What is 4-D ultrasound for?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang. Doctor Nha has strengths and experience in fetal malformation ultrasound, 3D, 4D fetal ultrasound.

4D ultrasound, also known as 4D ultrasound, is an imaging technique that helps pregnant women directly observe the images and activities of the fetus in the abdomen. Through 4-dimensional ultrasound, the doctor can better diagnose the development of the fetus.

Developed on the basis of 2D and 3D ultrasound, 4-dimensional ultrasound (4D ultrasound) gives more accurate results and clearer images than previous ultrasound methods. Through 4-dimensional ultrasound technology, you can see images and movements of the fetus in the womb. At the same time, thanks to 3 spatial dimensions and 1 time dimension, 4-dimensional ultrasound allows doctors to diagnose and detect abnormal signs of the fetus such as: birth defects, multiple pregnancies... early and most effective solution to protect the health of mother and fetus.

The main effects of 4-dimensional ultrasound include:
Helps to observe the images and activities of the fetus in the most detail and clarity. Including activities such as thumb sucking, foot resting, laughing, yawning... ; Parts such as hands, feet, eyes, nose, mouth... of the fetus in the womb. Detecting fetal abnormalities such as multiple pregnancies, congenital malformations of parts... 4-dimensional ultrasound is a tool to observe fetal movements as well as monitor fetal development. Detect abnormalities in the internal genitalia of pregnant women. 4-dimensional ultrasound allows fetal echocardiography, bone measurement, nuchal translucency measurement, neurological assessment... of the fetus.

Pregnant women should have 4-dimensional ultrasound at 3 important times in pregnancy, including:
Weeks 12-14: Weeks 12-14 are almost mandatory pregnancy ultrasounds for all pregnant women. During this period, the fetus has formed almost all parts, 4-D ultrasound not only helps the mother see the development of her baby, but also a tool for doctors to check prenatal screening. This is an important time to measure the nuchal translucency to screen for Down syndrome, check the fetus for any other malformations, whether the limbs are missing fingers....
Weeks 18-22: At the stage At this stage, the parts of the fetus are clearly developed. 4-dimensional fetal ultrasound allows doctors to detect head and neurological abnormalities such as: cleft lip, hydrocephalus, cleft palate, heart, lung, thoracic defects, abdominal organ diseases such as obstruction bowel, esophageal atrophy...
Weeks 28 - 32: The third trimester is an important time for the doctor to redefine fetal abnormalities. 4-D ultrasound at this stage helps to detect some late diseases such as fetal growth retardation, placental edema, hydrocephalus,... In addition, 4D ultrasound is also a tool for doctors to assess water status. amniotic fluid, placenta....from there, there are safe handling measures for mother and fetus.

Many pregnant women worry about having an ultrasound scan because they are afraid of affecting the fetus. Currently, there are no scientific studies to prove the harmful effects of ultrasound on fetal development. Besides, 4D ultrasound is also a tool to screen some malformations before birth.
To facilitate the 4D ultrasound process, pregnant women should urinate completely to observe the baby better. You do not need to worry about what to eat or have to fast before the ultrasound, because the state of eating or not does not affect the results of the ultrasound.
Maternity packages at Vinmec International General Hospital all have 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound, helping to detect abnormal problems during pregnancy, protecting the health of mother and baby. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, pregnant women will be consulted by the doctor for appropriate fetal ultrasound to check the development status of the baby.
Maternity packages at Vinmec International General Hospital include:
Maternity care program 2019 – Labor
Maternity care program 2019 – 36 weeks
Maternity care program 2019 – 27 week
Maternity care program 2019 – 12 weeks .