Prenatal imaging is very common in today’s world of pregnancy. While at one point in time, ultrasounds were reserved for cases only when there were suspected troubles with the fetus, they are now are a part of routine prenatal office visits.

Prenatal images are taken in 2D, 3D, and 4D pictures. The visual images created in the 4D ultrasounds show the most detailed pictures of the unborn infant. If taken after the 28th week of pregnancy, these images are very realistic of how the baby will look once it is born. During the first weeks of pregnancy, 2D ultrasounds are used because they allow the doctor to see different layers of the baby. These are the most common imaging sources used for determining problems in the pregnancy. The same machine used to capture 2D is often used for 3D imaging. In a 3D ultrasound, the outside of the baby is seen instead of layers. A 4D image comes into play when the factor of motion is added to the 3D still image.

In addition to the different dimensions of imaging, there are also two types of ultrasounds that many pregnant women undergo. The most common ultrasound procedure is a routine ultrasound ordered by a doctor. The second type of prenatal imaging is elective. IN this case, the doctor doe not order the imaging. The mother schedules and pays for the imaging.

Most obstetrician offices now have prenatal imaging equipment available. However in some cases, the doctors use a local hospital or imaging service for their routine ultrasounds. Other prenatal imaging options are offered by independent services for expectant mothers who wish to have additional imagining for pictures.

In most cases, it is suggested that pregnant women begin drinking plenty of water up to five days before they are to have an ultrasound. While increased amounts of water are a healthy habit for both expectant mothers and unborn infants, it also adds clarity to the images received during an ultrasound.

It can be estimated that a prenatal imaging session will last for about one hour. The session time most often depends on the reason for the imaging. The time may be longer if the session is to determine abnormalities with the baby. If the session was scheduled by the mother to obtain pictures of the baby, it may be shorter depending on the amount she is willing to pay for the services.

Most insurance companies cover one routine ultrasound scheduled by the obstetrician. If the doctor does not see any reason to schedule another ultrasound, the insurance will not pay. Therefore, additional imaging sessions must be scheduled and paid for by the mother. In most cases, these imaging session visits costs anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the number of visits and the options of pictures and videos that the expecting mother requests. Imaging completed on mothers expecting multiples typically does not cost any extra.

Prenatal imaging is a wonderful experience for all expectant mothers and fathers. The imaging session is the moment that most often marks the realism of the pregnancy and the baby growing within the woman.