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4D Ultrasound Scan
Tanya Reynolds is a qualified Diagnostic Radiographer and Sonographer. She qualified as a Radiographer in 1993 and as a Sonographer in 2001. 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. Expecting parents and siblings can have a chance to see the baby and create this pre-birth bond which can be instrumental in drawing the whole family closer together.
What is the difference between a 2D, 3D and 4D scan?
- A 2D scan displays 2 dimensions - height and width.
- A 3D scan displays 3 dimensions - height, width and depth.
- A 4D scan displays 4 dimensions - height, width, depth and movement.
A 4D scan is also referred to as "Live 3D" as the 4th dimension is time which is the actual movement of the baby.
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What determines the quality of a 4D scan?
Timing - The best time to do a 4D scan is between 27 and 34 weeks.
Fetal position - The baby's position can affect imaging. The baby can sometimes have its arms over its face or have its face against the placenta or uterine wall, making imaging of the face difficult.
Fluid - There must be fluid around the baby. The more fluid there is the clearer the images are.
Maternal tissue - An increased amount of maternal tissue can reduce the image quality.
Identifying the sex is usually easy but occasionally the baby may have its legs crossed or there may be umbilical cord lying in the area of interest. You can usually start identifying the sex during the second half of the second trimester.
Twins - The best time to do a 4D scan on twins is between 24 and 26 weeks.
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