4D ultrasound milestones throughout pregnancy

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ta Quoc Ban - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

4D ultrasound is a non-invasive, safe, modern and valuable diagnostic technique in the morphological survey of the fetus. Depending on the health of the mother and baby, the doctor will recommend the appropriate 4D ultrasound milestones.

4D fetal ultrasound is performed periodically in different stages of pregnancy with the aim of:
Assessing the status and development of the fetus; Screening for fetal malformations;

Ultrasounds are painless and there is currently no evidence that too many ultrasounds will harm the baby. However, it is not recommended to do too many ultrasounds, which makes pregnant women tired due to traveling, waiting, taking time to rest and being expensive in economic terms.

In fact, 4D fetal ultrasound is not always available. There are forms of fetal malformations that are detected only by ultrasound at a certain time during pregnancy. During regular visits, the doctor will advise pregnant women on the appropriate 4D ultrasound landmarks. Here are 3 milestones 4D ultrasound is considered mandatory to determine if the fetus is developing normally or not:

3.1. 4D ultrasound in weeks 11 - 13 This is the only time when pregnant women can be measured nuchal translucency, in order to predict some dangerous abnormalities related to chromosomes (causes leading to Down syndrome, anomalies, and chromosomal abnormalities). heart and limb forms, diaphragmatic hernia, etc.). If abnormality is detected, the doctor will assign the pregnant woman to conduct amniocentesis at 17-18 weeks to diagnose the disease.
During this ultrasound, the doctor can also detect some other malformations, such as anencephaly, cleft palate, no nasal bone,... During this period, the doctor also advises pregnant women. should do more double test to screen for congenital abnormalities of the fetus.
3.2. 4D ultrasound in week 21 - 22 When the baby was 21 - 22 weeks old, the doctor was able to observe all abnormalities related to fetal morphology, including cleft lip and cleft palate. , deformities in organs and internal organs.
This 4D ultrasound landmark is extremely important because almost all malformations are present at this point. Moreover, if the mother needs to terminate the pregnancy, it must be done before the 22nd week of pregnancy.

3.3. 4D ultrasound in weeks 31 - 32 During this period, 4D ultrasound can detect some morphological abnormalities that occur late, such as abnormalities in arteries, heart or in brain structure, Abnormalities of the digestive system... In addition, this ultrasound also helps doctors recognize the condition of the fetus with slow growth in the uterus, which is the cause of fetal distress, stillbirth and postpartum asphyxia.
Fetal malformations detected during this time can't be intervened, but can find ways to respond appropriately at birth, such as choosing a birthplace, an appropriate delivery method for the pregnant woman, and preparing for care. take care and treat the newborn baby promptly after that.
4D ultrasound landmarks play an important role in helping doctors accurately detect abnormalities in the fetus. However, this does not mean that a pregnant woman only has three ultrasounds during her pregnancy. Depending on the health of the mother and baby, the doctor may schedule a specific appointment to repeat the ultrasound as well as perform other necessary tests.
Because of the healthy development of the baby while still in the fetus, the 4D pregnancy ultrasound at the right milestones needs special attention from mothers.
Master. Doctor Ta Quoc Ban is formerly a Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy - Thai Nguyen University, Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thai Nguyen Central General Hospital, Deputy Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of Medical University. The doctor has full practice certificates in the field of obstetrics and gynecology such as: Ultrasound, laparoscopic surgery, endoscopic and electrocautery, artificial insemination (IUI)...
Experienced and qualified Strong in the following fields:
Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Laparoscopic surgery in gynecology Prenatal counseling Gynecological examination and consultation Infertility examination and consultation, implementation of sperm injection technique into the uterus , Pre-vaccination screening and treatment of post-vaccination reactions...