How to Get the Best 3D Ultrasound Pictures?
What are some tricks to get the best 3D ultrasound pictures?
Now, you’ll have to forgive me if I get a little passionate about this topic. I’ve done thousands of ultrasounds, and it can be such a special moment in pregnancy when you see your baby. But… getting a 3D ultrasound is the difference between just seeing a profile of your baby and actually meeting your little one in 3D! The 3D view shows so much more detail than a regular ultrasound.
3D ultrasounds have been around for over 20 years, and in that time, they’ve become clearer and more impressive. The similarities between the ultrasound images and how your baby looks after birth can be amazing. I’ve seen it firsthand with my nieces and nephews, and when clients share birth photos with me. It still surprises me how much the 3D images resemble the babies once they arrive!
Before I dive into tips on how to get great 3D images, let me explain how 3D ultrasound works:
A regular 2D ultrasound gives you a flat, black and white image of your baby, kind of like a silhouette or an outline of their profile.
When I switch to 3D ultrasound, the system captures images from multiple angles and creates a three dimensional view. If I focus the scan on the baby's profile, the 3D image can give us a straight-on look at your baby’s face, so you can see features like their nose, mouth, and those sweet cheeks!
The key thing to understand about 3D ultrasound is that we’re scanning through several layers—mom’s skin, belly tissue, uterus, and sometimes even the placenta! You might think, “How on earth will you get any cute pictures of the baby?” That’s a great question—I’d love to tell you! (To quote Elyse Myers 😄)
So again… what can you do to get a great 3D ultrasound?
Follow these 4 easy tips! If you’re going to invest in a 3D ultrasound, why not give yourself the best chance of seeing your baby clearly?
I hightly recomment reading the whole blog, but here is the FAQ for a short version.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Ultrasounds
Q: When is the best time to get a 3D ultrasound?
A: The best time is between 27–35 weeks. If you have an anterior placenta, earlier (around 27–31 weeks) may give clearer images.
Q: Does drinking water help improve 3D ultrasound images?
A: Yes! Staying well-hydrated for at least a week before your appointment helps increase amniotic fluid, making baby’s features clearer.
Q: What should I eat before my ultrasound to make baby move?
A: Try fruit, a smoothie, or a small coffee about 15 minutes before your appointment to gently wake baby up.
Q: Can I still get good pictures if my baby is hiding?
A: Yes—we have tricks to help baby move, and sometimes waiting a few minutes or switching positions can make all the difference.
Intreaged? Get more details below!
Step 1: When Is the Best Time for a 3D Ultrasound?
Schedule your ultrasound during a window when great images are most likely.
A. Choose the ideal weeks to come in:
Some parents come in more than once, maybe around 22–26 weeks, and again at 28–36 weeks to see how baby has grown. Others come in just once, typically between 27–36 weeks. While we can do 3D ultrasounds earlier or later, these weeks tend to give us the best views.
B. Ask your OB where your placenta is located:
If you have an anterior placenta (in front of the uterus), it's best to come in earlier before 31–32 weeks. An anterior placenta adds another “layer” between baby’s face and the probe, which can make viewing harder if the baby is bigger and fluid levels are lower. Either way, hydrate! Hydration makes a big difference in clearing those “layers.”
Step 2: How to Drink Water Before a 3D Ultrasound for Best Results
Increased water intake can result in clearer images because more amniotic fluid surrounds the baby. Try to drink 70–90 oz of water daily during the week leading up to your appointment.
As your appointment gets closer, drink more water than usual. Carry a water bottle with you, and if plain water isn’t your thing, try flavored water or herbal teas. For moms with an anterior placenta, hydration is especially important, it helps the ultrasound see past that extra layer.
Unlike cramming for a college exam, drinking water only the night before won’t help much. Preparation matters, so don’t skip this step!
And don’t worry, you can empty your bladder before your 3D ultrasound. We want comfortable moms, not moms doing the “gotta-pee” wiggle! 😂
Step 3: What to Eat Before a 3D Ultrasound to Help Baby Wake Up
We recommend eating a snack with natural sugar or mild caffeine about 30 minutes before your appointment to help wake your baby up.
Good options include fruit, a smoothie, flavored water, or something like a latte, anything that usually gets your baby moving. Active babies make for more fun ultrasounds!
We do not recommend energy drinks, as they can actually have a counterproductive effect on baby’s activity.
Step 4: Relax and enjoy
If baby is in a tricky position when we start, don’t stress. We have a few tricks to help them move, and sometimes they just need a little time or gentle encouragement.
In the meantime, enjoy seeing whatever parts of baby we can see, feet, hands, ears, etc. Some babies have shy personalities, and that’s part of the charm! Talk to your baby, take deep breaths, or play music they like to move to.
We encourage you and your partner to be active participants during the session. After all, this is a special bonding experience with your little one!
At Peek-a-Bump Ultrasound in Bellingham, we specialize in 3D/HD and 4D/HD Live ultrasounds that let you meet your baby before birth. If you’re in Whatcom County or the surrounding areas, we’d love to help you capture those unforgettable moments.
