Benifit of 3D in obstetrical Ultrasound

Benefits of elective 3D ultrasounds

Although there is no direct medical benefit of receiving an elective 3D ultrasound, there may be many indirect benefits, as listed below. It is important to note that there has been no conclusive evidence in the medical literature to support these benefits, and in fact, the medical literature shows conflicting studies on these benefits. However, on the individual level, a pregnant woman may find any of the following benefits for herself personally.

May reduce alcohol intake

May encourage quitting smoking
May help reduce other harmful health behaviors
May help reduce intrapartum and post-partum depression
Better able to visualize the baby
May improve bonding between mother and child
May improve bonding with the father, encourage greater involvement from the father
Ability to determine the gender, which helps with planning for the baby and helps increase bonding through better visualization of the baby
Able to share pictures with family and friends
Historical record, pictures for the baby album
Makes motherhood "more real"

Controversially, Christian/Catholic non-profit organizations have employed 3D ultrasounds for young pregnant women in order to influence their decisions regarding abortion. Charitable donations or public funds help pay for the 3D ultrasound machine.

Risks of 3D ultrasounds

Generally, the risks of 3D ultrasounds mirror those of 2D ultrasounds, as it uses the same ultrasound waves at the same intensity. Unlike the comparison of CT scans to x-rays, 3D ultrasounds do not employ multiple snapshots of 2D ultrasounds but uses the 2D ultrasound images taken at various angles to construct an image. So the potential risk of 3D ultrasounds, if any, would depend on the duration of the ultrasound session rather than whether it is 2D or 3D.

The risk of ultrasounds, theoretically, would depend on the following factors:

Duration of ultrasound exposure
Intensity of ultrasound waves
Frequency of ultrasound sessions