3D and 4D fetal ultrasound

Modern methods of ultrasound diagnostics allow to obtain images of the fetus not only in two planes, but also in 3D and 4D.

3D ultrasound allows you to examine the fetus in a three-dimensional image, turning it and examining it from all sides in real time. A special sensor provides a three-dimensional image of the object under study, which sends a signal to the computer. There, a special program converts a flat two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional one.

4D ultrasound – a three-dimensional image is supplemented by another dimension – time, which allows you to observe the movements and movements of the object under study in real time.

With the help of advanced ultrasound capabilities, a pregnant woman can see the face, movements and facial expressions of the unborn baby. The most optimal time for such a study is 20-26 weeks of gestation. During this period, the size of the fetus allows it to fit comfortably enough in the uterus, and the amount of amniotic fluid provides freedom of movement.

In addition, the baby’s facial features are already clearly visible and all external organs are formed. At a later stage, the grown fetus needs to take a special position to fit into the bubble, and it will be much more difficult to see the baby’s face.

3D and 4D cannot completely replace conventional two-dimensional ultrasound and are an addition to the standard examination.

Innovative research methods allow:

• to establish a psycho-emotional connection between parents and their child before the child is born;
• determine the sex of the child and who he or she looks like;
• identify abnormalities in the development of various parts of the body.

Indications for the appointment of 3D and 4D ultrasound

Pregnant women can undergo 3D and 4D ultrasound at the Rodynne Dzherelo Medical Center at their request or as prescribed by a doctor. Indications for the procedure are:

• various diseases suffered by a pregnant woman during the gestational period, which can negatively affect the formation and development of the fetus;
• suspicions that the doctor has about the presence of developmental abnormalities or diseases in the fetus;
• pregnancy resulting from the use of assisted reproductive techniques or surrogacy;
• multiple pregnancy;
• whether the pregnant woman is at risk of developing hereditary pathologies in the fetus.

According to the indications of 3D and 4D ultrasound, it can be prescribed at an earlier (13-18 weeks) gestation. Advanced ultrasound capabilities allow:

• see and examine internal organs;
• examine the appearance in detail;
• measure anatomical parameters (fetal dimensions);
• to study the state and functioning of the circulatory system (Doppler mapping of blood vessels).

Advantages and disadvantages of the extended method

If we compare 3D and 4D ultrasound with a simple two-dimensional ultrasound, we can identify both the advantages and disadvantages of the diagnostic method.

The disadvantage is the following:

• longer examination time. In order to obtain the required image of the fetus’ face, it takes time for the fetus to take a certain position in the uterus in relation to the device’s sensor;
• certain limitations that reduce the image quality or do not allow you to see the desired angle of the fetus;
• Prolonged exposure to ultrasonic waves can theoretically lead to tissue damage caused by the effect of cavitation (bubble formation) or thermal radiation.

However, the advantages of the research method significantly outweigh its disadvantages. 3D and 4D ultrasound allow:

• to see in more detail the diagnostic findings revealed as a result of a 2-dimensional ultrasound;
• to clarify some anatomical markers of chromosomal pathologies;
• measure the thickness of the collar zone;
• avoid false-positive or false-negative results of other tests for Down syndrome;
• to identify pathologies of the facial area of the skull (“hare lip”, abnormalities of the nose and eyes);
• to detect abnormalities in the development of the fetal neural tube at an early stage, since three-dimensional imaging and spatial reconstruction provide much more information than two-dimensional imaging;
• allows you to see and evaluate the behavioral reactions of the fetus, which can be used to assess the possibility of pathologies of internal organs;
• the ability to clarify the diagnosis by tracking the functioning of organs, such as the heart or blood transport in blood vessels.