3D ultrasound during pregnancy

Obstetric ultrasound is one of the varieties of prenatal (prenatal) diagnostics. Together with laboratory diagnostics, an ultrasound examination is part of the mandatory routine screening of pregnant women, which is carried out at certain times in order to assess specific parameters and structures of the fetus.

Ultrasound examination is the main method that provides information to the obstetrician-gynecologist and determines the result of the screening. With the help of ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor can assess the normal anatomy of the fetus, the size of organs and structure, their relative position, determine markers of chromosomal pathologies or anomalies of the fetus’s organs, as well as the structure of the placenta, the volume of amniotic fluid and the structure of the umbilical cord. The option of constructing a 3D-image of the fetus significantly expands the diagnostic capabilities of the ultrasonography method, while maintaining its complete safety and reliability.

What do you need to know about ultrasound during pregnancy, how often a pregnant woman should be examined, and what information can be obtained using the possibilities of 3D imaging?

How is a 3D ultrasound scan performed?

The study does not require special preparation. 3D ultrasonography is performed in the classical way, transabdominally. A special hypoallergenic gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen for better contact with the sensor during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the gel on the skin is wiped off with a napkin. It should be noted that during this procedure, it is desirable for the patient to lie still, as movements degrade the quality of the image. The duration of the procedure depends on the tasks and on average is about 30-40 minutes.

Features and Benefits of 3D Scanning

Today, for diagnostic purposes, 2-dimensional (standard), 3-dimensional (volumetric) and 4-dimensional ultrasound examinations are used. For a routine routine examination, a 2-dimensional ultrasound is used, which gives an image that is quite informative for specialists. 3D ultrasound is used as an adjunct to conventional 3D imaging. XNUMXD ultrasound can be prescribed for medical reasons or performed at the personal request of the patient.

Compared to a conventional machine, a 3D scanner has a larger surface, it is equipped with special sensors and has a specially built-in computer module that produces a three-dimensional reconstruction and displays a three-dimensional image on the monitor. Three-dimensional reconstruction helps in the analysis of the ultrasound picture during the study, improves the quality of diagnosis of surface defects, malformations of the face, spinal column, limbs.

Due to the high quality of the picture and the three-dimensional image, the specialist is able to see the smallest details and better assess the development of the fetus. Instead of a standard XNUMXD image, we get a XNUMXD image of the fetus. The possibility of diagnosing anomalies in the development of the fetus (facial defects, malformations of the skeleton) increases, since the image makes it possible to see even minor changes and pathologies at the initial stage. It is possible to see not separate parts, but a three-dimensional picture of the entire fetus as a whole and evaluate the proportionality of development.

The main advantage of diagnostics is that the intensity/power of the ultrasound wave is the same for both 2D and 3D images.

The only difference is the time frame of the study. To obtain a three-dimensional image, you will have to spend about 45-50 minutes. Parents are given a three-dimensional color image on their hands, on which you can see the appearance, gender and body structure of the baby.

Limitations of the 3D scanning method

During pregnancy, 3D ultrasound is used as an additional research method, i.e. it complements, but does not exclude, the standard two-dimensional ultrasound screening performed in prenatal diagnostics along with a biochemical blood test. We should not forget that in some cases it is impossible to make a 3D ultrasound.

For a three-dimensional study, there are a number of limitations associated with the timing of pregnancy, the position of the fetus in the womb, etc. The best time to do 3D examinations is between 26 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. Before 26 weeks, the fetus still has too little subcutaneous fat, so the bones of the skull will be visible through the skin. After 30 weeks, the baby’s head drops lower into the pelvis, and the doctor will no longer be able to get an image of his face.

Whether you can take a picture of the baby’s face depends to a large extent on how the fetus is located. When the baby lies facing the surface of the abdomen and is surrounded by a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid, it is most likely possible to obtain a fairly clear image of his face. If the child is located with his back to the sensor, then the image will fix only his back. A 3D “photo” may not work if there is not enough amniotic fluid around the baby.

Is there any point in trying to get a XNUMXD image of the fetus? This issue is multifaceted and may vary for each side. For example, a two-dimensional image is quite informative for a doctor. It allows you to evaluate not only the appearance, but also the condition of the internal organs, their compliance with development standards.

As for parents, it is much more interesting for them to observe the face of the child, his appearance in the most convenient and understandable format. Often, 3D ultrasound is used as an adjunct to conventional 3D imaging to satisfy the interest of parents. You should be reasonable about the frequency of ultrasound examinations and understand why and for what indications XNUMXD ultrasound will be performed.

When can I have a 3D ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound examination is included in the screening procedure. This is a set of mandatory measures of the health care system. Its main goal is to identify and prevent various pathologies in both the mother and the baby. Additionally, screening includes preventive medical examinations, regular consultations with doctors, testing and diagnostics.

The first study is prescribed at 9-11 or 11-13 weeks from the moment of conception. By this time, the fetus has time to form, and the doctor gets a clear picture of what is happening in the womb. The specialist specifies the gestational age, excludes or confirms malformations / chromosomal abnormalities.

Then screening studies are needed at 20-22 and 32 weeks from the moment of conception. At the second screening, the doctor analyzes the anatomical structure of the organs and systems of the fetus, confirms or refutes the pathologies of the central nervous / cardiovascular system.

At the 32nd week, the presenting part of the fetus is determined, its development is analyzed according to the term ^[1].

Doctors advise to carry out 3D diagnostics at the 24th week of pregnancy and later. It is at this time that it will be possible to see the external organs and recognize / refute some pathologies of fetal development (for example, problems with the jaw or defects in the limbs).

Ultrasound is one of the mandatory diagnostic studies of the prenatal period. Doctors recommend choosing a standard scheme for the procedure, which takes a minimum of time and provides an informative two-dimensional image. A 3D image of a fetus is currently not medically necessary and will better satisfy parents’ interest in the appearance of their baby. If the need for a three-dimensional picture is determined solely by the mother and father, do not forget about the warnings of specialists and undergo an additional unreasonable examination for this.

Sources of