Table of contents:
- What is the 4D ultrasound procedure?
- When is the best time to do 4D ultrasound?
- How is the 4D ultrasound procedure performed?
- Preparations that need to be done
- During the procedure
- What does the doctor see during the procedure?
- What are the benefits of the 4D ultrasound procedure?
- Are there any risks when doing a 4-dimensional ultrasound?
When you are pregnant, of course you need to carry out regular pregnancy checks. This is done to monitor the health of you and the baby in the womb. The method that can be done to see the development of the baby is ultrasound procedures, one of which is 4D ultrasound. What do you need to know about the 4-dimensional ultrasound procedure? Here is the full explanation!
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What is the 4D ultrasound procedure?
Quoted from Planned Parenthood, ultrasonography (USG) is a procedure that can be done to determine fetal development.
No need to worry, because the ultrasound procedure is a safe way to view the uterus without pain.
If previously there was a 3D ultrasound procedure, now there are other procedures such as 4-dimensional ultrasound.
This procedure is done to see the real movements of the fetus or baby. Through this procedure you can see the shape of the baby's face and its movements in sufficient detail.
When is the best time to do 4D ultrasound?
Ultrasound procedures can be done by pregnant women since the 1st trimester of pregnancy. This is done so that doctors can check how the fetus is developing and how far your pregnancy has become.
Usually, you will be recommended to do 3D or 4D ultrasound when you have entered the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
This is because babies already have enough fat content so you can see their bodies clearly.
However, it is also important to know if any type of ultrasound can be done at any time during pregnancy.
This includes when the doctor suspects pregnancy complications or problems so that additional ultrasound is needed so that the image is clear.
How is the 4D ultrasound procedure performed?
Preparations that need to be done
Actually, there is no special preparation when you are going to do a 4-dimensional ultrasound because this is not a surgical procedure.
However, you should avoid eating or drinking too much so that the picture is clearer.
Then, wear comfortable and loose clothing as you will be asked to show your stomach during the process.
During the procedure
First, the doctor will ask you to lie down and show a certain area of the body, namely the stomach. Then, he will apply a special gel that will feel cold.
The cold gel will later be applied using a special scanner. The tool used will move back and forth around the stomach so that the picture and movements of the baby are clearly visible.
The doctor will explain the state of the pregnancy and the baby in the womb during and after the 4D ultrasound procedure. When finished, the remaining gel will be removed.
What does the doctor see during the procedure?
Standard and 4-dimensional ultrasound examination, the doctor will see how the physical development of the baby in the womb.
In addition, there is also other information provided by the doctor, such as:
- Position, movement, breath, and heart rate of the baby
- Estimated baby size and weight
- Knowing the position of the placenta
What are the benefits of the 4D ultrasound procedure?
In addition to knowing the health condition of the fetus, 4-dimensional ultrasound is often done by parents because they want to see the baby's shape more clearly.
Quoted from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one of the important benefits of the 4D ultrasound procedure is also done to check the baby's development and look for congenital abnormalities.
Therefore, it allows doctors to calculate the volume and structure of body organs such as cleft lip, tumors, defects, etc.
Then, there are also techniques from 4D ultrasound such as Spatio Temporal Image Correlation which allows to see in more detail the anatomy of the heart.
Here are some other benefits of the 4D ultrasound procedure, including:
- Diagnosing fetal imperfections.
- Look at the characteristics of a potential baby down syndrome.
- Diagnosing congenital abnormalities.
- Seeing whether the amniotic fluid is more, less, or sufficient.
- Observe the baby's appearance and movements.
- Find out abnormalities in the uterus and pelvic area of women.
Are there any risks when doing a 4-dimensional ultrasound?
Ultrasound or 4D USG is a type of non-invasive procedure so that if it is done by a professional it will not cause problems for the fetus.
This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures and videos of the present time of your uterus.
Until now, there was no definite evidence that ultrasound was harmful to a developing fetus.
No studies have found a link between ultrasound and cancer, birth defects, or other children's health problems.
Therefore, it is a must if 4D ultrasound can only be done by medical personnel and done for the right purpose.