Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is one ofbasic procedures performed during pregnancy. This is not only a necessary medical event, which allows early detection of possible pathologies in the development of the fetus, but also an exciting event for expectant mothers and fathers. This is a unique acquaintance with your future baby. Despite the fact that ultrasound in obstetrics is used not so long ago - since the 60s of the last century, doctors during this period of time have accumulated vast experience in using this research method. Ultrasound scanners are constantly being improved, and today there is an opportunity to make 3D ultrasounds during pregnancy. This kind of research will be discussed in this article.
What is the difference between conventional ultrasound and 3D ultrasound?
Two-dimensional ultrasound shows image slicestissues of the area affected by ultrasound. When ultrasound 3D image on the screen looks like a volume and color. In addition, this picture makes it possible to examine in detail the appearance of the baby and even see who he looks more like. With the help of this study can determine:
anomalies of the face (cleft lip, cleft palate);
pathologies of the nervous system;
the development of the nasal bone and the thickness of the neck fold;
congenital heart defects.
The principle of operation of three-dimensional ultrasound
The technique of this study is nothing fundamentallydoes not differ from conventional ultrasound, which uses the penetrating property of ultrasound and its ability in different ways, depending on the composition and density of the medium, to spread in the tissues of the body. However, the image obtained with classical ultrasound is completely incomprehensible to non-professionals, and future parents can only detect the large bones and spine of a child with the help of a doctor. When ultrasound 3D picture resembles a regular photo, and happy moms and dads can look at the face of the baby and even count the fingers.
The advantages of 3D ultrasound
Three-dimensional ultrasound, in addition togreat joy experienced by future parents, provides an opportunity to obtain more accurate and complete information about the course of pregnancy and the condition of the fetus. Especially such a procedure is shown if there are any suspicions about developmental pathologies, since it gives an opportunity to detect deviations from the normal values of certain indicators at earlier periods.
This procedure allows you to explore differentorgans. Using a three-dimensional image, you can get an accurate picture of the state of the external and internal organs of the baby. Also, a three-dimensional study provides an opportunity to consider facial expressions crumbs. This allows you to see what emotions he feels: upset, smiling, apathetic. It has long been known that positive emotions allow the fetus to develop properly. But the bad can indicate serious problems. For example, in case of asphyxia (insufficient oxygen supply), the baby has an apathetic, depressed state. If the child’s face is distorted from pain, this may indicate an abnormal development of the internal organs, which causes pain.
It is also very important the presence of the future dad onprocedure of three-dimensional ultrasound. This will help him quickly adapt to the role of the father. Photo 3D ultrasound, if desired, can be the first picture in the album of the future baby.
What is the term of pregnancy to do a three-dimensional ultrasound?
Most parents wish as early as possible.get the very first touching photo of your baby. However, up to 18-20 weeks is not worth it. In the early period it is still impossible to see something. More accurately determine the sex of the child, and possible developmental disabilities, if the pregnancy is 20 weeks. 3D ultrasound in this case will be more informative. A three-dimensional study allows you to view the facial structures, head, back.
You should also know that every day it becomes more and more close for the baby to stay with the mother in the tummy, and in the later weeks they also do not recommend doing 3D Ultrasound. 32 weeks - The deadline for carrying out this procedure, as in the last weeks of pregnancy, as in the case of a two-dimensional ultrasound, it is more difficult for a doctor to obtain reliable information and a high-quality image.
What should future parents know?
Almost twice as long as two-dimensional, it takes a three-dimensional study. Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that the 3D ultrasound procedure will last for at least 30-40 minutes.
Reviews women who used this methodStudies show that quite often the baby does not want to be “photographed” and simply turns back. In this case, the procedure, of course, will not be as informative as we would like.
You should also be aware that the procedure for three-dimensional examination of the fetus is not cheap. Its cost ranges from 1500-2500 rubles.
Is 3D ultrasound dangerous?
Is it safe or not ultrasound whenpregnancy is not fully known. But 3D ultrasound does not differ in any way from 2D research. Therefore, the question is not about the method of obtaining a stereo image, but about the ultrasound study itself. To date, it has already been established that ultrasound is not associated with an increase in the incidence of congenital pathologies and abnormalities of pregnancy. That is why ultrasound is one of the mandatory procedures that pregnant women undergo.
However, there is a medical term such aslong-term consequences. This concept refers to complications that can appear only after a few years or even decades. It is these long-term effects of the use of ultrasound during pregnancy are not identified. No one can say exactly what will happen with these children after 10, 30, 50 years.
To do or not 3D ultrasound?
As mentioned above, the minuses of three-dimensionalstudies are its high cost and long duration of the procedure. Trying to get the best shot, doctors often increase the power of the device during the examination, and this may adversely affect the child. Since the possible consequences of a three-dimensional study have not been fully determined, many practitioners strongly recommend restricting its use to pregnant women.
In addition, the image may not be sufficiently clear and high-quality when:
close location of the fetal head to the placenta;
reduced amount of amniotic fluid;
overweight pregnant.
What is 4D (four-dimensional) ultrasound?
This is the same as 3D research.but it differs in that the length, height, and depth of the picture are complemented by time. The four-dimensional image, in contrast to the static three-dimensional, allows you to see the movement of an object in real time. This allows future parents to record what is happening on the monitor screen on various media.
Of course, the temptation to see your baby beforebirth is big enough. But future moms should know that abusing ultrasound is not worth it. Ultrasound should be solely a routine procedure, and not be conditioned by the desire of the woman to look at her baby again. Well, it is only future parents who should decide whether to do a three-dimensional study or focus on a two-dimensional familiar to us.
