All About 3D and 4D Baby Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds during pregnancy have come a long way in a short time from the very first ultrasound that spied a baby's head in 1959 to the 3d images and 4D in-utero video capabilities of today. Once a little known diagnostic tool now one of the most commonly anticipated procedures in a pregnancy what an ultrasound is, is better known than how one works, how it came to work that way and what ultrasounds can offer expecting parents.

What are 3D and 4D ultrasounds?

A 3D ultrasound is an image of your baby in the womb just as you would see it outside of the womb rather than in 2D like you would see in an older ultrasound. 4D ultrasound is actually simply images from a 3D ultrasound used to create a video of your baby in the womb. You can think of 2D ultrasound as a photo of one side of your baby, 3D ultrasound as a 3 dimensional snap shot and a 4D ultrasound as a 3 dimensional video.

How do 3D and 4D ultrasounds work?

3D and 4D ultrasounds work by building on the old 2D technology. Ultrasounds works similar to the way a bat sees in the dark. Sounds waves are sent into your womb and the waves that bounce back are interpreted into an image. In a 3D ultrasound, these waves are sent from various angles so that the computer can generate a full 3-dimensional photo rather than just whichever side the sound waves are hitting at the time. To create a 4D ultrasound continuous 3D stills are combined to create a video complete with movement of your baby in the womb. This process works the same as a simple flip-book cartoon one would draw but done by a computer.

How did 3D and 4D ultrasounds come to be?

The first time ultrasound was used to see inside the womb was in 1959 by Ian Donald and advanced gaining the commonality we know today in the 1970's. In 1987 the first 3D ultrasound was created to look at the human heart as the ultrasound itself was first introduced into the medical field in a similar manner it's no surprise in 1989 3D ultrasound technology began to be utilized in pregnancies. By 1996, the concept of 4D ultrasound also known as motion-3D had been introduced and by the end of decade, the technology had been perfected, economized and became widespread.

How does 3D and 4D ultrasound technology affect parents?

3D ultrasounds improved doctor's ability to see detail in the womb for diagnostic purposes. This increased accuracy can mean earlier prevention of problems that may arise and a better overall picture of your baby's health. 4D ultrasounds while useful in some diagnostic realms were developed more for the parents themselves. Being able to actively see your baby moving in the womb can in some people's opinion form a stronger bond between parent and child. It's also been suggested that seeing a 4D ultrasound can improve the mental state of parents which can lead to a healthier happier lifestyles which in turn leads to a healthier baby.

If you are wondering, what an ultrasound is like you can read about that here, for helpful tips on how to get good images from your ultrasounds see this article.

Sources:

The History of Ultrasound

http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/history1.html

What is 3D and 4D ultrasound?

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-3d-ultrasound.htm

How 3D and 4D ultrasounds work

http://www.gehealthcare.com/usen/ultrasound/education/products/cme_3d4d.html

Affects of 3D and 4D ultrasound

http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/stlouis/ESLultrasound.htm