4D or 2D Ultrasound

We did our second scan last week, that was 2D ultrasound. We really wanted to capture the pictures and the movements on CD but radiologist referred by our doctor does not have 4D machine nor his 2D machine could capture 2D images on CD. But we were just so excited that we consulted our doctor and decided to do another 4D. Ultrasound has been used for well over 35 years and there has been extensive studies that have shown that ultrasound is safe for mother and baby. But even then I wouldn’t really suggest taking chances with many scans.

BTW, very few hospitals have this facility. I checked at quite a few hospitals and figured out that Hiranandani Hospital in Powai has this facility. There was substantial cost difference 2D costs around 1000 Rs. and 4D/3D costs around 3000 Rs. We went to  Hiranandani Hospital on Wednesday and experience there was very good, every thing process driven and less chaos. Unlike earlier scan, I was allowed right from the begining. There was a big TV screen where the ultrasound was projected. Doctor also did a much detailed study of each and every organ of the baby as compared to earlier scan. She also very patiently answered to all of my queries (there were many, each query deservs a post ). It took around 45 mintues to get the scan done.

During this process, I did some research on 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasounds.  I thought it might be useful for some people so here is the post about it.

Ultrasound: It a screening or diagnostic technique in which very high frequency sound waves are passed into the body, and the reflected echoes are detected and analyzed to build a picture of the baby in the uterus

3D/4D ultrasound: It is a technique that provides a three-dimensional picture; allows one to see width, height, and depth of images. With 4D Imaging, a three-dimensional image is continuously updated, providing a “live action” view. This allows you visualization of the unborn baby moving in real-time.

How does 4D ultrasound differ from traditional 2D?

Traditional 2D ultrasound employs sound waves which are reflected back in uni-direction. This means the waves are sent and reflected straight back.

A clear analogy will be that of a knife going through a loaf of bread. It will give you a slice. Looking at the surface of the slice in isolation you can get an impression but you cannot possibly know how the whole loaf of bread looked like.

4D ultrasound uses the same high frequency sound waves as 2D. The difference is that, the waves are sent into the body at multiple different angles. The reflected waves are then processed by a computer to reconstitute and produce the life-like image complete with movements. It is awesome. The technology has been there for a number of years but now with affordable sophisticated computers they are available at much cheaper prices.

With this scan we could actually see characteristics of the our baby’s face, facial expressions and all sorts of movements and actions the baby makes because the clarity was sharp. I could actually see that baby is growing, it is healthy and all important parts are well developed and functional. My baby was really waving and smiling at me. If 2D experience was awesome this was out of the world. I would really recommend doing 4D and extra cost is worth it.

Unfortunately again, in India revealing sex of the baby is illegal. So we still cannot start our shopping. I will soon upload the movie, need to do some editing before uploading it.