Things To Consider Before Getting 4D Ultrasound Imaging
It's one of those moments that parents anxiously await -- the first chance to see their developing child during pregnancy. Not only is the first baby ultrasound the first chance to see the baby and maybe learn the gender of the child, but it's also a chance to get reassurance that everything is okay and the baby is developing properly. If there are any issues, learning about them early gives both parents and doctors time to make a plan to deal with these issues. These days, it's possible to get a 3D ultrasound or 4D ultrasound rather than just the 2D version that's been commonly used for years. However, there are both potential benefits and considerations when it comes to using these new sonography techniques.
The Differences
The original 2D ultrasound uses sound waves to form a two-dimensional image of the baby, providing a flat image that technicians and doctors can use to check to see how the baby and organs are developing. It isn't an invasive procedure and doesn't use radiation, which could potentially damage the fetus. Parents are often given a printout of a frame as a memento. These pictures don't typically look too much like a baby, since they are two-dimensional and the skin is pretty see through. With 3D imaging, multiple 2D images are combined to form a 3D image that shows skin instead of organs, and with 4D ultrasound imaging, movement is added, allowing for the creation of a video of the fetus.
Potential Benefits of 3D and 4D Ultrasound
With 3D and 4D ultrasounds, it's possible to get a better idea of any potential issues with heart damage or to diagnose skeletal, neural tube, or face defects in the child. The image also looks more like a real baby, and, in the case of 4D ultrasound, lets parents see the baby move in real time. If you choose to have on of these ultrasounds, the best time is typically when a woman is 26 to 30 weeks pregnant.
Potential Considerations With 4D Ultrasounds
The main issues some people bring up as concerns are the fact that with 4D ultrasounds, it's tempting to perform them when not medically necessary in order to allow the parents to create a video or to make the ultrasound longer to get a better view of the fetus. This exposes the baby to more ultrasound waves than necessary, and it isn't clear whether this could have adverse effects in the future. For these reasons, it's recommended that 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging only be performed when deemed medically necessary to look more closely at suspected fetal anomalies and that it only be performed by trained professionals. Additionally, keep in mind that, ss with any ultrasound, there's always a chance the baby will be facing the wrong way to determine the sex or get a good memento.
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