What Makes 3-D Ultrasounds Less Clear?
Most hospitals and clinics have 3-D ultrasound available. It is a special type of ultrasound that can be used to acquire a lifelike image of a fetus. Many expectant parents often notice that their 3-D images are not always clear. Several factors can contribute to poor 3-D images.
Other People Are Reading
-
Fetal Movement
-
The part being imaged must be immobile for the best ultrasound image to be obtained. Movement can contribute to blurry 3-D images.
Distance From Transducer
-
Optimal 3-D imaging requires that the fetus be close to the camera to obtain a good image. The farther the fetus is from the camera, the grainier the image will appear.
-
Presence of Bowel Gas
-
Ultrasound cannot be used to look through bowel gas. If a loop of bowel is between the fetal face and the camera, an image cannot be obtained.
Presence of Fat
-
The presence of fat weakens ultrasound waves. This is called attenuation. Too much attenuation can result in a blurry image or loss of detail.
Absence of Fluid
-
Good 3-D imaging relies on a great difference between the physical properties of adjacent tissues. To obtain a good image of the fetal face, which is a solid structure, it must be surrounded by amniotic fluid.
-
