Medical vs Elective Ultrasound
What’s the difference & why would you have both?
Ultrasounds are an exciting part of any pregnancy, allowing you to see your baby before birth. However, not all ultrasounds serve the same purpose. There are key differences between medical (diagnostic) ultrasounds and elective ultrasounds. While medical ultrasounds are a very essential part of your pregnancy for your & baby’s health, elective 3D/4D/5D ultrasounds provide an unmatched bonding experience, allowing parents to connect with their baby in a special way.
Understanding these distinctions can help you to make informed decisions about your prenatal care, your own peace of mind and bonding experiences. It’s important to note that elective ultrasounds are here for you when you want to see & connect with baby for your own peace of mind, without needing a doctor’s referral. They are an additional option available to you to add to your medical scans, not to replace them.
Medical (Diagnostic) Ultrasounds
Medical ultrasounds are those you are referred for by your healthcare provider. They are to assess your baby’s health, growth and development. These scans use high-frequency sound waves to create black-and-white images of the baby inside the womb.
Their purpose includes:
- Confirming your pregnancy and establishing an estimated due date (EDD).
- Monitor fetal growth and development.
- Detect any potential abnormalities or complications.
- Assess the placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord and your cervix, uterus & ovaries.
Pretty important huh! Yes absolutely, but what about you? Did you have a positive experience? Were you able to watch & connect with your baby? Was there time to see its little features developing? Were you able to have your partner or support people with you?
These issues aren’t the focus of diagnostic scans but are they still just as important? I absolutely believe so! You are just as important!
BELLYVIEW IS ABOUT YOUR EMOTIONAL JOURNEY THROUGH PREGNANCY
Unlike standard medical scans, elective ultrasounds are sessions designed purely for alleviating your anxiety, to see your baby moving & see its heart beating, to enjoy your pregnancy & ultrasounds, to bond & laugh at baby’s antics - To make your pregnancy even more memorable.
My mission is to provide for you:
- A relaxing, non-clinical space for you to relax & enjoy your time with me
- Easy online booking for whenever you need a check in with baby. There doesn’t need to be a scary medical emergency for you to decide you need extra scans
- Being open after business hours to allow working parents to come together
- Providing a safe & easy way for you to strengthen your emotional connection to both baby & your pregnancy, to reduce your worries.
- To alleviate any anxious feelings of the unknown by showing you baby’s little movements & that heartbeat
- To see and celebrate your baby in a supportive environment
Other benefits of elective ultrasound (written by AI but still very true!!):
- See Your Baby’s Face in Detail: Unlike traditional 2D scans, 3D & 5D imaging reveals your baby’s facial features, allowing you to see their tiny nose, chubby cheeks, and sweet expressions.
- Experience Your Baby’s Movements: With 4D technology, you can watch real-time movements—your baby yawning, stretching, or even smiling.
- Strengthen Your Bond: These ultrasounds provide an emotional connection, making the experience feel more real as you see your baby’s personality come to life.
- Involve Loved Ones: Unlike medical ultrasounds, elective sessions allow partners, siblings and extended family to share in the joy.
- Create Beautiful Keepsakes: Take home printed images, digital recordings and even heartbeat recordings to cherish forever.
Both medical and elective ultrasounds play a valuable role in pregnancy. BellyView’s ultrasounds just provide a more unique opportunity to bond and capture special memories.
Edina xx