An Introduction to 3D/4D Ultrasound

In the past, we patiently wondered and waited how our unborn kids would look like when they were born. We kept on hoping for a normal child till we saw them face to face. We relied on the 2D real time scans for the detection of any fetal problems that may occur during gestation. Decisions have to wait till delivery.

The technology of ultrasound is becoming more specialized. In the era when the 3D pictures are becoming the trend, the ultrasound also keep up. The year before, we could have a peek on the picture of the babies' well being through the esoteric hazy 2D picture that only the obstetricians sonologist could understand. Through the 3D pictures of the babies inside the womb, we could now have a closest hint to their appearance. The advent of the 4D ultrasound made us appreciate the movements made by the babies, which could amuse the observers and apprehend the health givers if there are any restrictions. According to Dr. Gerardo Castrillo, speaker of the Lecture on the 3D/4D Ultrasound in the recent 9th Postgraduate Course in Obstetrics and Gynecology of the De Los Santos-STI Medical Center, the recognition of the babies' appearances became a start of the bonding between the mothers and their children. Since the cleft lips and palates, gastroschisis, omphalocoeles and possibility of trisomies are detected early through this tool, fetal surgery could be mandated. The ultrasound- guided procedures could be done to improve or correct the condition of the fetuses with abnormalities so that they could have increased chance of survival. These also help give them better quality of life.

According to Dr. Trinidad Vera, the 3D/4D ultrasound is an adjunct to the congenital scanning among high risk individuals. She wrote that it is also being used now in the study of the fetal embryology and development. It is, however, being popular now. Many patients walk in the clinics even if they are no requests from their physicians. Its use beyond being a supplement study remains to be seen.

List of Sources:
Castrillo, G. 3D/4D Ultrasound in Obstetrics. 9th Postgraduate Course in Obstetrics and Gynecology, De Los Santos-STI Medical Center. May 27-28 2010. Gateway Mall.

Vera M.T. Obstetrics Ultrasound.In: Sumpaico WW, Andres IO, Capito LB,Carnero SdA, Diamante AN Gamilla ZN(eds): Textbook of Obstetrics.Association of the Philippine Textbook of OBGYN,Inc, 2002:3.