An ultrasound is an exciting opportunity to get a first glimpse of your new baby. Images created by traditional two-dimensional ultrasound technology cannot compare as a first portrait. Two-dimensional ultrasound produce black-and-white swirls and streaks for images, making it is very difficult in some settings, to identify the different bits of baby's anatomy.

In contrast, three-dimensional ultrasound (3D scan) creates a much more realistic and lifelike image. The ultrasound probe takes a number of images (which the sonographer might call 'slices' or 'planes'), and the computer assembles them into a 3D image, complete with depth and surface details. 3D ultrasound is also color-enhanced, so you can see subtle surface details like facial features and fingers.

Did you know that having a 3D ultrasound done is actually good for your relationship with your new little one? Well it is! Studies show that mums who have the 3D/4D ultrasound before birth bond better with their babies. Mums make that early and very important connection with their baby and they feel like they 'know' their baby better when he or she is born.

The vast majority of the time, 3D ultrasound will introduce you to your baby and reassure you that he or she is healthy and developing just right. In very rare cases when there's a problem, 3D ultrasound can help you understand just exactly what it is so that you can prepare in advance for any treatment that might be required. If your main concern is the overall health and well being of the baby we also have a more detailed scan service where we specifically look for any obvious abnormalities. This scan is done in 2D so that all babies organs can be assessed.

You might have heard about a 4D ultrasound? What exactly is the difference? Instead of looking at single still images of your baby, like snapshots, 4D ultrasound assembles them into a time series-in other words, a video of your baby inside the womb. Depending on how active your baby is during the examination, you may be able to see the movement of your little one's arms and legs-or even watch a yawn, blink, hiccup, or wiggle of the fingers. If you've been feeling a little anxious about the health of your baby-and what pregnant mum doesn't?-seeing this can be extremely reassuring.

Just as mums benefit from seeing their babies, so do dads and siblings. Many dads-to-be can feel disconnected to the 'bump.' A lifelike portrait, or even better, baby's first video helps many dads and siblings feel a bigger part of this exciting event.

Three-dimensional (3D Scan) and four-dimensional (4D Scan) ultrasounds can be a bit more complicated to perform, so it's important to choose an ultrasound center with a strong track record of 3D and 4D ultrasound examinations.