3D/4D ultrasound is a high-tech modern study that allows using ultrasound to obtain a detailed image of the fetus in three projections. 4D ultrasound is a more complex technique that allows you to additionally examine the fetus in motion. With the help of volumetric ultrasound, it is possible to diagnose intrauterine malformations: defects in the formation of limbs, spine, facial bones. This study is performed using an ultrasound scanner that forms a color image with a 3D effect.
Indications
Three-dimensional ultrasound scanning is one of the additional methods of analyzing the health of the unborn child. Using 3D/4D ultrasound, you can:
- diagnose pregnancy;
- to estimate its term and the number of embryos;
- view the attachment point and the thickness of the placenta;
- estimate the amount of amniotic fluid.
- The indication for a thorough (expert) 3D ultrasound is a suspicion of fetal malformations.
- Pathologies of fetal development can be detected using 3D and 4D ultrasound from the 12th week. At this time , you can find:
- defects in the formation of eyes, ears, cleavage of lips and palate;
- pathologies of the development of the bone system;
- hernias.
This method allows you to identify external defects, but does not allow you to assess the condition of internal organs. Therefore, 3D and 4D ultrasound are not used as a full-fledged replacement for traditional sound research.
Advantages
Parents who are warned about developmental pathologies in the early stages can prepare for future difficulties and smooth out the negative effects of intrauterine developmental abnormalities as much as possible. In many cases, early treatment of intrauterine malformations, their surgical correction and plastic surgery do not leave an imprint on the subsequent life of the child.
4D ultrasound is a video recording of the fetus through the mother’s abdominal wall using ultrasound waves. Ultrasound imaging visualizes the fetus, motor activity, facial features. On a 4D ultrasound, the doctor can better consider the proportions, the facial skeleton and draw conclusions about motor activity.