A 4/D ultrasound appointment is one of the most exciting moments for expecting parents. Words cannot describe the joy a new parent feels when they are able to see their baby for the first time.

Expecting parents often ask what they can do in preparation for their ultrasound appointment in order to get the best possible images.

While there is no one perfect answer, there are several recommended tips that can increase your chances of getting the clearest possible images of your little one.

Increase Your Water Intake

While you do not need to arrive for your ultrasound with a full bladder, it is important to increase your water intake for the week leading up to your ultrasound appointment. This ensures that enough amniotic fluid is available for clear imaging. To obtain a 3D/4D ultrasound, the ultrasound waves require fluid to travel.

The more fluid that is located in front of the baby’s face will result in better image quality. If a baby is right up against the placenta or the side of the uterus without a fluid barrier, it can result in cloudy imaging. It is therefore important to start increasing your water intake for the week leading up to your appointment, rather than binging on fluids the day before.

This ensures that the increased water has enough time to become amniotic fluid. While there is no guarantee that the baby will be in the correct position during your appointment, increasing your water intake in the week leading up to your ultrasound is one of the best ways to optimize image quality.

Baby’s Position

For the best image results, the baby should be positioned with its head down low, near the cervix. The baby should also be facing upward toward the mother’s stomach. If the baby is breached, or facing down towards the spine, it will be difficult to get good-quality images.

The timing of your ultrasound can also impact the baby’s position and the quality of the images. Weeks 30-34 are ideal for getting the best images.

At this time, the baby is more likely to be in the correct position, and their facial features have developed enough for good visibility. If the appointment is later in the pregnancy, the images may end up cloudy as the baby gets larger and starts to run out of space.

Get the Baby Moving

Ideally, the baby should be awake and active during your appointment. It is therefore recommended to eat or drink 15-30 minutes prior to your appointment to get the baby moving. Fruit juice is one of the best options, as opposed to soda or coffee, as the caffeine in both coffee and soda can have a negative effect on fluid levels.

A light snack, especially something cold and sweet, can also increase the baby’s movements. Some expecting mothers also find that chewing ice during their appointment can help to increase their baby’s movements.

It is also important to remember that each baby is unique, so keep in mind what has gotten your baby moving the past as well as when your baby is most active during the day. If you can schedule your appointment during the time of day when your baby is most active, it can increase the odds of them being awake.

Get Comfy

Be sure to arrive in comfortable, loose clothing. It is best to wear clothing that allows you to move freely and will not interfere with the ultrasound probe. Expecting mothers will need to have their pants below their hips during the appointment, so a two-piece outfit is recommended to ensure the abdomen can be accessed without removing clothing. Appointments can last between 15-30 minutes, so it important to wear something that will be comfortable for the duration of the appointment so expecting parents can relax and enjoy the experience.

Meet Your New Baby With Baby Bound Ultra

Are you an expecting Mother? Contact Baby Bound Ultra today to meet your new baby thanks to our advanced ultrasound imaging. We offer 3D and 4D ultrasounds to families in Chicago to help you feel closer to your expected arrival.