3D - 2

how to do a 3d ultra sound?

is a 3d ultra sound vaginal? Does my bladder have to be full?

Public Comments

1. its a normal ultrasound and i have never heard of you having to have a full bladder.
2. Eat 15 minutes before you go and you do NOT have to have a full bladder. They recommend that you don't drink a lot before hand actually. It's a regular ultrasound, on top of the belly.
3. A 3-D ultrasound is just a normal ultrasound. It depends on how far along you are. If you aren't very far along at all then they would do a vaginal ultrasound. If you are farther along, it will be a normal one. If your bladder is full, the ultrasound pictures tend to come out better. I was told to drink at least a bottle of water before. You don't HAVE to have a full bladder, but it definitely helps! =)
4. A 3D ultrasound is performed the same way as a traditional, 2D ultrasound. The 3D image is the result of a compilation of many 2D images. A full bladder is not necessary, but having some fluid in your bladder can be helpful as the beams from the ultrasound travel better through water than other tissue (and later in the pregnancy a full bladder will actually move the baby's head out of the pelvis) - you will get better images. Be sure to discuss any potential adverse effects before doing the scan. I was supposed to have a 3D ultrasound yesterday at a business that specializes in it (they are not offered at my local hospital); after discussing it with my doctor, I had to cancel my appointment because he says the procedure can harm the baby if not performed correctly or with proper equipment - the repeated scanning needed to create the 3D image can raise the baby's temperature by 4 or 5 degrees, causing serious side effects. In fact, the medical college my doctor belongs to recommends not having it done if not necessary, even though the FDA does have regulations in place for the safety of you and your baby if you do choose to have the 3D scan. I was disappointed because a few of my friends have had 3D ultrasounds and the pictures are amazing - some even showed the baby's wavy hair and everything - but I guess I'm paying the doctor for a reason, I might as well take his advice.