For over 40 years, pregnant mothers have undertaken 2D diagnostic ultrasound tests to assess the babies growing inside them. While these scans are a necessary tool in the prenatal care of both mother and child, the resultant images are often difficult for the typical layperson to decipher. Recent advances in the field however, have made it possible to get a clear 3D picture of the baby inside the womb, easily recognizable to anybody watching the screen. These pictures can even be procured and displayed in real time, resulting in the oft-mentioned “4D ultrasound scans.” With the rising popularity of these scans throughout Australia and the rest of the world, it becomes relevant to examine how these scans can assist in the bonding of the family with their newest addition.
It is not uncommon for a mother to feel the instant bond between herself and the baby as soon as she realizes she is pregnant. It is therefore no surprise to realize that the images displayed by 3D /4D ultrasound will crystallize these feelings of love and protectiveness experienced by the mother. Some mother’s opt to return to our centre for a second and third visit just to see their baby change and grow before their eyes. This gives the mother feelings of joy and security as she can see the differences in the fetus develop over the weeks and months.
The 3D / 4D scans can also often clarify the end result of the pregnancy. Clearly seeing the baby’s face makes it more real as there is a tangible result visible on the big screen. Indeed, studies have confirmed that having these scans can cause the mother to take better of herself, discouraging substance abuse, giving up alcohol and cigarettes and taking better of herself in general. The reasons behind this is the realization that there is a real and vulnerable entity, who actually looks like a baby, inside the womb who deserves protection and the best shot at a healthy birth.
The scans can also give the mother something to focus on during the birthing process. Anecdotally, we have heard stories of mothers taking their 3D baby photos into the delivery suite to give them something to focus on during the pain of delivery. This again is indicative of the bonding benefits provided by the scans as it gives the mother the opportunity to concentrate on the end result and can alleviate some of the fear involved in labor.
For fathers, the bond with their yet to be born baby is not always as straight forward. While the mother has been carrying and nurturing the child throughout pregnancy, the father cannot physically experience these changes. The 3D / 4D scans provide fathers with their first real look at their baby, as they can see it sucking it’s thumb, yawning, or kicking it’s legs. The images presented can again crystallize the fact that the fetus is indeed real, with the appearance and movements of a baby who deserves to be loved and adored. The pictures give the father something tangible to love. Additionally, it is not uncommon to see couples holding hands and cuddling in the suite, indicating an additional benefit of increased bonding between mother and father.
In a similar vein, the scans can assist in the bonding between the siblings and baby. The images presented can also easily be discernable to young children, with a clearer understanding of what is growing inside mummy’s tummy. This can lead to a minimization of the apprehension and jealousy as the siblings feel involved and included in the pregnancy. Typically, the images are greeted with much excitement as siblings first cast their eyes on their brother or sister with kisses towards the monitor not being uncommon.
3D /4D ultrasound can also give families a memento of the pregnancy, which is especially appreciated by family members overseas who have not been able to share in the mother’s pregnancy. This can give the family member a sense of being involved and allow them to share in the joy and excitement, despite the fact they could not be there physically.
It is clear that the advent of 3D / 4D ultrasound technology is a beneficial option for parents to be in Australia and the rest of the world. With the bonding benefits it provides, as well as the joy and excitement experienced by parents and other family members, it’s popularity looks set only to increase.