3D Ultrasounds in germany?

[antsarmywife08]

Im new here. Just signed in. Is there any military wives living in Germany who know of a good doctor who does 3D ultrasounds like back in the states?

[Christine&men]

I am German living in the US. I checked with a German chat group and yes, there is 3D Ultrasound available (as a matter of fact the doc here used a German machine by Siemens). However, I am not sure if they have companies making money out of it. I should think that Ultrasound machines are used in a purely medical function in Germany. My sister never sent a 3D picture, nor did she ever mention having gotten one (delivered in August at age 38, so she should have been a candidate for a more thorough look at the baby).

Good luck!

Any other women around you pregnant? Any chat boards for Americans stranded in good old Germany?

[newbelly2006]

I'm sure they're out there but have no earthly idea where to find it. As the pp said, US are more of a medical function here and less of a viewing tool. I am 29 weeks pregnant with twins and while I've been through most every "observation" in the book, 3D hasn't been suggested. Your best bet would be to ask your doctor where you might find one. Or wait and see if there's a "babymesse" that comes to your city. If it's going to be anywhere, it'll be there!

[ChiaraRose]

Can't you ask your Army doctor? They might know where in your area they have such things. they can refer you to a German doctor also, so Tricare might cover it. I have never seen a 3D in a German OB's office though, but I have never been pregnant in Germany either.
Newbelly, I LOVE Berlin!!!! Miss it so much!!!!! I saw yesterday on Deutsche Welle you have snow right now. :(
Say hi from me to the best city on earth (sorry, totally off topic!!! :o )
Best to all of you,
Liane

[newbelly2006]

Chiararose,

Snow we've got by the bucketfuls! It started on Christmas night and has been on and off since then. Far more than usual and definately a treat to be enjoyed! We were able to bring our son to his kita on a sled for the majority of the week.

It is a pretty neat city although even after almost 4 years here I still feel like I've only scratched her surface.

[Hollycrand]

In my experience, it's very rare for a 'normal' ob/gyn to have a 3D ultrasound machine in his/her office for use. Usually only 'specialists' have them. At most hospitals (an ob/gyn will refer you to one of your choice) there are specific specialists who do 3D ultrasound check-ups.
Any woman over 30 in the german health care system (like I am) has the option to have a 3D ultrasound - whether she is considered high risk or not.
A mother needs to ask to have a picture taken of her baby, because often a specialist will only do the routine check-up, and not take pictures (because of superstitions, I think) unless specifically asked. But it depends on the specialist.

There are a few chat boards for Americans in Germany. For a general exchange of cultural differences, you can try the 'German Way' group on Yahoo, which is very active and very useful. It isn't AP nor parenting oriented, though.

[Christine&men]

A mother needs to ask to have a picture taken of her baby, because often a specialist will only do the routine check-up, and not take pictures (because of superstitions, I think) unless specifically asked. But it depends on the specialist.
.

Yep, we are superstitious ;) , that's why we usually don't give presents before the baby is born. But I just loved my baby-shower here with friends (male and female). :bouncy

You know, the specialist who will do the neck measuring thing (nuchal translucency ultrasound) should have a well equipped machine! This ultrasound is standard in the German healthcare system, but I don't know what your insurance is as an Army wife...

[newbelly2006]

"Any woman over 30 in the german health care system (like I am) has the option to have a 3D ultrasound - whether she is considered high risk or not."

Really? Interesting. I'm 34, seeing a high risk doctor and pregnant with twins. a 3D US has never even been suggested to me. I have a neat picture from the Level II ultrasound but so far as I can tell that wasn't a 3D. I wonder if it's a geographic difference?

[etoilech]

A 3D ultrasound does not offer much more as far as diagnostic purposes are concerned. I know several midwives in Germany. None of the know anything about 3D ultrasounds for "high risk" pregnancy. Since most women in Germany are over 30 when pregnant I highly doubt they are classified as high risk and all eligible for something which is expensive and offers little more in the way of diagnostic information.

I am sure you *can* get 3D ultrasounds, but it's not considered a right and may not be paid by the German health care system.

If you're really desparate for one there is one here in Bern, Switzerland which is not for diagnostic purposes at all. Just for fun. It may or may not be convienent for you. :lol :wink

[Marylizah]

Just wanted to say that I was visiting family members on the Ramstein base over Christmas and saw an ad for 3 and 4D ultrasounds in a guide (I think it's called the Find It guide?? Not sure...)

If you're military or dependant, I'm guessing you'd have access to this kind of service on base. HTH.