2D
The familiar black-and-white view
Two-dimensional images show a cross-section of your baby. This is the usual view used for many pregnancy measurements and clinical checks.
About ultrasounds · A guide for parents
Ultrasound Scans in Pregnancy
Understanding the pictures.
Getting to know your baby.
Pregnancy ultrasound scans can help answer important questions about your baby's development—and give you a first glimpse of the little person you're waiting to meet. Explore what different scans can show, how 2D, 3D and 4D images differ, and how to plan your visit to Peek-a-Babe in Goodwood, Cape Town.
Start with the basics
What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images, without the ionising radiation used in X-rays. The different names describe how those images are displayed.
3D
A view with depth
Three-dimensional images can show the surface of baby's face and other features, depending on the views available.
4D
Those little movements
4D adds movement to a 3D image. You may see a hand move towards baby's face or catch a little yawn as it happens.
The role of ultrasound in pregnancy
Different scans answer different questions.
The purpose of a scan depends on your stage of pregnancy and your individual care plan. Your doctor or midwife can advise which examinations and screening tests are appropriate for you.
01 / Early pregnancy
Viability and pregnancy location
An early scan checks where the pregnancy is located, how many babies are present and whether cardiac activity is visible. Very early findings may be inconclusive, so a follow-up examination may be needed.
02 / Planning ahead
Estimating your due date
Measurements help estimate how far along you are, especially if your periods are irregular or your dates are uncertain. A due date is an estimate, not a prediction of the exact day your baby will arrive.
03 / First-trimester screening
Understanding screening results
At around 11–14 weeks, a nuchal translucency measurement may form part of screening for certain chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome. Screening estimates a chance; it does not provide a diagnosis. Your maternity care provider can explain blood tests and any diagnostic testing options.
04 / Looking at development
The detailed anomaly scan
This examination looks at baby's anatomy, including the brain, spine, heart, kidneys and limbs. Our anomaly scan is offered at 20–24 weeks. It can identify some structural conditions, but no ultrasound can rule out every condition.
View anomaly scan details →05 / Following baby's progress
Growth, fluid and placenta
Head, abdominal and thigh-bone measurements help estimate baby's size and weight. A growth assessment may also examine amniotic fluid and placental position. Doppler can assess blood flow when clinically indicated. Your care provider decides whether additional monitoring is needed.
06 / A surprise or a reveal
Finding out baby's gender
If you would like to know, tell us when booking. Whether we can identify baby's sex depends on the stage of pregnancy, baby's position and image clarity; it cannot be guaranteed. Prefer to keep the surprise? Let your sonographer know before scanning begins.
07 / Getting to know your little one
Your first glimpse in 4D.
A tiny nose. A hand tucked beside a cheek. A movement that suddenly makes it all feel real. Seeing your baby on screen can be a special part of pregnancy to share with the people you love.
At Peek-a-Babe, your appointment is with an experienced sonographer in a welcoming setting. Ask questions, tell us what you are hoping to see and explore the scan options available for your stage of pregnancy.
Baby's position, surrounding fluid and other imaging factors influence the pictures. Every baby has their own ideas about posing, so particular facial views or movements cannot be promised.
A 4D appointment does not replace your routine antenatal care or a detailed anomaly scan. Continue the appointments recommended by your doctor or midwife.
Professional care
Experienced hands. Personal care.
Ultrasound has an excellent safety record and is generally considered safe when used appropriately by trained healthcare professionals. At Peek-a-Babe, your scan is performed by Mel, a qualified sonographer with extensive ultrasound experience. You can ask questions, understand what you are seeing and enjoy a caring, personal appointment.
This page provides general information, not an individual medical assessment. If you have pain, bleeding or other pregnancy concerns, contact your maternity care provider promptly.
Your next step
Let's plan your visit.
Looking for pregnancy ultrasound scans in Cape Town? Our Goodwood practice offers dating, gender, anomaly and 4D scan options. Tell us how far along you are so we can explain the appointments available.
View packages & fees Meet Mel, our sonographer → More questions? Read our FAQs →