Baby's first portrait in amazing detail!
Minnesota Women's Care offers one of the most incredible advances in ultrasound technology: The 3D/4D Ultrasound. This allows you to see your baby with unbelievable clarity.
What is 3D or 4D Ultrasound?
The ultrasounds we've all seen in the past are 2D - shown in two dimensions. Often these are blurry, black and white images that only an ultrasound technologist could love. To the trained eye, they provided good information. To the prospective mom ... not so much. They were created using very high frequency sound waves and used primarily for diagnostics.
The NEW 3D Ultrasound provides a clear three-dimensional image of the baby in utero. When this technology is used to show movement - the 4th dimension - it's called 4D Ultrasound.
Both 3D and 4D Ultrasounds are performed using the same safe sound-wave technology that's been in place for many years. Technological advances now allow us to get more detail and to control the lighting. Rather than a snap shot, we also have the ability to record video.
Can you do a video of the baby?
Yes! 4D Ultrasound shows movement. Here's a perfect example of a video from Minnesota Women's Care:
Here's a video of a baby yawning:
When is the best time to have a 3D/4D Ultrasound?
Any time after the end of the first trimester is fine, but the clearest images of the baby's features are normally obtained between 24 and 32 weeks. In addition to gestational age, the quality of the 3D/4D image can vary depending on the position of the baby in the womb and the level of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Here are examples of 3D ultrasound at various gestational ages.
First trimester:
First Trimester: Twins
Third Trimester: 28 Weeks
4D Ultrasound makes a perfect
shower gift for the mom-to-be.
A gift card makes it easy.
Buy Gift Cards
How to get a 4D Ultrasound
The 4D Ultrasound is standard for all obstetric patients at Minnesota Women's Care. As a patient, you receive a 4D image with your routine anatomy scan. If a full session or more sessions are wanted, we provide the package shown below. If you are not a patient at Minnesota Women's Care and would like 4D Ultrasound, these packages are also available to you. Just call our office to make an appointment.
2D, 3D, & 4D Ultrasounds
The Little Peanut Package - 4D Ultrasound
The Little Peanut Package is a fun 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound that is offered at Minnesota Women’s Care for expecting parents to enjoy a 15-minute session to bond with baby. The ultrasound can be done at any point during pregnancy, though, optimal viewing is between 28-32weeks. This session includes text messages or email of your images.
Our sonographers will obtain as many fun images as possible. Please note that these images are completely dependent on the baby’s positioning. We may only be able to obtain a foot, hand, or ear image due to baby’s cooperation.
$99 for established MNWC patients!
Established MWC patients can enjoy this package at a discounted rate of $99 (one time only, regular rate applies after).
$149 for established MNWC patients!
This package is also available to non-established patients for $149. (No refunds or repeat ultrasounds will be offered)
Please note: This is considered a “fun”, non-medical scan. Little Peanut scans are subject to be rescheduled if urgent or medically necessary scans are needed.
Questions? Please call and talk with us. Our pregnancy care team includes experienced nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physicians. We welcome new patients and transfers at any gestational age.
