Ultrasound is a medical imaging test that allows you to follow the evolution of the fetus and detect any abnormalities during pregnancy. 2D ultrasound is the most common but it is possible to perform this examination in 3D or 4D. What do they bring more? Answers.
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a test that uses ultrasound, inaudible sound waves, to view the inside of the body. Obstetric ultrasound is a visualization of the inside of the uterus to analyze the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. It is performed with an ultrasound machine, a device that consists of a probe (which emits and receives ultrasound) and a video monitor. Concretely, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the machine and sent to the tissues and organs to be observed are then sent back to the device which transforms them into images that can be viewed on a screen.
In France, obstetric ultrasounds can be performed by obstetrician-gynecologists, radiologists, ultrasound doctors and midwives.
Ultrasound, a necessary test to monitor pregnancy
“Obstetric ultrasound is not a compulsory examination but it is necessary for a good obstetric follow-up ”, recalls the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF). Three ultrasounds are therefore offered to pregnant women at different stages of their pregnancy:
- 1st trimester ultrasound which must be carried out between 11 and 13.6 weeks. It allows in particular to determine the term, to confirm the vitality of the fetus and to detect certain malformations.
- 2nd trimester ultrasound which must be carried out between 20 and 24 weeks. It allows to study the morphology of the fetus, to detect malformations, to measure the quantity of amniotic fluid and to locate the placenta.
- 3rd trimester ultrasound which must be performed around 32 SA. It allows you to check the growth of the fetus and its position, locate the placenta and assess the amount of amniotic fluid.
What are the differences between 2D, 3D and 4D?
2D ultrasound or two-dimensional is the most common. It makes it possible to obtain sections of the fetus, that is to say images which do not show the depth.
3D ultrasound or three-dimensional, allows it to enter the sections to visualize the interior. The fetus appears in color and relief on the screen of the ultrasound system and more in flat sections. 3D allows you to see the details of the unborn baby’s face, a feature that appeals to parents curious about what their child looks like.
As indicated by his name, 4D ultrasound brings a fourth dimension to the image: time. The baby is observed in 3D and in real time. The viewing speed is of the order of 7 images per second for the most powerful machines. During the exam, parents can see their baby moving continuously (like a movie) even though the images are a bit choppy.
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What is the interest of 4D?
4D ultrasound does nothing more in screening compared to 2D and 3D, except in certain exceptional cases. Indeed, the 3D and 4D modes can allow a better visualization and therefore a better diagnosis in the event of:
- deformity of the spine or ribs.
- analysis of craniosynostosis (when the bones of the head come together too early during pregnancy).
- to check the appearance of a swelling under the skin, an abnormality of the extremities or external genitalia.
- dysmorphia (abnormalities in the shape of an organ or part of the body).
- 2D section plane difficulty due to the position of the fetus.
All of these cases are generally detected or suspected following a 2D ultrasound.
Non-medical ultrasound centers: caution!
Faced with the growing demand from parents wishing to see their unborn baby in 3D or 4D, more and more private establishments are offering 3D or 4D ultrasounds without medical aim. The idea is to offer parents “souvenir” images and videos of their babies, often at exorbitant prices and without social security coverage.
Please note, these “memory” ultrasounds are not always performed by healthcare professionals and may present a risk to the fetus. The duration and the power of exposure of the fetus to ultrasound can have effects on its development (especially on the brain and eyes during the first trimester of pregnancy), if they are not “dosed” well. However, during a 4D ultrasound, the ultrasound machine can remain on the baby’s head and genitals for a long time to obtain beautiful images. It is therefore preferable to limit yourself to the 3 recommended ultrasounds (for medical purposes) and not to do an additional one in 3D or 4D, unless medical advice to the contrary.
Annabelle iglesias
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