A 3D ultrasound is a method in which internal organs are visualized three-dimensionally using an ultrasound. 3D ultrasound is particularly popular with pregnant women from the second trimester onwards, when the baby can be easily recognized - but there are also purely medical, diagnostic applications for 3D ultrasound.
What is a 3D ultrasound?
A 3D ultrasound is an ultrasound examination of pregnant women that visualizes the unborn child in three dimensions. The recording can be made as a picture or video and is often used solely to fulfill a pregnant woman's wish for a recognizable ultrasound image or video of the child. The procedure itself does not differ from a conventional ultrasound examination.
For memory pictures and videos, the 3D ultrasound is usually done around the 30th week, as the child's features and facial features are then easily recognizable. Diagnostically, however, the 3D ultrasound method can also be used much earlier, for example to detect congenital malformations - the visualization simplifies the diagnosis compared to classic ultrasound. The first 3D images of the child can be made from the 12th week of pregnancy up to around the 16th week if the background is of a diagnostic nature.
For memories, the examination is recommended from the 25th week, although some children cannot yet be represented well on 3D images at this point in time. The 3D ultrasound examination should definitely be carried out up to about the 33rd week, as otherwise the unborn child could be too big to be shown in full on one picture. An image of his face is then still easily possible.
Function, effect & goals
The main area of application of the 3D ultrasound is the creation of easily recognizable memories of the unborn child. If there is no suspicion of malformations, the pregnant woman will be offered the procedure from the 25th week of pregnancy at the monthly check-up. In the 12th to 16th week, the attending doctor can determine the child's physical malformations with the aid of the 3D ultrasound. Heart defects, spina bifida or neural tube defects can be detected in this phase, but chromosomal malformations cannot be detected with the 3D ultrasound.
These must be diagnosed earlier through other procedures. If such an examination was not carried out, with the 3D ultrasound the possible cause can at most be inferred based on the child's physical abnormalities. The result can therefore provide clues and arguments for a continued investigation. The internal organs and bones of the unborn child can be visualized.
The method of application does not differ from conventional ultrasound. Lubricant gel is applied to the pregnant woman's stomach, then the ultrasound device is moved to the right place in order to be able to recognize the child clearly. Depending on the situation, it may not be possible to properly take it in for the examination - in this case a new appointment would be made as the doctor cannot influence it.
If the pregnant woman is in a good position, she can help determine which recordings are made. This also works if the doctor carries out a diagnostic work-up. In this case, the examination may take a little longer until the suspected physical abnormality is clearly visualized. In addition to diagnostic goals, the doctor can also aim to arouse joy in the child.The tracking of the movements in the abdomen on the 3D ultrasound are displayed in real time and in the second trimester the child can already be seen with clear facial features.
Risks, side effects & dangers
The risks involved in ultrasound examinations are very low. Although there is no need to schedule an ultrasound examination more often than recommended in a healthy and normal pregnancy, a 3D ultrasound does not harm the unborn child either. The doctor does not put unnecessary pressure on the pregnant woman's belly and is guided by the child's position. If it cannot be visualized because it is in an unfavorable position, it waits until the next examination - it does not have to change its position. The 3D ultrasound can even make other, significantly unpleasant and risky examinations unnecessary.
If it is found that the child is physically normal and developed normally, no samples need to be taken or further examinations initiated. There are also no side effects, as the ultrasound examination does not place any physical strain on the pregnant woman or the child and is non-invasive. A special feature compared to the normal ultrasound examination is the dependence on the position of the child. In order for beautiful memory images to be created, the child must lie facing the ultrasound device or at least to the side. The position of the child can only be less important for a diagnostic 3D ultrasound, as the doctor could determine physical abnormalities even if the child is lying somewhat unfavorably.
Unfortunately, you cannot influence this, so that in the worst case scenario, a further examination must be scheduled for memory pictures. The 3D ultrasound is not only used to clarify physical abnormalities or to take memory pictures, but can also strengthen the parents' early bond with their unborn child. Especially for very young parents or difficult pregnancies, doctors are happy to offer a 3D ultrasound that can show the parents their child in motion and with recognizable facial features. This can strengthen the awareness of the living being and the growing life in the mother's womb and make the parents look forward to their child.
