La 3D and 4D ultrasound It is a test that is performed during pregnancy. And that her mother and her family request to obtain an endearing image of her / her son. On other occasions, this type of ultrasound, apart from responding to a desire to know better what the baby will be like, can complement information in a case of suspected congenital anomaly (eg facial defects such as a harelip).
In recent years the field of obstetrics has experienced a very important advance. The progress of these tests is due, in part, to existing improvements in the sonographers used, endowed with more and more technology.
The great specialization of professionals also helps to offer better care.
On Institute of obstetrics and gynecology in Barcelona, by Dr. Gómez Roig, expert specialists work in obstetric ultrasound that will accompany you during the pregnancy control. In addition, they will offer you a close follow-up in medical services high professional quality.
What is 3D and 4D ultrasound?
3D ultrasound It is one that can provide us with a three-dimensional image of what we are studying. The ultrasound transducer is a device that the doctor uses and places on top of the pregnant woman's abdomen.
In 3D ultrasound, the transducer takes a series of images, with thin slices. The computer processes them and presents them as a three-dimensional image.
Using computer tools, the doctor can get views that might not be available with a regular 2D ultrasound (the usual obstetric ultrasound).
The images of the 3D ultrasound in real time and in movement, that is to say 4D ultrasound, are more useful to show how the fetus develops inside the mother's womb.
Currently, there is certain evidence that the 3D and 4D ultrasound it has a real benefit in improving the maternal-fetal bond.
Is 3/4D ultrasound better than the usual 2D ultrasound?
3/4D ultrasound it is neither better nor worse than 2D ultrasound. This is because the 3/4D ultrasound does not replace the 2D ultrasound protocolized in pregnancy, but complements it.
It is well known that the objective of the 3/4D ultrasound, in most cases, is to obtain an endearing image of your child.
3D and 4D ultrasound they are just as safe as 2D scans.
The main advantages of 3D and 4D ultrasound is the most realistic view of the fetus and their movements. At the same time, being able to see your child's physical appearance in greater detail can help improve the bond between parents and their child. As well as reduce anxieties in cases of concern.
On the other hand, in cases where there is a certain type of pathology, it can be better evaluated by being able to know more subtle characteristics. Examples of this are the possible cases. Although infrequent, of fetuses with low set ears or variations in facial morphology that accompany some syndromes.
Other examples that can also be seen in more detail are fetal defects little ones. As the spina bifida, cleft lips and/or palate and polydactyly (greater number of fingers).
3/4D ultrasound can complement and help if any pathology is suspected in the usual 2D ultrasound. Detection through an initial suspicion of 2D ultrasound and its subsequent confirmation in more detail of 3/4D can help to perform a diagnosis more cash of a congenital anomaly.
When is the 3D and 4D Ultrasound done?
The 3D and 4D They can be done at any time during pregnancy. But it is preferable to do it between 24 and 32 weeks, ideally 26-30 weeks.
At the same time, we must know that in order to obtain a successful and good quality scan, it is essential to have a series of requirements at the time of the scan:
- Have an adequate fetal position.
- That there is no continuum at that moment fetal movement. Movements can make it difficult to get good images.
- The presence of amniotic fluid surrounding the surface of the fetus is necessary.
- Some maternal characteristics such as obesity, abdominal surgeries previous or the presence of myomas, make it difficult for echoes to penetrate. Inevitably affecting the quality of the image.
In the twin pregnancies 3D and 4D ultrasound can also be performed successfully. Ultrasound is performed between 22 and 26 weeks of pregnancy.
It is worth specifying that in the twin pregnancies image quality may be altered by the increased likelihood that fetuses are improperly positioned. Or why there is not enough space between them.
Is it advisable to have a 3/4D ultrasound?
Whichever one is recommended 3/4D ultrasound It depends on the needs of each family. Most experts do not consider 3D and 4D ultrasound to be a mandatory examination during pregnancy. In fact, it is not contemplated in pregnancy monitoring protocols.
3D and 4D ultrasound is an additional instrument that can foster the bond between your parents and your child.
It can also be useful in cases of suspected fetal morphological alterations to help in the diagnosis and understanding of the real affectation. In these cases, the three-dimensional ultrasound It can reduce parental anxiety by providing more information about fetal involvement before birth.
On Institute of obstetrics and gynecology of Dr. Gómez Roig from Barcelona there are expert specialists in obstetric ultrasound who will accompany you during the control of the pregnancy. In addition, they will offer you a close and high-quality professional follow-up.
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Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona. Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Coordinator of the Sixth Course of Medicine at the University of Barcelona, UB. Director of the Dra. Gómez Roig Institute and Coordinator of Obstetric and Gynecological Processes at the Corachan Clinic in Barcelona.