Ultrasound photos are always fun to look at, but those fuzzy images don’t typically give you a solid sense of what your newborn will look like once you meet face-to-face. That is, unless you’re getting an 8K ultrasound.
What to Expect’s Community forums are buzzing about the hyper-realistic images some moms are sharing after experiencing these specialized sonograms.
“I just got my 8K ultrasound photo back and I think it looks like [our] newborn photo,” says What To Expect mom Jessica Schmidt.
So what is an 8K ultrasound, you ask? Stunned commenters are wondering the same thing as they marvel at the wildly realistic renderings (see them below). “When did this become a thing?? That's amazing and your babe is precious!!” says What to Expect Community member daninromero.
Here’s what you should know about 8K ultrasounds — and whether you should sign up for one, stat.
8K ultrasounds use high-resolution imaging technology, often with a post-processing overlay, to give a realistic picture of your baby before birth.
8K ultrasounds serve no diagnostic purposes and may not be covered by insurance.
Parents say this ultrasound image is very accurate to what their newborn looks like.
What is an 8K ultrasound?
An 8K ultrasound is a high-resolution imaging technique that provides a detailed and realistic view of a developing fetus, typically depicting facial features and body proportions, says Becky Grove, R.D.M.S., R.D.C.S., the chief sonographer at Pediatrix Medical Group. The name comes from the roughly 8,000 pixels that essentially place a filter over a more standard 3D ultrasound image, allowing for a lifelike representation of the baby in the second and third trimester. “Think of it as a Snapchat filter,” Grove says.
In some cases, the post-processing overlay can even add tiny baby hats or blankets to the image.
Most obstetric offices only perform standard 2D ultrasounds, and in some cases 3D ultrasounds, so Grove says getting your hands on an 8K scan will require some effort.
“8K ultrasounds are really meant for a cute picture and do not have any diagnostic use, so they’re typically only done in boutique-style businesses (such as private ultrasound clinics or imaging centers) for entertainment purposes,” she says. In other words, they are not part of standard prenatal care.
The cost of an 8K ultrasound varies. Prices for 3D scans at ultrasound boutiques typically start around $100 and go up from there, with the option to add an 8K image for an additional $35 to $45. A company called Babytures allows you to upload your own 3D ultrasound image and receive an 8K photo in return for just $19.99. Just note that 8K ultrasounds are not covered by insurance since they do not serve a diagnostic purpose, Grove adds.
What does an 8K ultrasound look like?
Now, the question you’re likely wondering: Does an 8K ultrasound actually look like your baby once they’re born? That’s for you to officially decide, but according to What to Expect Community moms, it’s very accurate.
“I had sent in a photo of my daughter’s face from the 3D ultrasound and got my results a few days later,” shares Schmidt. “As soon as I received them, they looked almost identical to my 2-year-old son's baby photos! That’s when I knew it was accurate. A few weeks later, I had my daughter and I instantly had to take a photo of her to compare and I was in shock. If anyone is doubting the process, don’t! It was such a beautiful experience and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Check out these incredible 8K ultrasound images from What to Expect moms:
What are the different types of ultrasounds?
If your head is spinning trying to discern the differences between 2D, 8K and everything in between, here’s a breakdown of all the types of ultrasounds you might encounter during pregnancy, according to Grove.
2D Ultrasound: A 2D ultrasound uses sound waves to create a flat, black-and-white image (or sonogram) of your baby’s skeletal structure and internal organs. The diagnostic scan is performed at your doctor’s office throughout pregnancy to monitor the baby’s health, growth and development. Early in pregnancy, 2D ultrasounds are used to confirm fetal heartbeat and the baby’s position in your uterus. Later in pregnancy, 2D ultrasounds are used during anatomy scans or to observe fetal growth, as well as the amniotic fluid around the baby and placenta location.
3D Ultrasound: A 3D ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a three-dimensional photo of your baby. The image is not typically used for diagnostic purposes, but 3D ultrasounds provide a more detailed, sharper view of the baby’s external appearance, including facial features and spinal structure. Some doctors may offer a 3D ultrasound if there are uncertain findings on a 2D scan, but they are typically optional and not necessarily covered by insurance.
4D Ultrasound: A 4D ultrasound does not serve a diagnostic purpose, but offers a real-time video clip of the baby’s activities and motions inside the womb (like opening and closing their eyes and sucking their thumb). Some doctors offer optional 4D ultrasounds (though they are not typically covered by insurance), otherwise, you must go to a private imaging center or ultrasound clinic.
6K Ultrasound: A 6K ultrasound uses a combination of 3D imaging and real-time motion tracking, similar to a 4D ultrasound, to provide a detailed image of your baby. The image resembles a 3D scan but comes with enhanced clarity and finer detail of fetal structures and facial features. It’s likely not covered by insurance and typically only performed at a private imaging center or ultrasound clinic.
8K Ultrasound: An 8K ultrasound is a high-resolution image that provides a realistic view of the baby to capture a lifelike picture. The scan uses image processing and rendering capabilities to place a filter over a 3D photo of the baby for enhanced clarity and sharpness. Given that there is no diagnostic use to an 8K ultrasound, they are not covered by insurance and are typically only performed at a private imaging center or ultrasound clinic.
Should you get an 8K ultrasound?
It’s entirely up to you. “8K ultrasounds are generally just for fun, but they can be beneficial for families where the baby has a facial defect such as cleft lip to show parents what they can expect when the baby is born,” Grove says. They can also be incredibly meaningful if a baby is not expected to survive to delivery, allowing parents an opportunity to see and bond with their child, she adds.
There are no risks to an 8K ultrasound, according to Grove, so if it’s accessible and you want an exciting sneak peek of your baby, go for it.
“Ultrasounds are very safe and do not contain radiation,” Grove says. Instead, they use powerful sound waves to track the fetus. “The crystals in the transducer emit a sound that is above human hearing, and these sound waves travel through tissue, bounce off the fetal structures and then return to the transducer,” Grove explains. From there, the computer inside the ultrasound machine processes the reflected sound waves and converts them into an image. There is no risk to the baby.
When it comes to upgrading your ultrasound images, it's fun but not necessary. Parents should feel confident in relying on 2D ultrasounds for monitoring their little one throughout pregnancy, Grove says. Remember: An 8K ultrasound is a keepsake, not a replacement for a full diagnostic exam with your doctor.
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