With the popularity of 3D and 4D ultrasounds, many pregnant mothers want to determine the sex of the fetus based on the B-ultrasound report. So, what are the differences between 3D and 4D ultrasounds? Is it accurate to determine the sex of the fetus from the B-ultrasound report? Which one is better, 3D or 4D ultrasound? Which one is more expensive?

The difference between 3D and 4D ultrasounds

Nowadays, 4D color ultrasound is dominant, and the main difference between 3D and 4D ultrasounds lies in a ‘time dimension’. That is to say, 3D ultrasound is a photograph, a static data, while 4D ultrasound is a video, dynamic, allowing pregnant mothers to see a series of movements of the fetus. Therefore, 4D ultrasound looks clearer and more intuitive, while 3D ultrasound can only be a photo at a certain point in time. 4D ultrasound can be made into a continuous video like a DV, which can be recorded onto a disc. Both 3D and 4D ultrasounds have the function of fetal anomaly detection, with ultra-clear 4D ultrasound being more accurate. 3D ultrasound focuses on observing whether the internal organs are malformed and eliminating structural malformations. 4D ultrasound also checks whether the central nervous system is normal and whether the movements are coordinated.

B-ultrasound is actually still black and white, while 3D and 4D color ultrasounds can be beige when making 3D and 4D images, and it is not that B-ultrasound is colorful. It is called B-ultrasound because it uses color to indicate values such as the heart and blood.

The images of 3D and 4D ultrasounds are converted from mid-to-late stages. It does not mean that the observed images are 3D or 4D; rather, they are still observed using general B-ultrasound, and then the observed flat images are converted into 3D or 4D stereoscopic images through the conversion software in the instrument. To put it more directly, if you install similar software on your home desktop computer, you can also transform general B-ultrasound images into 3D images at home.

In terms of diagnosis, there is no area where 3D and 4D ultrasounds have an advantage over other diagnostic methods. It is just that even those who do not understand B-ultrasound images can see the appearance. Their significance lies in the fact that you can see the baby inside the uterus.

The price of 3D and 4D ultrasounds

4D ultrasound is a technical improvement based on 3D ultrasound, which is a dynamic examination process. It is clearer than 3D ultrasound and therefore more expensive. The general price of 3D ultrasound is between 200-300 yuan, while a single 4D ultrasound examination is 5100 yuan. The cost of 4D ultrasound in regular hospitals is similar, so it is recommended for pregnant mothers to choose hospitals with stronger service projects.

The 4D GE ultrasound in the UK not only allows us to perceive the baby’s breathing and exercise movements, but also to see their expressions and intelligence with our own eyes. What is most important is that the 4D ultrasound can observe the growth and development of the fetus in the uterine cavity from all directions, providing precise scientific evidence for the early diagnosis of congenital skin deformities and congenital heart diseases.