The Advantages and Side Effects of 4D Ultrasound Examination

For mothers who are pregnant, it is certainly nice to see the baby's activities in the womb recorded on a 4-dimensional ultrasound scan. Yes, with the ultrasound method that produces four-dimensional images, mothers can better understand the fetus's condition in the womb. The process of fetal growth and development can be monitored more closely, including the presence or absence of abnormalities that pose a risk to the baby or pregnant mother. Of course, it's different if you use the 3D ultrasound method or 2D ultrasound.

The advantages of 4D ultrasound examination

4D ultrasound examination is superior to 3D and 2D. These advantages include:

• More advanced technology
• Ultrasound results are in the form of moving images/videos
• The quality of the results is more detailed and clear
• Fetal movements can be seen, for example, yawning
• Abnormalities are easier to detect and more accurate
• Gender is more clearly visible
• The bond between the parents and the baby can be stronger thanks to the pictures that are closer to reality

Side Effects of 4D Ultrasound Examination

In general, a 4D ultrasound examination is safe to do. There are no known risks of the 4D ultrasound examination to date. However, only a gynecologist or competent medical personnel may perform a 4D ultrasound.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), when the sound waves used in the examination enter the body, the body's tissues become slightly hot and can produce gas in body fluids or tissues. But the side effects of this gas are not known. Besides, ultrasound examinations that are too frequent can interfere with the fetus's condition.

Parents generally request a 4D ultrasound to see more clearly the baby's condition, especially gender. But the obstetrician can also recommend 4D ultrasound if he suspects that there are abnormalities that are difficult to detect with 2D or 3D ultrasound.

When Should 4D Ultrasound Be Done?

4D ultrasound examination can be done when the fetal organs' structure has formed or after 26 weeks of gestation. That way, the results obtained will be in line with expectations because the fetal body parts can be seen more clearly. Besides, at that gestational age, the position of the fetus rarely changes.

Here are some reasons why a 4D ultrasound is necessary:

• Confirming the due date
• Detect the baby's heartbeat
• Ensure that the pregnancy is not ectopic (outside the womb)
• Confirming the number of fetuses in the womb
• Make sure the fetus develops according to plan
• Measure the baby, for example, weight and height, head circumference, and others
• Check the amount of amniotic fluid
• Check for abnormalities
• See gender
• Show the fetus's condition to parents to provide information that there are no problems with the fetal growth process.

It is important to know that an ultrasound examination only needs to be done for medical purposes.

Remember, there will be plenty of time and opportunity to take pictures and videos of babies when they are born. While waiting for that precious time, follow the doctor's instructions in undergoing 4D, 3D, or 2D ultrasound examinations for the mother and baby's health in the womb to the delivery process.

Source: Primaya Hospital

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