What is a four-dimensional ultrasound scan?
Disease description:
I'm five months pregnant and recently had an examination, which was a four-dimensional ultrasound scan. I'm very curious, what exactly is a four-dimensional ultrasound scan?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Four-dimensional ultrasound examination, also known as real-time three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, is an advanced medical imaging technique that extends traditional two-dimensional ultrasound. It allows doctors and expectant mothers to observe real-time three-dimensional images of the fetus in the uterus, and even dynamic four-dimensional images (with time as the fourth dimension). This technique provides not only static cross-sectional images but also displays fetal movements and activities, such as facial expressions and limb movements.
Four-dimensional ultrasound is usually performed during the second trimester of pregnancy (approximately 20–28 weeks), when the fetal organs have developed sufficiently and amniotic fluid volume is adequate, facilitating clear image acquisition. Its primary purposes are to assess fetal growth and development, screen for birth defects, and detect any potential structural abnormalities. This examination is generally safe and causes no harm to either the mother or the fetus, as it uses sound waves rather than radiation for imaging.
