Prenatal Care The Difference Between 2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH twitter linkedin Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. Learn about our editorial process Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Andrea Chisholm, MD on November 01, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Learn about our Review Board Andrea Chisholm, MD on November 01, 2020 Print BSIP/UIG / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Types of Ultrasounds Advantages and Disadvantages Reasons for Ultrasounds Medical Purposes Only If you're pregnant, you might be wondering what the difference between a 2D, a 3D, and a 4D ultrasound is. Though most women will have at least one ultrasound done in pregnancy, an ultrasound is not always required for healthy pregnancies. As the newer imaging technologies become more widely available in ultrasound, you might hear various terms thrown around like 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds. Types of Ultrasounds There are differences in the types of ultrasounds done during pregnancy. All ultrasounds use sound waves to create a picture. The traditional ultrasound is a 2D or two-dimensional image to create images of a developing fetus. In recent years, 3D or three-dimensional images, and now four-dimensional images or 4D, have become popular. However, 3D and 4D ultrasounds are not considered standard prenatal tests and insurance may not cover the cost of these types of ultrasounds unless your doctor deems them medically necessary. 2D ultrasound gives you outlines and flat looking images, but it can be used to see the internal organs of the baby. 2D ultrasound is helpful in diagnosing heart defects, issues with the kidneys, and other potential internal issues. 3D images are used to show you three-dimensional external images that may be helpful in diagnosing issues such as a cleft lip. A 4D ultrasound generates an image that is continuously updated, much like a moving image. How Your Baby Grows in Pregnancy Advantages and Disadvantages Each of these types of ultrasound has advantages and disadvantages. Many families prefer the 3D images because they look more like what they perceive a baby to look like in real life than the flatter 2D images. You should talk to your doctor about the type of ultrasound they use, and why. You can also ask your midwife, but only if they have received their ultrasound education. If your doctor or midwife doesn't offer you a 3D or 4D ultrasound and you'd like one, ask him or her about it. Reasons for Ultrasounds Ultrasounds can be used to check a number of variables when you're pregnant, including: How your baby is developingYour baby's ageAny problems in your uterus, ovaries, cervix, or the placentaHow many babies you're carryingAny problems you and/or your baby may be havingYour baby's heart rateYour baby's growth and position in your uterusThe level of your amniotic fluidSigns of Down syndrome Medical Purposes Only The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend that you get ultrasounds done for fun or bonding purposes, citing the use of ultrasound as a medical technology. This means that you should avoid places that offer ultrasounds that are not recommended by your doctor or midwife to avoid any misdiagnosis. Exposure to ultrasound should be regulated by a medical professional and follow the "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA) protocol to limit exposure to heat and radiation. While ultrasound is considered safe, there is not enough evidence to ascertain what prolonged exposure to ultrasound may do to a baby. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Pregnancy Association. Ultrasound: Sonogram. Renna MD, Pisani P, Conversano F, et al. Sonographic markers for early diagnosis of fetal malformations. World J Radiol. 2013;5(10):356–371. doi:10.4329/wjr.v5.i10.356 Holmlund S, Ntaganira J, Edvardsson K, et al. Improved maternity care if midwives learn to perform ultrasound: a qualitative study of Rwandan midwives' experiences and views of obstetric ultrasound. Glob Health Action. 2017;10(1):1350451. doi:10.1080/16549716.2017.1350451 Masselli G, Brunelli R, Monti R, et al. Imaging for acute pelvic pain in pregnancy. Insights Imaging. 2014;5(2):165–181. doi:10.1007/s13244-014-0314-8 Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. How do health care providers diagnose Down syndrome?. Reviewed January 31, 2017. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Avoid Fetal "Keepsake" Images, Heartbeat Monitors. Updated December 16, 2014. Abramowicz J. ALARA: The Clinical View. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. 2015;41(4):S102. doi:10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.12.677 Additional Reading American College of Radiology. Practice Parameter for the Performance of Obstetrical Ultrasound. Campbell S. A short history of sonography in obstetrics and gynaecology. Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 2013;5(3):213–229. García-lópez MA, Bermúdez-rojas Mde L, Oaxaca-escobar C. Prenatal diagnosis of cleft palate by 3D ultrasound. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2010;78(11):626-32. Stanford Children's Health. Fetal Ultrasound.