpose is to check on your baby's development and spot any abnormalities or complications as early as possible.
There are also perks to having an ultrasound, like getting to see your baby as it develops inside of your womb, and this is where the differences between 2d, 3d, 4d and 5d ultrasounds shine, as each offers that bit more detail, which can make the experience all the more exciting and special. So let's take a closer look at the different types of ultrasound to see what the benefits of each are.
What is a 2D ultrasound?
Most people know about 2D ultrasounds. They are the most common and traditional type offered at 12 and 20 weeks to everyone by the NHS. You don't have to have one if you don't want to, but it's a good idea, as it checks the physical development of your baby. It can be tricky to make out what's in the scan picture if you don't really know what you're looking at. This is because the image lacks depth perception and there is no detail in the facial features. A health professional will be able to point things out to you though, so you can have a better idea of your baby and where everything is.
The point of 2D ultrasounds isn't really to show you your baby, it is to monitor the baby's growth and make sure everything is as it should be. It's an opportunity to check for any abnormalities, but you get the added benefit of being able to know the baby's gender if you'd like, although this isn't always accurate. Couples can also look forward to taking home a copy of the scan image to frame as a keepsake.
What is a 3D ultrasound?
Parents wanting to see a bit more detail can opt to go private for a 3D ultrasound scan. These add an extra dimension to the images by capturing multiple 2D images from different angles to create a 3-dimensional picture that seems more realistic and recognisable. The extra detail means you get to see more of the facial features and body parts, getting a better idea of what your baby might look like. This also makes it easier for health professionals to spot anything out of the ordinary.
What is a 4D ultrasound?
With 4D ultrasounds you get the added benefit of motion. This can be really exciting because you get to watch baby moving in real-time within the womb. You might get to see funny facial expressions, which help to offer a sense of the little one's character, although this will of course be subjective at this stage. Other cute things you might observe include thumb-sucking or adorable interactions between multiples like twins. 4D ultrasounds are a great way to help both parents bond with their baby while still in mum's tum.
What is a 5D ultrasound?
You may not have heard the term "5D ultrasound" before. This is because it is a fairly new offering and is often used interchangably with HD ultrasounds, which are high-definition scans that offer incredibly detailed and clear lifelike images. They use software that enhances facial features, skin tone, and depth of perception through lighting.
Because the results are so good, 5D ultrasounds are popular for capturing realistic expressions and representations of unborn babies that make keepsakes all the more aesthetically pleasing not to mention more interesting for other relatives to look at, especially younger children.
The term "5D ultrasound" is a bit misleading though, in that the concept of a "fifth dimension" simply isn't accurate. "5D ultrasound" is actually just a name coined by marketing teams of the ultrasound machine. "5D" essentially refers to the advanced tech that combines 3D and 4D imaging for a clearer, more details and more realistic result – which you can expect to pay a premium for!
Are 5D ultrasounds worth it?
There's no doubt that 5D offers something new – a real-life glimpse into the womb so that you can witness your unborn baby's movements, providing you memories that you'll be able to treasure forever. The depth and dimension, colour, and subtle details of the face and body are all massive improvements on the flat black and white image of traditional 2D scan images.
Whether or not it's worth investing in a 5D ultrasounds is really a personal choice though. Many parents have expressed that the experience helped them to feel more connected and even bond more with their unborn child, but the extra cost is something that you'll have to consider for yourself according to your budget.
It's worth mentioning that sometimes these scans can look quite scary too, especially scans that are done slightly earlier. Don't forget that your baby isn't fully developed yet, and it's easy to think that there might be something wrong with them if they don't look quite right to you. This could even lead to you feeling worried and stressed when there's actually nothing to be worried about – and we all know that stress isn't good for the baby!
You might even be disappointed with what you end up seeing because it doesn't meet your expectations from examples you've seen prior to booking your scan, and this could lead you feeling disconnected rather than more connected to your baby. These are all things you should consider before making your decision, because at the end of the day, it does come down to personal choice.
5D ultrasound FAQ
We're sure you have many more questions about 5D ultrasounds, so we've tried to answer some of the most common questions asked by parents below.
What week is best for 5D scan?
If you're going to invest in a 5D ultrasound scan it's best to wait until your baby's features are more fully developed so that you will be able to see more and get value for your money. They'll also look a bit more like a real baby if they are more developed. The best time to get a 5D pregnancy scan is between 24 and 32 weeks, as the amniotic fluid is still sufficient enough to allow clear images to be captured and baby is developed enough to allow for plenty of detail to be seen.
How much water should you drink before a 5D ultrasound?
A full bladder isn't always necessary for a 5D ultrasound. This will depend on the clinic, so be sure to follow their specific instructions, as some may request you to drink a certain amount of water prior to your scan for a clearer image of the baby. Drinking water is said to help increase the amniotic fluid around your baby, but also helps make the fluid clearer. However, this doesn't mean that drinking a bittle of water before your scan will be effective. Usually you'd have to start drinking extra water several days before your session. It's best to find out what the clinic you have chosen advises though.
How to make baby active during ultrasound?
It is said that in addition to water, drinking juice or another drink with natural sugars before your live ultrasound can help to make your baby be more active. You can also experiment with different positions, for example, lying on your left side increases blood flow to the placenta, and getting on all fours (if you feel comfortable during the scan) or leaning forward will create more space for your baby to move. If you want to be a bit more discrete, you could try rocking your pelvis or doing gentle pelvic tilts to encourage your baby to shift positions.
Should you eat before 5D ultrasound?
Doctors will recommend a healthy and light meal before an ultrasound. Go for fruits and vegetables, lean protein, or whole-grain toastand try to avoid anything that could cause indigestion or bloating, or that's high in fat or sugar. It is also said that a quick snack on the way to your appointment can also help your blood sugar levels rise and help to wake your baby up a bit for a successful scan.
Can 5D ultrasound detect Down syndrome?
According to Phoenix Ultrasound : "The 5D ultrasound can help detect potential health problems or anomalies in the baby." They say, "This advanced technology can detect many conditions, such as Down syndrome and congenital heart defects, that can't be seen on regular ultrasounds." However, they also say, "It’s important to note that while 5D scans provide detailed images of the baby, they are not intended to diagnose any health problems. If there are any concerns about the baby’s health or development, a doctor will recommend additional medical tests or ultrasounds."
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.