It’s always an anticipation of the expecting parents to see the little one growing. Even there are multiple pregnancy scans in Lucknow available to get an insight into what is happening inside a mother’s womb. One such scan is 3D/4D Ultrasound in Lucknow.  These ultrasounds are similar to the 3D images or videos you have seen on TV or in cartoons. 

In this article:

· What is a 3D Pregnancy Ultrasound?

· What is a 4D Pregnancy Ultrasound?

· How are these 3D/4D Pregnancy Scans Done?

· Who Should Get These Test Done?

· Are these scans safe during pregnancy?

· When should these ultrasounds be performed?

· Advantages of 3D/4D Ultrasounds

· Why 3D/4D Ultrasounds are not Recommended?

· What to Expect in the Test Results?

· Bottom Line

What is a 3D Pregnancy Ultrasound?

3D ultrasounds are those that take multiple images of the baby at different angles and then merge all of them to make a 3D image of the baby. Through this ultrasound, one can see the internal organs of the fetus like skin, nose, legs, etc.

Although the procedure of performing this ultrasound remains the same, these ultrasound images give a clearer view of the fetus. 3D ultrasounds are often performed by the healthcare provider to look at the 3D view of the fetus and determine whether the baby is free from birth defects or not. Certain birth defects that can easily be screened through these ultrasounds are cleft lip, cleft palate, and spine issues.

What is a 4D Pregnancy Ultrasound?

Unlike 3D Ultrasound, which offers the visuals of the baby, 4D ultrasounds provides the live streaming of the videos of the images. Through this ultrasound, parents and the healthcare provider can look at the real images of what the fetus is doing inside the womb like kicking, yawning, heart walls, and blood flow of the fetus. 4D ultrasounds are nothing but a 3D ultrasound in video format.

How are these 3D/4D Pregnancy Scans Done?

These ultrasounds are performed just like a normal ultrasound. For an abdominal ultrasound, the sonographer will ask you to lie down on your back. Thereafter, the sonographer will apply a gel substance to the belly. This gel substance will help carry the sound wave. The sonographer then moves the transducer (the device) back and forth and creates the images /videos of your ultrasound.

Who Should Get These Test Done?

The ultrasounds are purely optional. They do not come under the standard prenatal ultrasounds. However, these are beneficial for:

· The one suffering from a high risk of complications or multiple births.

· Parents who are excited to see their baby, therefore they may go for such ultrasounds.

· Monitoring fetal anomalies.

Are these scans safe during pregnancy?

These tests are quite tempting for the parents as they get to watch their little one. However, as suggested by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG),  ultrasounds be performed only for medical reasons by qualified healthcare professionals.

These scans are safe and secure for both the mother and little one. There is no risk attached to these ultrasounds. However, should be performed only when it's needed and recommended by your healthcare provider.

When should these ultrasounds be performed?

These tests are optional, the pregnancy won’t be hindered even if they are not performed. However, it is recommended that a 3D/4D ultrasound should be performed between 26–30 weeks when the baby's features are well-developed and there's still enough amniotic fluid. 

Advantages of 3D/4D Ultrasounds

Even if it’s not an essential pregnancy scan, it carries some valuable benefits, which are:

· Expecting parents can see their little one which creates a sense of attachment between the baby and parents.

· Baby’s size can easily be monitored, and multiple births like twins and triplets can easily be screened.

· The movements of the baby can be evaluated and captured.

· The expected date can be calculated based on these ultrasounds.

Why 3D/4D Ultrasounds are not Recommended?

3D/4D Ultrasounds do not have any major risks associated with them. However, they do encounter some drawbacks:

· These ultrasounds are expensive with costs ranging from ₹1000 to ₹3000.

· 3D/4D ultrasounds sometimes may heat the tissue, creating gas pockets inside the tissue.

· These ultrasounds should be carried out by a qualified professional. Unqualified professionals may not have the necessary information to protect the baby’s health.

· The equipment used in obstetrics ultrasound is kept at lower temperatures. Thus, sometimes it may happen that the equipment may not have been properly arranged for prenatal ultrasounds.

What to Expect in the Test Results?

After the ultrasound is carried out safely, the patient will receive the reports and ultrasound (image/video) of the fetus. Looking at the reports, your healthcare provider will tell you to take any precautions, or supplements as needed.

Bottom Line

Even though these ultrasounds provide numerous benefits, their side effects can’t be ignored. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider if any expecting parent keeps the desire to have such pregnancy scans. It’s equally important that these ultrasounds are performed by a good doctor who has in-depth expertise and experience in this field.