Why is this procedure done?
An ultrasound is done to help see the baby inside of the mothers womb. Ultrasound uses sound waves to make images or pictures. The doctor may want to see how the pregnancy is progressing. Sometimes, you have an ultrasound to see the age and sex of the baby inside of the womb. The doctor can look at the baby's organs. Then, the doctor will know if you need more testing ‚
A 3D and 4D scan helps your doctor see the facial features of your baby. 3D and 4D scans give a clear image with many details. The doctor may look at the heart, inside the brain, or other organs. This kind of ultrasound helps to find small defects. Some of the details may not be as clear in 2D. ‚
What will the results be?
3D and 4D ultrasound lets you see what your baby looks like before the baby is born. You can clearly see how your baby moves. You may see your baby cry, smile, or yawn. 3D and 4D ultrasounds may also help the doctor identify small defects. Examples are cleft lip, club foot, or even defects inside the body. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
No preparation is needed. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie down on a bed. The staff will place a small amount of gel on your belly. The gel will help transmit sound waves inside your body.
- The staff will move a probe around your belly. The probe puts out sound waves. The sound waves bounce off of your baby and your babys organs. A computer picks up the sound waves and changes the sound waves into pictures.
- You can see images in a monitor beside the bed. The probe may move over your skin and change positions. Changing positions will help to get more clear and complete images. The staff may take still pictures or a videotape of moving images. Sometimes, the staff may press the probe more firmly to get a clearer view of the baby. You may feel some discomfort.
- The procedure may take less than 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
The technician will wipe off the gel. Your doctor will look at the printed images or videotape. You can go home right after your procedure. You may be given pictures or a CD of the moving images of your baby to take home with you. Talk to your doctor about when the results will be available. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You can go back to your normal activities after the procedure. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
The results will help your doctor understand the development of your baby. Together you can make a plan for more care. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
Ultrasound does not cause any problems with you and your baby. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq025.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120321T1527509238 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚