3D and 4D Ultrasound Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

4D ultrasound scan is the radiographic imaging technique that is performed by using sound waves to get the image of a baby inside the uterus. It gives a video effect that we can see as a live video in which we can see the fully developed baby as well as their movements along with a smile. This scan is performed to monitor the growth and development of the fetus inside the uterus. It is also important to check birth abnormalities in the fetus if present.

A highly effective clinical tool, 3D and 4D ultrasound Scan allows doctors to view 3 dimensional images of the foetus while it is inside the mother’s womb. This clinical technique makes use of sound waves to produce images. Ultrasound imaging allows real-time imaging of the baby. It is a non-invasive procedure and does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, which can prove to be harmful to the fetus. Moreover, ultrasound is interactive, that is, it allows the doctor to capture pictures of the foetus from different angles.

While initially, only 2D ultrasound was available to pregnant women, 2D ultrasound captures images in a single plane, but today slowly and steadily 3D ultrasound and 4D ultrasound techniques were also invented. 3D ultrasound allows one to obtain volume data. Thus, in this case, 3D images are taken from various angles and consequently integrated together with the help of computer software, thus producing a set of 3-dimensional pictures. 3D technology thus deals with collecting data, analyzing it and finally displaying it.

4D Ultrasound scan allows one to view a video which streams live, thus it is possible to experience the foetal heart beating and viewing the blood flow of the heart.

Both 3D and 4D Ultrasounds scan increase the chances of detecting fetal defects at an early stage. Defects like a cleft lip or skeletal as well as neural tube defects are easily detected.

3D and 4D Sltrasounds scans are quite safe and allow parents and doctors to view the baby while it is still in its early stages of development in the womb. Moreover, 3D or 4D ultrasound can effectively detect birth defects which otherwise may not appear on a 2D ultrasound.

While ultrasound is done primarily for medical reasons, that is, to check fetal development or any abdominal anomalies in the case of a medical condition in patients, it is often misused when expecting parents are offered keepsake ultrasound videos of their child. It has to be understood that exposure to very high ultrasound can be harmful to the baby. Thus, the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasound should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor, before opting for a 3D ultrasound or even a 4D ultrasound.

The procedure of 3D and 4D Ultrasound test is fairly simple. The patient or an expecting mother is asked to lie down and expose their stomach. A particular type of gel is then applied to the belly. The gel helps sound waves create effective images. Afterward, a probe is placed on the stomach and is moved around in order to get a set of varying images from different angles.

One should know that while getting a 2D ultrasound is standard pregnancy procedure, one may opt to get 3D and 4D Ultrasound scan. Both are optional and are generally only done in the case of medical reasons.

An expecting mother generally undergoes a 2D ultrasound, but can also choose to have a 3D and 4D Ultrasound scan as well. An ultrasound may be done multiple times during a pregnancy, recording the different stages effectively.

A 3D and 4D Ultrasound scan may be a bit risky for the baby, thus it is only recommended in case of any medical problems with the foetus.

A pregnant woman can undergo 3D ultrasound anytime. However, according to medical experts, the best time to go for 3D ultrasound is between 24 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. This is the time when we can clearly see the images and movements of the fetus. It facilitates proper monitoring of whether the growth and development of the baby in the womb is adequate or not.

Although quite safe, ultrasound leads to a bit of tissue heating. It may also result in the development of gas pockets in the tissues. Unregulated ultrasound is discouraged, even though no severe health implications have been recorded in the past 20 years. Before opting for 3D and 4D Ultrasound scan its implications should be discussed with a doctor.

Ultrasounds are a way of getting a detailed picture of the baby’s development in the womb. It also facilitates the detection of abnormalities. Both 3D, as well as 4D ultrasound techniques, are considered to be safe. They do not involve any sort of radiation, only sound waves are used which are not harmful in any aspect.

Ultrasounds are important as they monitor the growth and development of the fetus inside the uterus. It is very important as it enables us to see growth abnormalities or birth defects. Down’s syndrome is one of such birth defects which is a condition of trisomy of the 21st chromosome. Down’s syndrome can’t be detected on a full-proof basis through 4D ultrasound; however, its indicators or markers can be detected.

Ultrasound is simply a non-invasive imaging test, there is no post-test recovery required and thus no guidelines are available as such.

As 3D and 4D Ultrasound procedure is simply a non-invasive imaging test, it does not require any form of recovery.

The cost of 3D and 4D Ultrasound scan generally ranges from Rs 750 to Rs 3000.

As this is an imaging test, there is no scope for permanent results from it.

One may choose to have a 2D ultrasound instead of a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan. 5D ultrasounds can also be opted for as well.