4D ultrasound: when and what are the costs?
During pregnancy, there is nothing better than seeing ultrasound images of the unborn baby. The 4D ultrasound enables very detailed images – three-dimensional and in real time. Here you will find more information about 4D ultrasound, when the examination is possible and how high the costs are.
In the course of prenatal care, regular ultrasound examinations are carried out by the gynecologist . A total of three are required by the maternity guidelines. The examinations not only serve to look at your baby before birth, but above all have a diagnostic background.
For example, your baby’s cardiac activity and child’s movements are checked and the amount of amniotic fluid is determined. Your baby’s growth and weight are also recorded. In addition, the gynecologist can take further diagnostic measures in the event of abnormal findings. A 3D or 4D ultrasound is an additional option that you can take advantage of.
What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasound?
Although conventional ultrasound images allow you to take a look at your unborn baby, the images are often blurred and not very meaningful. A 3D ultrasound is a three-dimensional and plastic extension of the 2D ultrasound. In a three-dimensional measurement, the sonic head captures measurement points from all three spatial levels, so that you receive photographic-like images of your baby.
The state-of-the-art 4D ultrasound is a further development of the 3D ultrasound , which allows you to view fetal movements not only in 3D, but also in real time. It is therefore also commonly called “baby cinema”.
When can you do a 4D ultrasound?
4D ultrasound is possible throughout pregnancy. From a medical point of view, an ultrasound examination between the 12th and 16th week of pregnancy is advisable, as the baby can still be fully recorded.
Towards the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, approximately between the 26th and 32nd week of pregnancy, individual organs and parts of the body can be examined particularly well. During this time it is also most exciting for you to take a look inside the womb. Now your baby is a little further developed and the facial expressions are already very lively. However, you must not, for example, confuse a smile with an actual emotion, it is rather a reflex.
Does the 4D ultrasound have any medical use?
Most medical professionals agree that a 4D ultrasound examination does not provide any usable results beyond conventional ultrasound examinations. Therefore there is no medical necessity. In fact, there is less detail and a favorable position of the child and a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid are important in order to be able to take meaningful pictures.
However, a 4D ultrasound can provide further diagnostic insights when a conventional ultrasound shows abnormalities. This applies in particular to malformations of the organs or the body, such as heart defects, facial clefts or neural tube malformations. The 4D ultrasound is therefore a supplement to the conventional 2D ultrasound, but does not replace it.
Regardless of the medical requirement, the method is a very good reassurance for parents that their baby is doing well. It is therefore understandable that many parents want a 4D ultrasound even without an indication, given the impressive and vivid images.
How much does a 4D ultrasound cost?
Since the 4D ultrasound examination is an individual health service (IGeL), health insurance companies do not cover the costs for a 4D ultrasound. Parents-to-be must therefore pay for it themselves. The costs vary from practice to practice, but are usually between 80 and 140 euros.