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M$3 December 21, 2008 07:32 AM

What is a 4D ultrasound? How does it work? Have you had one? Is the picture as good as they say it is?

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December 21, 2008 08:12 AM
Basically, standard ultrasound imaging only produces a 2-dimensional image as the sound waves used immediately bounce back to the scanning unit. The time it takes for the sound waves to reach the scanner (technically, transducer), along with some more technical details, determines how the resulting image is colored. Any form of ultrasound imaging is not going to look perfect, as the baby's movements can cause artifacts to appear in the image. Also, the high frequency of the ultrasound used limits how clear the image can be, but it's a compromise: low-frequency ultrasound can not penetrate human tissue as effectively.

A 3D/4D (the 4D is only different in that the pictures of the fetus are made very rapidly, giving the impression of live video [it's called this, because, as you might have heard, time is considered to be the fourth dimension]) ultrasound, on the other hand, scatters sound waves throughout the womb and uses much more sophisticated and complicated methods to produce an image.

Comparison:
Standard ultrasound (first image):
Depending on the stage of fetal development and sheer luck, some images may come out much more clearly.

3D Ultrasound (second image):

As you can see, this image is far more detailed. As is the case in this example, 3D ultrasounds are also usually artificially made flesh-colored, probably to give the parent(s) observing more of a sense of familiarity with their unborn child.
4D Ultrasound (video)

As you can see, the picture is a definite improvement. But if you're looking for a family photo to treasure for decades, I'd recommend waiting until after childbirth.

As a side note, there's no real diagnostic reasons I'm aware of that make use of the 3D/4D ultrasound; most conditions would either be caught by a standard sonogram or by completely unrelated methods.

Source(s):
First image from Wikipedia:
Second from: http://www.yourultrasound.com/determining-baby-gender-with-3d-and-4d-ultras...
Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmzUw05bbD0
Additional information:
General info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_Ultrasound and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_ultrasound
http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/articles.htm#Bookmark4Dand3DUltrasoundSc...

Providers of 4D ultrasounds: http://www.4dpeek.com/

Asker's Rating:
• Thanks for a great answer with great sources videos and links. Great answer all around.


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December 21, 2008 07:55 AM
Apparently it works. This is a link to a pretty cool video using it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1uKCchuIjM

Source(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1uKCchuIjM


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December 21, 2008 07:58 AM
"4D" ultrasound is really an animation produced by using 3D ultrasound imaging. It is an ultrasound technique that uses a computer to produce the images. While we didn't get to use one with ours, I think it would be an awesome experience.
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4D_Ultrasound


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December 21, 2008 08:09 AM
Exclusive live-action (4D) technology brings the fourth dimension - time - to ultrasound. Making the GE Voluson 730 4D Ultrasound System a revolution in prenatal care. It provides clear, moving three-dimensional pictures of your baby.That means a new dimension of information for you and your doctor. And fewer doubts.

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December 21, 2008 08:23 AM
What is Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound?
ā€œ4Dā€ is shorthand for four-dimensional – the fourth dimension being time. As far as ultrasound is concerned, 4D is the latest ultrasound technology. 4D takes three-dimensional ultrasound images and adds the element of time to the process. This allows you to see your unborn baby in amazing real time detail.


What is the Optimal Time ?
This depends on how you would like to see your baby. Before 24 weeks, babies have a more skeletal appearance with 4D, but you are able to see more of the baby at once. From 28-36 weeks, babies are developing the fat layer that fills in their features so you will see more facial detail at this time.

it is very safe and it can get very good pictures
the reason i am confident is that i do it for my patients
Source(s):
i am a doctor
hashem kazem MRCOG 2005

alhossami46@hotmail.com


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May 24, 2009 08:44 PM
You can find 4D Ultrasound centers near you at:
http://www.3d-4d-ultrasounds.com/centers.php
Source(s):
http://www.3d-4d-ultrasounds.com/centers.php


Tags: baby, ultrasound, pregnany, sonogram, pregnancy

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