3D ultrasound is a medical ultrasound technique, often used during pregnancy, providing three dimensional images of the fetus. Often these images are captured rapidly and animated to produce a " 4D ultrasound ".
There are several different scanning modes in medical and obstetric ultrasound. The standard common obstetric diagnostic mode is 2D scanning. In 3D fetal scanning, however, instead of the sound waves being sent straight down and reflected back, they are sent at different angles. The returning echoes are processed by a sophisticated computer program resulting in a reconstructed three dimensional volume image of fetus's surface or internal organs, in much the same way as a CT scan machine constructs a CT scan image from multiple x-rays. 3D ultrasounds allow one to see width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but no movement is shown. 4D ultrasounds involve the addition of movement by stringing together frames of 3D ultrasounds in quick succession.
3D ultrasound was first developed by Olaf von Ramm and Stephen Smith at Duke University in 1987.
Clinical use of this technology is an area of intense research activity especially in fetal anomaly scanning but there are also popular uses that have been shown to improve fetal-maternal bonding. 4D baby scans are similar to 3D scans except that they show fetal movement as shown in the video clip.
If the system is used only in the Obstetrics Application, the ultrasound energy is limited by the manufacturer below FDA limits for obstetrical ultrasound, whether scanning 2, 3 or 4 dimensionally. (The FDA limit for obstetrical ultrasound is 94 mW/cm 2 .) While there has been no conclusive evidence for harmful effects of 3D/4D ultrasound on a developing fetus, there still remains controversy over its use in non-medical situations, and generally, the AIUM recommends that 3D ultrasounds should be undertaken with the understanding that a risk may exist.
Elective 3D Ultrasound
Although 3D ultrasound technology may be used on any part of the body, elective 3D ultrasound conventionally refers to 3D ultrasounds performed on pregnant women for the sole purpose of the woman to see her unborn baby, what the baby looks like, or to see whether the baby will be a boy or a girl. In the medical literature, these elective 3D ultrasounds are also referred to as keepsake ultrasounds , although this term is rarely used in the lay population and only sometimes used in the media.
Benefits of elective 3D ultrasounds
Although there is no direct medical benefit of receiving an elective 3D ultrasound, there may be many indirect benefits, as listed below. It is important to note that there has been no conclusive evidence in the medical literature to support these benefits, and in fact, the medical literature shows conflicting studies on these benefits. However, on the individual level, a pregnant woman may find any of the following benefits for herself personally.
- May reduce alcohol intake
- May encourage quitting smoking
- May help reduce other harmful health behaviors
- May help reduce intrapartum and post-partum depression
- Better able to visualize the baby
- May improve bonding between mother and child
- May improve bonding with the father, encourage greater involvement from the father
- Ability to determine the gender, which helps with planning for the baby and helps increase bonding through better visualization of the baby
- Able to share pictures with family and friends
- Historical record, pictures for the baby album
- Makes motherhood "more real"
Controversially, Christian/Catholic non-profit organizations have employed 3D ultrasounds for young pregnant women in order to influence their decisions regarding abortion. Charitable donations or public funds help pay for the 3D ultrasound machine.
Risks of 3D ultrasounds
Generally, the risks of 3D ultrasounds mirror those of 2D ultrasounds, as it uses the same ultrasound waves at the same intensity. Unlike the comparison of CT scans to x-rays, 3D ultrasounds do not employ multiple snapshots of 2D ultrasounds but uses the 2D ultrasound images taken at various angles to construct an image. So the potential risk of 3D ultrasounds, if any, would depend on the duration of the ultrasound session rather than whether it is 2D or 3D.
The risk of ultrasounds, theoretically, would depend on the following factors:
- Duration of ultrasound exposure
- Intensity of ultrasound waves
- Frequency of ultrasound sessions
Duration
Although no set standard formally exists, there is a consensus among ob/gyn physicians and 3D ultrasound centers that ultrasound sessions should be limited to 30 minutes at a time.
Intensity
The intensity of ultrasound waves are mechanically set into the machine to not exceed FDA standards. Ultrasound machines are constructed to either shut off or give a noticeable warning if any of the built-in barriers fail to limit the ultrasound waves to below the FDA standard. Generally, a higher intensity of ultrasound waves are used to detect the baby's heartbeat, and as these waves are also directed and focused onto a single organ in the fetus, it is generally advised that use of the ultrasound machine to detect and play the baby's heartbeat be done after 12 weeks of gestation, although it may be physically detectable as early as 9 weeks of gestation.
Frequency
The frequency of ultrasound sessions can also theoretically pose a risk. It is generally discouraged to perform elective 3D ultrasounds more frequently than once a month. It is important to note that women undergoing in vitro fertilization or who have possible fetal abnormalities undergo weekly 2D ultrasounds. Pregnant women in some European countries undergo monthly 2D ultrasounds as routine prenatal care.
Physical effects
Neither the mother nor the fetus can hear or feel ultrasounds produced by the ultrasound machine. It is known that ultrasound is a form of energy, like all sound waves, and may produce a slight amount of heat when focused in one spot over hours to days. Therapeutic ultrasounds have different ultrasound settings with higher intensities and are meant to create this slight warmth or vibration.
Medical effects
There has been no associated mental defects or medical harms to the mother or fetus directly attributed to 2D or 3D ultrasounds over the course of its 30-year history of medical ultrasound use. There is more than one report of a slight increase in left-handedness in boys whose mothers have received 3D ultrasounds.
Other risks
Other intended harms of 3D ultrasounds include the finding of false positives, which can be a significant harm to the mother. Cysts found on the fetus that would have been harmless and may not have been found otherwise may be detected on 3D ultrasound and lead to further more invasive exams as well as cause needless anxiety to the mother. Artifacts can be seen on 3D ultrasound, particularly by those with less experience, such as duplications of body parts, holes, clefts, and missing body parts. Usually, these artifacts go away by moving the ultrasound probe slightly, but when performed by an inexperienced technician, may produce needless anxiety to the mother.
Seeing the fetus too early, under 17 weeks, may cause some harm to the mother as it may actually decrease bonding and give a feeling to the mother that the baby is alien or "not really a baby yet." It is generally advised to perform 3D ultrasounds at or after 17 weeks of gestation for this reason (Kurjak et al. , How useful is 3D and 4D ultrasound in perinatal medicine? J. Perinatal Medicine , 2007).
Other incidental harms to elective 3D ultrasounds include falls or back pain when getting on and off a bed not conducive to pregnant women in 3D ultrasound centers; aggressive manipulation of the belly by an inexperienced ultrasound technician; encouragement of the pregnant mother to drink caffeine-containing beverages to stimulate the baby for a "good photo shot." Caffeine, even in small amounts, have been implicated with some controversy to result in possible harm to the fetus.
Substitution of prenatal care
By far, the biggest potential risk to the pregnant woman in getting a 3D ultrasound is a false sense of reassurance. Pregnant women in the United States who can not otherwise afford health care and do not have health insurance may see the payment of an elective 3D ultrasound, which may cost around $100–$200, as a cheaper alternative to the artificially raised prices of prenatal care from a clinic or hospital, where lab work alone may exceed $1000. Women who receive a 3D ultrasound may be falsely reassured that "everything is okay" and may discontinue prenatal care or taking prenatal vitamins. This potential risk may be averted, at least partially, by repeated instructions that the 3D ultrasound does not take place of routine prenatal care. Many 3D ultrasound centers require signatures on statements of understanding to this fact or may require proof of prenatal care. Some 3D ultrasound centers go as far as to require a note or a prescription from a physician to perform the 3D ultrasounds.
Ri
Vegas Baby 4 D Ultrasound, 3d ultrasound
Vegas Baby 4 D Ultrasound, 3d ultrasound ... Two locations! NorthWest Las Vegas & Henderson/Green Valley (702)644-BABY(2229) Las Vegas
4D Scan | 4D Baby Scans | Professional Clinics for 4D Baby Ultrasound ...
Baby Scans Professional Clinics providing 3D and 4D Ultrasound Scans Services for LONDON & South East in St ALBANS and SURREY, OXFORD and BIRMINGHAM. 4D Ultrasound scanning is a ...
3d and 4d scans | Baby Ultrasound 4d Scans 4d Scan Pregnancy Scans
3D & 4D Scans 3D & 4D Baby Ultrasound Scan £195 Includes a DVD of moving images and a CD of still 3D images Timescale: 24 - 32 weeks Purpose: Provides breathtaking moving 4D ...
33d 4d ultrasound baby scans, Lancaster, Blackpool, Preston ...
3d ultrasound baby scans in Lancaster, Blackpool, Preston Blackburn, Southport in Lancashire, Kendal, Barrow, Penrith in Cumbria, Isle of Man and West Yorkshire
3D 4D Baby Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans | Dublin Ireland | Click Here
Looking for a 3D 4D Baby Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan? We are here to help. Open 7 Days A Week 9am-9pm. For more about Pregnancy Scans & 3D 4D Scans - Click Here
4D Scan 3d Ultrasound Scans and 4d Ultrasound Scans. Baby scans and ...
friendly service... the latest 4d scan technology... memorable images to cherish... The Baby Ultrasound Company - 4D Scan and 3D Scans Unborn babies can stretch, kick, smile and ...
Baby Scan, Nuchal Scans, Pregnancy Scan, 3D Pregnancy Scans, 4D Scans ...
Baby Premier’s 4D ultrasound baby scan gives you a unique opportunity to bond with your unborn baby during pregnancy. We perform all 4D scans using the latest 4D ultrasound ...
4D Baby Ultrasound Scan with the whole family Video by bumps 4D Scans ...
http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/ 4D Baby Ultrasound Scan with the whole family, recorded in September 2007. Parents from both saids join the happy couple as they watch their ...
4D Ultrasound Scan
She has a passion for ultrasound with a focus on 4D baby ultrasound scans. 4D scans can enhance the parental bonding experience prior to the arrival of the new bundle of joy.
3D and 4D Baby Ultrasound - Melbourne -
4D baby Melbourne’s newest, brightest most professional non diagnostic ultrasound.