3D & 4D Scans
What is a 3/4D Scan?
We at The New Victoria Hospital aim to deliver the most up-to-date, prenatal diagnostic service performed by experts in fetal medicine for our patients. Routine ultrasound scans in pregnancy involves taking a 2-dimensional image in real time and interpreting the result. The most recent development in scanning has been the use of 3 and 4 dimensional ultrasound scans. The 3D image is composed of multiple 2D images that are reconstructed into a 3D real life image of your baby. By using a very fast processor the images can be reconstructed in real time to get a dynamic moving 3D image of your baby known as 4D.
As the 3D scans produce a realistic image of your baby and the 4D scans allow the babies intricate movements to be seen, these scans give you, as parents, a unique window into the life of your baby in the womb, allowing you to bond more closely with your baby.
However, unlike other 4D prenatal ultrasound services, we at The New Victoria Hospital believe that any imaging in pregnancy should only be performed in order to have some benefit for the pregnancy, rather than just to produce a pretty picture of your baby. Therefore, the 3D scans will only be performed by an expert in Fetal Medicine and a detailed fetal-wellbeing scan will be performed at the same time. This will look to make sure that your baby is growing well, as well as checking that the placenta is functioning properly.
What does the test involve?
The 3/4D scans are performed in a very similar way to the routine 2D scans. However, the quality of the image for a 3/4D scan is completely dependent on the position of your baby; therefore these can often take between 30 minutes to 1 hour to perform. Although we will try and get the best image possible, it is important to understand that in rare cases the baby’s position or the mothers size, may not allow a clear 3/4D image to be produced.
When is the best time to have a 3/4D Scan?
For optimal images the best time to arrange a visit for 3/4D scans is between 24 – 32 weeks.
Will I get 3/4D pictures to take home?
At the end of the scan the 3D and 4D digital images will be stored on a DVD for you to take home and look at on your home computer, or send to friends and family. We will also print colour images of the best 3D images for you.
