Eastern Obstetrics and Gynecology is pleased to offer the latest, state-of-the-art 3D and 4D ultrasound in our office.  Ultrasound is a common, non-invasive test used during pregnancies that allows physicians to observe the baby in your womb, take a close look at any potential medical issues, measure the length of your child and provide exceptional clarity that is not possible with a regular or 2D ultrasound.

The 3D ultrasound creates a three-dimensional image of your baby, while 4D creates a video effect that lets you to watch your baby move. These images can also enable you to see your baby's face.  Physicians value 3D and 4D ultrasounds because they can show intrinsic details which allows them to diagnose observable external conditions that might not appear on a standard ultrasound.

In order to obtain the highest quality images of your baby, it is best to have the 3D or 4D ultrasound, between 27 and 32 weeks of your pregnancy. The quality of the images will depend on the baby’s position in the womb.  The position will also determine whether facial images are available and can help provide an indication of the baby’s gender.

There are no special preparations needed for an ultrasound and no known risks for you or your unborn child. The exam lasts approximately 15 minutes and can be extremely exciting as you can see your baby for the first time.  However, 3D and 4D ultrasound does not replace or eliminate the need for routine exams or other medical care.  Discuss your ultrasound options with your doctor during your next visit or contact our office at (205) 838-3036 to schedule an appointment.

All in-office ultrasounds at Eastern OBGYN are performed on our 3D-4D system.

Maternity Ultrasound

Your physician will order a Maternity ultrasound examination. The images are obtained by means of sound waves. Ultrasound is not an x-ray therefore no radiation is involved with the procedure. Another name for an ultrasound is a sonogram.  These examinations may be ordered at the first visit to aid us in determining the most accurate due date of your baby, at between 19-21 weeks of pregnancy to assess the baby’s anatomy and at the doctor’s discretion.  In most uncomplicated pregnancies, you will have 2 sonograms.  Should you have any questions concerning ultrasonography, please discuss them with your referring provider before undergoing the procedure

Ultrasound imaging allows us to identify the position of the baby and to measure your baby’s size. The integrity of internal organs can be evaluated, although not all organs can be visualized by ultrasound. While the examination is useful for identifying certain abnormalities, we want to strongly emphasize that ultrasound is not capable of ruling out all possible problems related to pregnancy. Therefore, even if you have a sonogram with a normal finding, we caution that this is not a guarantee that all abnormalities have been ruled out. Your physician will discuss findings of your ultrasound with you.

Sex determination by ultrasound is not 100% reliable. Determination is best done between 19-21 weeks gestational age. Even then there are factors which may prevent visualization of fetal gender including fetal position and the thickness of the mother’s abdomen. Sex determination is not part of the routine medical examination.  When the sex is easily seen we will be delighted to advise you.

While ultrasounds can be entertaining, because this is a medical procedure, only one visitor is allowed with you. We respectfully request you do not bring children as it can be very distracting to the technician.  Also, please understand that during the exam itself, there can be no recording devices in use.  We ask that you kindly turn off all cell phones prior to entering the ultrasound room.  The exam will be recorded by our equipment and we are happy to provide you with a copy of select images via text. Just let our sonographers know!

We can do non-medical ultrasounds at a private pay charge which is due at time of service.  Your charge is for a 10-15 minute appointment and 2 prints.  There are no guarantees made for these ultrasounds and the money will be due even if unable to visualize your baby.  Please let a staff member know at your appointment check-out if you’d like to schedule a visit for a non-medical ultrasound as they must be scheduled in advance.