What is 3D/4D obstetric scan ?
3D (short for three-dimensional) ultrasound is a medical ultrasound technique used in obstetrics (during pregnancy) that provides three dimensional images of the fetus. In 3D fetal scanning, the sound waves are sent at different angles. The returning echoes are processed by a sophisticated computer program resulting in a reconstructed three dimensional volume image of fetus’s surface or internal organs.
3D can be useful in giving additional information about a known abnormality. This is because, these scans can show more detail from different angles. So, they can help in the diagnosis of problems such as cleft lip. This can help doctors plan the repair after birth.
Surface 3D ultrasound produces 3-dimensional images of your baby in flesh tones. The intricate details of your baby on 3D ultrasound are much more apparent and identifiable than on 2D grey- scale images. The 3D image is more “antique” in color rather than grey-scale.
HD live imaging is a special imaging that shows the more realistic pink skin colors of your baby.
The most common parts of your baby, depending on gestational age, are the face, ears, hands, feet, spine, and full body.
4D fetal ultrasounds are similar to 3D scans, with the difference associated with time: 4D allows a 3-dimensional picture in real time which is the fourth dimension. Like in 3D, only images are taken from different angles, revealing detailed images of the baby – like facial features. But 4D also captures movements that the baby is making during the scan. In other words, it is like watching your baby dance, wiggle, squirm, and open and close his or her mouth from an observation window.
Limitations :
Picture quality and what is able to be seen depends on many factors. This includes, but is not limited to, amount or density of maternal abdominal tissue, fetal position, amniotic fluid levels, and gestational age.
The images of your baby’s face will be affected by anything that blocks or reduces the sound waves or causes a shadow, the umbilical cord, baby’s hands and feet. Babies position also plays a large part in the clarity of the images. If baby is cuddled in to the wall of the womb or placenta your imaging will be hazy.