3D Ultrasound

What You Must Know...

3D Ultrasound tests use high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. These sound waves are passed through the abdomen using a transducer. The echoes from the sound waves are translated into video or photo images of the unborn baby.

During pregnancy ultrasound is used to view images of the baby, amniotic sac, placenta, and ovaries. Many birth defects or malformations can be detected through ultrasound.
The majority of prenatal ultrasound scans are performed on the surface of the abdomen using a gel to help get a high quality image.

baby eyes

An alternative is transvaginal ultrasound which is performed using a probe inserted in the vaginal canal. The image produced is far superior but it is rarely used. It is, however, sometimes used in the very early stages of pregnancy in order to get a good view of the uterus and ovaries if a potential problem is suspected.

More on the 3D Ultrasound...

How safe is Prenatal Ultrasound?

Numerous studies have shown that ultrasound is not dangerous with no proven damaging effects to mother or baby.

When Is an 3D Ultrasound Performed During Pregnancy?

As a general rule, all pregnant women receive an ultrasound at around 20 weeks. This is the chance for your doctor to check that the placenta is healthy and that your baby is growing and developing as it should. You will also be able to see your baby’s heartbeat and its movements in the womb.

The sex of your baby can usually be established at your 20 weeks scan. If you don’t want to know, make sure you tell the operator beforehand. You should bear in mind though that ultrasound is not always 100% reliable in determining your baby’s gender. There is always a small chance that the operator may misinterpret the images produced.

You may be given an ultrasound scan earlier in pregnancy to establish:

• The number of fetuses.
• The due date or gestational age (age of the fetus).
In the later stages, ultrasound may be used to establish:
• Baby’s health
• Location of the placenta
• How much amniotic fluid is around the baby
• Baby’s position inside mother
• How much the baby is expected to weigh

What are 3D and 4D Ultrasounds again?

More recent developments in ultrasound technology now allow a 3-Dimensional image of the unborn baby. The image produced is about as clear as that of a photograph and is extremely valuable in spotting birth defects.

A number of centers are providing 3D sonogram scans without specialist medical knowledge.

Many experts are opposed to the use of a 3D ultrasound as they believe that untrained staff my try to diagnose things they don’t understand.

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