4D Ultrasound Scan – Quick Introduction

Ultrasound scan technology has been used in prenatal care for over thirty years. High-frequency sound waves are directed at the mother’s body to produce a picture of the baby. These pictures can be either two, three, or four-dimensional. Research has found that 4D Ultrasound Scans are good for bonding but no more effective than 2D at diagnosing medical problems.

2D images are the standard in medical care. 3D images show the baby from three dimensions by sending the sound waves from different angles. The images are three-dimensional, but they are static. 4D offers a live image of the baby by adding real-time movement to the 3D image.

The best time for a 4D scan is between twenty-four and thirty-two weeks. The scan should be performed after the second trimester 2D scan provided by the doctor’s office. There is no need for the mother to have a full bladder. At this time, 4D scans are not covered by insurance, so payment will be due when services are rendered. Mothers can invite several guests to a 4D ultrasound and often leave with a video or DVD of the baby’s movements.

None of these technologies pose known side effects. However, 4D scans are viewed by the FDA as unapproved uses of a medical device. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine also discourages the commercial use of the machines. They suggest limiting sessions to one hour and having no more than one session per month. Sound waves do warm the tissues as they pass through. For this reason, all machines display a thermal index. This lets the operator know of any temperature anomalies.

Ultrasound risks are few but worth mentioning. Some physicians have noted an increase in left-handedness in boys whose mothers have had 3D or 4D ultrasounds. The most critical risk is to uninsured mothers. The 4D scan is much cheaper than a traditional scan in a doctor’s office. Uninsured mothers may pay for these scans thinking that they provide the same diagnostic information as regular prenatal care. Unfortunately, they do not.

Some recommend that the mother consumes caffeine before a scan. The idea is that caffeine will make the baby more active. However, physicians discourage this practice as caffeine may be harmful to unborn babies

4D scans can show treasured images of a baby in utero. They can show the baby as it kicks, smiles, swallows, or sucks its thumb.

Such images provide wonderful bonding moments for mothers and other family members. However, overuse of the technology could have unknown risks. Therefore, if a mother decides to obtain 4D Ultrasound Scans, she should remember to follow important safety precautions. And they should never, ever be used in place of good prenatal care.