Are you worried that 3D and 4D ultrasound scanning might be harmful or cause complications to your baby?
It is a common thing for pregnant women to be a little wary of all the tools and techniques the doctor uses during a medical checkup, visiting an OB-GYN can be anxiety-filled fun and exciting especially if you’re expecting your very first ultrasound.
Along with the advancements of modern medical technology, many parents can actually look at how big their baby is.
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However, 3D and 4D ultrasounds are usually not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy and it is highly optional. 3D and 4D scans are not standard prenatal tests and usually costs more than the regular ultrasound scanning. And it is usually the pregnant woman’s choice if she would like to take the 3D/4D scanning.
3D and 4D scanning, however, provide better baby images compared to regular 2D scanning and it can usually be presented through a video format through various mediums.
It is also important to take note that not all hospitals in your local area might not have any access to 3D or 4D ultrasound scanning, it also does not cover insurance costs.
Now let’s take a look deeper into 3D and 4D ultrasound scanning and what are its benefits during pregnancy.
What is a 3D/4D ultrasound?
Due to the advancements of medical technology in the past decade, 3D and 4D scanning have been developed.
3D and 4D scanning are a type of ultrasound scanning that provides a clearer and more accurate image of your baby inside the womb.
3d ultrasound gives a better and clearer image of the fetus compared to 2D scanning. 3D scanning can usually see the key external features of your baby. This is also a reason why ultrasound has been very helpful in detecting cleft lips.
A 4d ultrasound, on the other hand, has the same image quality and resolution to the 3d ultrasound except that a 4D ultrasound scan is presented through video format, the 3D and 4D scanning usually goes together and both of these scans to capture footage that provides a clear and vivid image your baby’s facial features.
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The ultrasound technology has been used before by medical practitioners in the past decades due to its efficacy in determining the baby’s state.
In general Ultrasound scanning is a tool that uses a high-frequency sound wave that can penetrate through the tissues of the womb which bounces back to the graded paper which forms the image.
Ultrasound scanning also has a medical name called sonography, usually, ultrasound scanning is a safe way to detect complications during the pregnancy but it can also be valuable in detecting other diseases such as heart, kidney, or liver conditions, ultrasound scanning is also used in the biopsy.
In general, 3D and 4D ultrasound techniques provide more accurate information about your baby’s possible abnormality, 4D scans can also detect if your baby is experiencing slow fetal growth.
They provide a clearer visual image from different angles, and with that certain affliction of your baby can be early diagnosed and treated after birth.
Aside from 3D/4D and the usual 2D scanning, another type of scan called doppler scanning which provides a very high-frequency beam that bounces back to create an image.
Is 3D/4D ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
3D and 4D ultrasound scanning are essentially safe and pose no risk or harm to the baby just like the regular 2D ultrasound scanning.
Ultrasound scanning has been used by many doctors to pregnant women for decades and there have been no reported incidents or cases where ultrasound scanning has caused any genetic malformations.
Aside from that, ultrasound uses sound waves that don’t have any profound effect on the body, it does not generate any kind of chemical or radiation, so it generally deemed by doctors to be safe although there are no actual profound studies that prove the safety of the procedure.
During the ultrasound checkup you may feel slight discomfort as the tool used to produce sound waves will generate a heat that can sometimes rise above than 1 degree celsius, it is still considered safe, usually 3D and 4D scans produce much heat that helps warm up the amniotic fluid which produces better image, the doctor can also put a cold gel into your belly to cool down the temperature and make the tool move through the belly smoother and with less friction.
When should I get 4D scanning?
As mentioned beforehand, it is completely optional for you to take the 4D scans although it will usually be a great time for you to calm down your excitement as you can clearly see your baby’s face.
If you’re really planning to have your baby scanned through 3D/4D ultrasound you should prepare your budget as it will cost you a little more than the usual ultrasound checkup, you can also search for a private clinic that offers 4D scanning in your local area to make sure you are getting a check-up from a trusted medical clinic.
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You can get 3D/4D scanning once your belly is big enough, this will usually assure you that the baby’s facial components have been properly developed already to be scanned to, it is best for you to get 4D scanning by around 27 to 34 weeks of pregnancy.
However, it is your doctors best intention to give you the right time of when to get 3D or 4D scanning, if your not interested you can always stick to the 2D scanning, besides the only main purpose of any kind of Ultrasound scanning is to properly monitor the child’s growth and development.
Final notes
Generally speaking, it is very safe for you to do 3D and 4D scans during pregnancy, it does no harm to the baby and at the same time, you can clearly see your future baby’s face in an instant.
Always keep in mind that the positive benefits of the scans like a total checkup of your baby’s growth and determining your baby’s sex outweigh the unknown and unproven risks, with that you can start early by picking the perfect name for them and the future tiny clothes they’ll wear.
Happy Pregnancy!
Read also:
- The Ramzi Theory for Pregnant Women
- Is Airport Scanner Dangerous to Pregnancy?
- Phantom Pregnancy, False Pregnancy or Pseudocyesis Guide?
