US of 3D during pregnancy

Ultrasound (ultrasound) is one of the main procedures performed during pregnancy. This is not only a necessary medical measure, allowing early detection of possible pathologies in fetal development, but also an exciting event for future mothers and dads. This is an original acquaintance with his future baby. Despite the fact that ultrasound in obstetrics is used not so long ago - since the 60s of last century, physicians for this period of time have accumulated vast experience in using this method of research. Ultrasound scanners are constantly being improved, and now it is possible to do 3D ultrasound in pregnancy. This kind of research will be discussed in this article.

What is the difference between an ordinary ultrasound from a 3D ultrasound?

A two-dimensional ultrasound shows an image of the tissue sections of the area on which ultrasound acts. With ultrasound 3D, the image on the monitor screen appears voluminous and colored. In addition, such a picture gives an opportunity to examine in detail the appearance of the baby and even see who he looks more like. With the help of such research it is possible to determine:

• Anomalies of the face (cleft lip, wolf mouth) ;

• Pathology of the development of the nervous system;

• The development of the nasal bone and the thickness of the cervical fold;

• Congenital heart diseases.

The principle of action of three-dimensional ultrasound

The method of such a study does not fundamentally differ from ordinary ultrasound, in which the penetrating property of ultrasound and its ability to diffuse in different ways, depending on the composition and density of the medium, spread in the tissues of the body. However, the image obtained by classical ultrasound is completely incomprehensible to lay people, and future parents can only find with the help of a doctor large bones and the spine of the child. At US 3D the picture reminds an ordinary photo, and happy mums and daddies can consider the little face of a baby and even count fingers.

Advantages of 3D ultrasound

Three-dimensional ultrasound, in addition to the immense joy experienced by future parents, provides an opportunity to obtain more accurate and complete information about the course of pregnancy and the state of the fetus. Especially such procedure is shown, if there are any suspicions about pathologies of development, as it gives an opportunity on earlier terms to reveal deviations from normal values of those or other indicators.

This procedure allows you to explore different organs. Using a three-dimensional image, you can get an accurate picture of the condition of the external and internal organs of the baby. Also, a three-dimensional study makes it possible to consider the mimicry of crumbs. This allows you to see what emotions he is experiencing: upset, smiling, apathetic. It has long been known that positive emotions allow the fetus to develop properly. But the bad ones can point to serious problems. For example, with asphyxia (insufficient intake of oxygen), the baby has an apathetic, depressed state. If the child's face is distorted by pain, then this may indicate an incorrect development of the internal organs, which causes painful sensations.

Also, the presence of the future pope on the procedure of three-dimensional ultrasound is very important. This will help him to adapt quickly to the role of the father. Photo 3d ultrasound, if desired, can be the first picture in the album of the future baby.

At what term of pregnancy do three-dimensional ultrasound?

Most parents want to get the very first touching photo of their baby as early as possible. However, until 18-20 weeks, this should not be done. In the early term, it will still be impossible to see anything. More accurately determine the sex of the child, and possible deviations in development can be if the pregnancy is 20 weeks. US of 3D In this case will be more informative. Three-dimensional research allows you to view facial structures, head, back.

Also, you should know that the baby is getting closer to the mother in the tummy every day, and in the later weeks also do not recommend doing 3D Ultrasound. 32 weeks - the deadline for 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 future parents should know?

1. Almost twice as long, compared with the two-dimensional, is the study of three-dimensional. Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that at least 30-40 minutes will be the procedure of US 3D.

2. Reviews Women who have used this method of research, testify that quite often the kid does not want to be "photographed" and just turns his back. In this case, the procedure, of course, will not be as informative as we would like.

3. Also, you should know that the procedure for three-dimensional examination of the fetus is not cheap. The cost of it varies between 1500 and 2500 rubles.

Is it dangerous to have a 3D ultrasound?

Whether or not ultrasound is safe during pregnancy is not fully known. But ultrasound 3D in terms of irradiation strength is no different from a two-dimensional study. Therefore, the question is not about the method of obtaining a stereo image, but about ultrasonic research as such. To date, it has already been established that ultrasound is not associated with an increase in the frequency of congenital pathologies and abnormalities of pregnancy. That is why ultrasound is one of the mandatory procedures that pregnant women undergo.

However, there is such a medical term as long-term consequences. This concept refers to complications that can occur only after a few years or even decades. It is these long-term effects of ultrasound during pregnancy that are not defined. No one can say exactly what will happen to these children after 10, 30, 50 years.

Do or not have 3D ultrasound?

As already mentioned above, the disadvantages of the three-dimensional study are its high cost and long time of the procedure. Trying to get the best shot, doctors often increase the power of the device during the study, and this can adversely affect the child. Since the possible consequences of a three-dimensional study are not completely determined, many practitioners strongly recommend limiting its use to pregnant women.

In addition, the image may be insufficiently clear and of high quality when:

• Close proximity of the fetal head to the placenta;

• Reduced amount of amniotic fluid;

• Excess body weight of the pregnant.

What is a 4D (four-dimensional) ultrasound?

This is the same as the three-dimensional study, but it differs in that the length, height and depth of the picture are supplemented by time. The four-dimensional image, in contrast to the static three-dimensional image, allows you to see the movement of the 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 before birth is great enough. But future mothers should know that abusing an ultrasound study is not worth it. Ultrasound should be an exclusively routine procedure, and not be conditioned by the desire of a woman to look again at her crumbs. Well, and whether to do a three-dimensional study or stop at the usual two-dimensional, only the future parents should decide.