3D/4D pregnancy Scans in Pune : An Overview
In pregnancy, seeing your unborn baby has always been amazing and reassuring to would-be parents. Traditional prenatal care entails using 2D ultrasound that delivers crucial data regarding the child’s growth. However, medical imaging technology has evolved and now 3D and 4D scans have made it possible for one to see a far more detailed view of the baby in their womb.
Such advanced imaging techniques are not only a source of reassurance but also a powerful diagnostic aid that significantly improves antenatal care among fetal medicine specialists.
Understanding 3D/4D Scans
3D Scans
They create a three-dimensional image of the fetus with a better depiction of its anatomical structures. This is particularly useful when assessing facial features, limbs and internal organs.
4D Scans
4D scans capture a fourth dimension in the picture which depicts fetal movement as it happens. It enables you to observe how your baby behaves inside your womb like swallowing, yawning, kicking among others.
Benefits of 3D/4D Scans
1. Early Detection of Anomalies:
3D/4D scans can pick up a wide range of fetal abnormalities including:
- Genitourinary: hypospadias, epispadias and renal agenesis
- Facial: cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, micrognathia
- Limbs: clubfoot, polydactyly, syndactyly
- Cardiac: congenital heart defects
- Neural tube defects (NTDs): spina bifida and anencephaly
2. Enhanced Prenatal Counseling :
3D/4D scans can help parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy by providing a more detailed and accurate assessment of the fetus. This can include discussing potential risks, treatment options, and the possibility of genetic testing.
3. Improved Fetal Monitoring :
A potential advantage of 4D ultrasound is the visualization of fetal motion and behaviour, which can contribute to a better assessment of fetuses in terms of general health and condition. In particular, it might be useful for cases with decreased or absent fetal action or when worried about intrauterine growth restriction.
4. Research and Education :
3D/4D scans are being used extensively in research studies to investigate fetal development, maternal-fetal interactions, and the impact of various factors on fetal outcomes. Additionally, these scans can be used to educate medical students and residents about fetal anatomy and development.
When are 3D/4D Ultrasounds Performed?
3D and 4D ultrasounds are done between the 26th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy. This is the right time because the baby has already developed enough fat under the skin to make facial features more visible, and there is just enough amniotic fluid surrounding the baby for a clear view in the ultrasound images. Nevertheless, these scans can be done earlier or later depending on clinical need.
Safety Considerations
Many would-be parents wonder if 3D/4D scans are safe. However, it should be noted that these scans use the same sound wave technology as the conventional 2D ones. This is important because what was used in traditional 2D ultrasound has been extensively researched and proven completely safe for the mother and the baby. However, as with any ultrasound, it should only be undertaken by qualified fetal medicine specialists to ensure proper usage and interpretation.
Get 3D/4D Scans Done in Pune At Precious Clinic for Advanced Fetal Medicine
3D and 4D ultrasounds represent a remarkable advancement in prenatal care, offering both diagnostic precision and emotional reassurance. For fetal medicine specialists, these tools provide a more comprehensive understanding of fetal health, enabling early detection of abnormalities and better monitoring of fetal development. For parents, they offer an unforgettable glimpse into the world of their unborn child, enhancing the pregnancy experience.
Are you looking to get 3D/4Dpregnancy scan done in Pune? Then, reach out to Dr Tejas Tamhane, the best fetal medicine expert in Pune, at Precious Clinic for Advanced Fetal Medicine.