3D vs 4D Ultrasound: What's the Difference? Complete Guide 2024

3D ultrasound creates three-dimensional still images of your baby. Unlike traditional 2D ultrasound that shows flat, black-and-white cross-sections, 3D ultrasound captures thousands of images from different angles and combines them to create a lifelike, dimensional image. What you can see with 3D ultrasound: Detailed facial features including nose, lips, and cheeks. Clear views of fingers, toes, and other body parts. Surface detail of your baby's skin. Realistic, photograph-like images that are easy for non-medical professionals to interpret. 3D ultrasound is particularly valuable for bonding with your baby before birth, as the images look remarkably like newborn photos.

4D ultrasound is essentially 3D ultrasound in motion - the fourth dimension being time. Instead of still images, 4D ultrasound creates a live video stream, allowing you to watch your baby move in real-time with the same three-dimensional detail. What you can see with 4D ultrasound: Everything visible in 3D ultrasound, but moving. Real-time movements like yawning, stretching, and smiling. Baby sucking their thumb or playing with the umbilical cord. Facial expressions as they happen. Breathing movements and swallowing. The video element of 4D ultrasound adds an incredible dynamic quality that many parents find deeply emotional and memorable.

Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the main differences:

The truth is, neither is inherently "better" - they serve different purposes and many parents choose packages that include both. Most modern 3D/4D ultrasound sessions actually include both 3D still images AND 4D video. You don't have to choose one or the other. Consider 3D ultrasound if: You want high-quality still images for printing and framing. You prefer individual photos showing specific features clearly. You want images that are easy to share digitally or print in photo albums. Consider 4D ultrasound if: You want to see your baby's movements and personality. You'd love video footage of baby yawning, moving, or sucking their thumb. You want a more dynamic, emotional bonding experience. Most parents choose: Combined 3D/4D packages that include both still images and video footage, giving you the best of both technologies.

It's also helpful to understand how both 3D and 4D compare to traditional 2D ultrasound:

Most modern ultrasound providers offer combined 3D/4D sessions that include both technologies. Here's what a typical session includes: Duration: 30-45 minutes of scanning time. What you receive: Multiple high-quality 3D still images (often 20-40+ images). 4D video footage (usually 10-30 minutes of edited video). Digital files via USB drive, online gallery, or both. Printed photos (package-dependent). During the session: Your sonographer will first check baby's position. They'll capture various 3D images of face, hands, feet, and profile. They'll record 4D video of baby's movements. You'll see everything on screen in real-time. Family members can typically join and participate.

At Roam Imaging, our 3D/4D ultrasound packages include both technologies - you get beautiful 3D still images AND amazing 4D video footage. We bring our state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment directly to your home anywhere in Salt Lake County, Davis County, or Weber County. Our ARDMS-certified sonographer ensures you get the highest quality 3D images and 4D videos during your session. Every package includes: High-resolution 3D still images. 4D video footage of baby's movements. Digital delivery of all images and videos. The comfort of your own home with all family members present. We serve Salt Lake City, Ogden, Layton, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, and surrounding areas.