Scanning with ultrasound (USG) pregnancy is an examination tool that is often used in pregnant women. Ultrasound consists of many types, ranging from 2-dimensional ultrasound, 3-dimensional, to the most modern 4-dimensional ultrasound.
Just like 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional ultrasound, 4-dimensional ultrasound uses sound waves to display the condition of pregnancy, starting from the state of the uterus, the shape of the fetus, to disturbances that occur in the womb. The technology in 4-dimensional ultrasound is more sophisticated, in order to get clearer scan results.
Various Advantages of 4-Dimensional Ultrasound
4-dimensional ultrasound is able to present moving images such as video. That way, you can see fetal activity more clearly, for example when smiling, yawning or other movements. Not only that, you can also see the fetal body parts more real.
4-dimensional ultrasound not only helps parents who are curious to see their baby, but also helps obstetricians in detecting possible disturbances or abnormalities in the fetus, as well as the condition of the fetal organs, so that doctors can immediately take steps to treat it.
As a diagnostic procedure, doctors can combine this 4-dimensional ultrasound with several other medical procedures, such as amniocentesis or amniotic fluid sampling, blood, hormone, or chromosomal tests. This method is done to ensure the results of the doctor's diagnosis of the patient's condition, and provide treatment according to his needs.
When is 4D Ultrasound Used?
Doctors can do a 4-dimensional ultrasound at any time, either in early pregnancy, mid, or before delivery. Below are some reasons that can make doctors recommend ultrasound examinations based on gestational age:
- First trimester
Ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy is generally done to confirm pregnancy, determine gestational age, see fetal heartbeat, check for possible ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy disorders.
- Second trimester
Ultrasound performed in the second trimester of pregnancy can help doctors diagnose structural abnormalities of the fetus, see the possibility of twins, measure fetal growth, and examine the possibility of fetal death in the womb.
- Third trimester
Doctors generally recommend ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy to determine the position of the placenta before delivery, observe the position and movement of the fetus, and check for abnormalities in the mother's uterus and pelvis.
How to Check 4 Dimensional Ultrasound
Ultrasound is done by a doctor by applying a special gel over the stomach. This gel serves to help transmit sound waves, so that the picture of the fetus is more easily captured.
After that, the doctor will perform a scan with a transducer that is moved around the abdomen to record fetal activity.
Even though you have used sophisticated technology, there is a possibility that you will not be able to see the shape of the fetus when using a 4-dimensional ultrasound. This is because the results of this ultrasound are also determined by several factors, one of which is the position of the fetus. If the baby's face is back to your stomach, of course you will not be able to see his face.
In addition to the position of the fetus, the results of this ultrasound are also influenced by the thickness of the mother's stomach lining and the condition of the amniotic fluid in the womb. The thicker your belly and the cloudier your amniotic fluid, the more difficult the fetal activity will be to record.
As long as it is used according to the procedure, generally 4-dimensional ultrasound will not harm the fetus. Make sure you regularly check with your obstetrician during pregnancy to monitor the development of the fetus as well as the condition of the mother.