It is always magical to see your unborn baby in its almost actual form. Seeing this creates a certain connection with the parents who are waiting eagerly to get a glimpse of their baby. 3D and 4D scans have made this possible in a very realistic way.
Ultrasound scans such as 3D and 4D are like real-time photos of your baby. In a 3D scan, multiple pictures of the baby are taken in 2D and then put together to create a 3D image effect. In a 4D scan, the pictures are taken in real-time, and you can see what your baby is doing inside you at that point in time, such as moving its legs and arms or even opening and closing its eyes. This is more like a live streaming or a video. The time component is the 4th dimension that is added to the 3D scan, and hence it is referred to as a 4D scan.
A decade ago, pregnant moms could see their babies before they were born with the help of 2D scans. However, 2D scans had some limitations. One could see only grey and hazy images of the baby. Such scans were useful only to see the internal organs as the ultrasound waves used to create images of the baby’s organs and not their full form.
These days, mothers-to-be are far luckier and can see how their little-one, actually, looks before birth. 3D scans are far better than the 2D ones as they put the pieces of the scanned photos together and create a more real looking baby’s form. You can see your baby’s face, legs and arms.
4D scans have further improved technology and software and help you see the baby in real-time (live). Now, the parents-to-be can see their cutie-pie moving, yawning, kicking, blinking its eyes, and sucking. It is a delight to see what technology has to offer in terms of baby scans. Though all these scans are done for medical reasons, they help create a bond between the parents and the baby, and nothing can match the joy it gives to the parents.
Ultrasound scans are an important tool to check the internal organs and health of a growing foetus. They help the gynaecologist identify whether the baby has any complications or not. This identification helps them treat the baby at the earliest. These scans help the doctor monitor the baby for any anomalies such as cleft lip, spinal cord problems and other birth defects. They also help the doctor monitor the amniotic fluid levels.
These ultrasound scans are optional. They are not a part of the prenatal tests. If you do not want to have any of these scans, it is perfectly fine, and you can keep your doctor informed about the same. The doctor will advise you if she sees a medically relevant need or some probable complication. If you decide to have a scan, it is usually done within 26 weeks to 30 weeks. It is best not taken earlier because the baby would not have fat under his/her skin. So, it is possible that you might not get clear images of your baby.
An ultrasound scan is also known as sonography as it uses high-frequency sound waves to get image slices of the baby. This is how such scans work:
These scans are not standard diagnostic procedures in the prenatal tests. They are merely indicative of possible complications or any birth defects. Therefore, it is up to the doctor to interpret the results. If she/he notices any possible complications, further investigative tests will be advised.
It is quite common for doctors to do a 2D scan on a regular basis to keep track of the baby’s progress. It is generally a good test to know the baby’s vitals, amniotic fluid levels, and the baby’s growth. The 3D and 4D scans are not recommended as much as the 2D scans. They are only done to study the foetus closely and look for any birth defects. While there is no reliable evidence to suggest that 3D and 4D scans could be harmful to the baby or the mother in any way, it is recommended to limit them and consult your doctor before opting for them privately.
Although these scans are not a part of the standard medical procedure, it is always a pleasure to see your baby moving inside you. 3D and 4D scans are among the most sought-after scans requested by parents. It is magical to see your growing baby. If you want to undertake these scans during your pregnancy, consult your doctor and follow his advice.