4D Ultrasound: When Should You Get It and What Can It Reveal?

4D ultrasound is a popular choice among expectant mothers as it allows them to see their baby’s face while being a highly safe procedure. This advanced ultrasound technique is not only used to determine the baby's gender or monitor fetal growth but also plays a crucial role in diagnosing potential abnormalities. Many mothers may not be aware that a 4D ultrasound can reveal much more than just their baby’s facial features. So, at how many months of pregnancy can this scan be performed, and what information can it provide?

4D ultrasound is an innovative advancement in ultrasound technology. The machine emits ultrasound waves to the transducer, which then reflects images back onto the screen in 3D, providing depth and making the images of the baby appear more lifelike.

With 4D ultrasound technology, it is possible to observe fetal behavior and movements in real time, including smiling, opening the mouth, sucking fingers, and moving the arms and legs with remarkable clarity.

Ultrasound is a prenatal examination that uses high-frequency sound waves. These waves reflect off the fetus's organs and send signals that create an image of the baby. Ultrasound helps screen for fetal abnormalities. Nowadays, 4D ultrasound is the most popular method because it provides more realistic images of the baby compared to other types of ultrasound.

The 4D ultrasound machine works by transmitting ultrasound waves through the probe, passing through the skin into the internal tissues of the body. These waves then reflect back to create an image displayed on the screen. Since each individual's body absorbs ultrasound waves differently, the clarity and quality of the reflected images may vary.

2D Ultrasound

2D ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce flat images based on the sound waves. The resulting images are in black and white. This technology is typically used to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, check the heartbeat, and assess the position of the placenta.

3D Ultrasound

3D ultrasound provides clearer and more detailed images than 2D ultrasound. The sound waves are transmitted through a probe in a flat plane, and the image produced is more realistic, allowing the visualization of the baby's skin and a more lifelike representation of the fetus' shape.

4D Ultrasound

4D ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves directed at the probe, which reflects back to display on the screen. The display shows a 3D image with depth, making the fetus' image appear more lifelike. The 4D ultrasound machine can also capture individual 3D images and combine them to create a real-time moving image, offering a dynamic and realistic portrayal.

You can clearly observe the behaviors and development of the fetus, such as smiling, sucking their thumb, and moving their arms and legs. It provides a clearer view of the fetus's external organs compared to 2D ultrasound. It is also used to assess the completeness and growth of the fetus in the womb.

A 4D ultrasound is typically recommended by doctors between 24 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, it is easier to get clear images of the baby's face. If the 4D ultrasound is performed too early, the images may not be clear, and if done too late, the images may also be unclear because the baby starts to turn head-down in preparation for birth. However, if the purpose is to determine the baby's gender, the ultrasound can be done between 19 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

A 4D ultrasound not only shows the baby's face but also allows doctors to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, including:

• Hands, arms, legs, feet, and fingers

• Skull and brain structure

• Placenta position, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid levels

• The baby's heart and blood circulation

• Spine, stomach, bladder, and kidneys

• Various facial features of the baby

• The baby's gender

• Fetal growth

• The position of the baby

Currently, ultrasound machines have advanced significantly, from 2D ultrasound to 4D ultrasound, allowing for more detailed and clearer diagnostic assessments by doctors. Here’s what you should know before having a 4D ultrasound:

Pregnant mothers in the first and second trimesters can use 2D ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy's age, estimate the due date, screen for high-risk conditions such as Down syndrome, examine the baby’s organs, check the baby's position in the womb, monitor amniotic fluid levels, and identify any potential complications like preeclampsia.

A 4D ultrasound is suitable for pregnant mothers in the third trimester or between 24-32 weeks of pregnancy. A 4D ultrasound allows for clear observation of the baby's physical growth, checks the strength and any abnormalities of various organs such as hands, feet, and arms. This helps reduce the risk of complications that may occur with the fetus.

For a pelvic ultrasound, the patient is required to have a full bladder during the exam. It is recommended to drink plenty of water before the procedure because the water in the bladder acts as a medium to transmit sound waves to the other organs in the pelvic area located behind the bladder.

The process begins by having the mother lie on the examination table. The area of the abdomen will be cleaned thoroughly. Ultrasound gel will then be applied to the abdomen in the area to be examined, helping the high-frequency sound waves pass through more effectively.

The ultrasound probe will be placed on the abdomen, and the technician will gradually move the probe along the required areas. The sound waves sent through the probe will bounce back to the receiver and be interpreted into images displayed on the screen in real-time.

The examining doctor will explain the images, provide results, and offer advice to the mother. Typically, this procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Currently, there is no evidence that 4D ultrasound causes complications for the mother or the fetus. However, some mothers may experience skin irritation from the gel applied during the ultrasound. These symptoms are usually mild and will gradually subside on their own.

Factors Affecting the Clarity of 4D Ultrasound Images:

1. Gestational Age: The gestational age impacts the ultrasound results. If a 4D ultrasound is performed early in pregnancy, only the fetal bone structure will be visible because the baby has not developed enough fat to show clear body shapes. For clearer images of the face and organs, it is recommended to perform the 4D ultrasound between 24 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Embryo Implantation Position: The position of the embryo can also affect the ultrasound. However, this depends on various factors, such as the amount of amniotic fluid in the body.

3. Method of Ultrasound: Most 4D ultrasounds are performed transabdominally (through the abdomen). However, if abnormalities need to be examined, doctors may use a transvaginal ultrasound for better clarity. A transvaginal ultrasound is generally avoided unless necessary, as it can pose certain risks.

4. Equipment and Technology: Older ultrasound machines could only produce 2D images, showing cross-sections of the body along the sound wave's path. Modern ultrasound machines capture multiple 2D images along the path of the probe and combine them to form a 3D image. The depth of the image makes it appear more realistic. Some advanced models can even create 3D images and display them in a sequence, producing a moving image similar to a film, which is why it is called 4D ultrasound, with the fourth dimension being "time."

A 4D ultrasound helps mothers screen for potential abnormalities in the fetus. This type of ultrasound allows for a clear view of the baby's movements and positions in the womb. What you will receive from a 4D ultrasound includes an ultrasound film and a detailed report with various findings.

Is 4D Ultrasound Dangerous?

There are no reported harmful effects of 4D ultrasound on the fetus or the pregnant mother, even with repeated ultrasounds. It is beneficial for diagnosing fetal abnormalities and helps doctors provide better treatment.

Is 4D Ultrasound Safe During Pregnancy?

4D ultrasound is a modern technology that is considered highly safe. It has been developed specifically for mothers and their babies. In addition to screening for fetal abnormalities, 4D ultrasound also helps monitor the growth and development of the baby.

Where Can I Get a 4D Ultrasound?

4D ultrasound can be done at the hospital where the mother is receiving prenatal care. If the hospital does not offer 4D ultrasound services, it is recommended to visit a specialized clinic, as most clinics and healthcare facilities provide this service.