The Best Time to Do a 4D Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound has been use since the 1950s and has its roots in sound navigation. Ultrasound (sonography) technology provides a safe and non-invasive diagnostic tool in pregnancy. Traditionally, fetal ultrasounds provide 2D (two-dimensional) images that display single flat-like pictures of the baby. Recently, 2D images have been succeeded by 3D images where a more life-like image of the baby is displayed, as several angles of the baby's surface are obtained. The latest ultrasound technology is 4D, which allows for the baby's images to be seen in real time.
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Best Time for 4D Ultrasound
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In 4D ultrasound technology, time is added to the 3D still images of the fetus, resulting in live-action images of the unborn child. Like all ultrasound systems, 4D ultrasounds can be used to determine the age of the baby, analyze its development, detect any structural problems with the uterus, and evaluate multiple pregnancies as well as any abnormalities during pregnancy. The best time to have a 4D ultrasound, according to several physicians, is between 24-34 weeks of pregnancy. This time is ideal because babies will have developed some fat that makes them more visible and will still have enough room to move around in the uterus and provide more images in different angles.
4D Quality
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Ultrasound technology relies on sound waves travelling through fluids in order to produce images. This means that the more fluid there is around the baby, the clearer the images. It is for this reason that expectant mothers are advised to have plenty of fluids prior to an ultrasound exam.
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Other Factors
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While the 24-34 week period may be ideal for obtaining clear 4D images, it is important to note that other factors may determine the quality of images. The location of the placenta, for instance, may sometimes influence quality. The placenta may be located in the front of the uterus, the back or side. If it's located in the front, it may block the baby's face. Full figured mothers may also have more maternal tissue, which may influence sound waves and result in grainy-looking photos. In this case, it is best to wait until about 32 weeks when the tissue will have most likely stretched out due to the baby's growth. Additionally, if the baby is facing the spine, the most likely image obtained will be that of the its back.
Safety
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The American Institue of Ultrasound in Medicine, among several manufactures and governement entities, have determined that it is one of the safest means available to obtain information of an unborn baby. Since 4D-ultrasound uses the same technology as that of 2D and 3D ultrasound, it is equally as safe. Ultrasound scans, unlike X-rays and CT scans, do not use any form of radiation. Additionally, the sound waves used in ultrasounds have no negative impact on the tissues through which they travel in order to obtain images. 4D ultrasound images offer breathtaking images in which the baby can be viewed in motion from several angles.
Tips
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Several facilities offer ultrasound services. It is important for expectant mothers to ensure that the facilities they choose have medical oversight and are not just prenatal photography studios. Expectant mothers should consider the type of packages and plans offered in ultrasound facilities, as they may vary. Most locations offer a standard limited medical fetal study during which the baby's heartbeat is verified, the number of babies confirmed, the position of the baby is determined and the gender verified if desired. Other facilities may perform a more thorough ultrasound. They may also include return visit policies if the desired images are not initially obtained.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hamed Saber
