Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is 4D Ultrasound?

M. DePietro
M. DePietro

Ultrasounds, sometimes referred to as sonograms, are medical tests that use high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the organs in the body. In the case of pregnancy, ultrasounds are routinely prescribed to produce an image of the fetus. A 4D ultrasound uses a special sonogram machine and takes images from a few different angles, which reveal more detailed images of the fetus, such as facial features. It can also capture movements made by the baby during the procedure.

A standard ultrasound only provides a two-dimensional image of the fetus. They are usually ordered in pregnancy for a variety of reasons, such as evaluating development of the baby, determining gestational age, and identifying any abnormalities. Although the standard ultrasound produces a picture of the fetus, it may take a trained sonographer or other medical professional to identify features and body parts. Keepsake photos are given to the patient, but they are often grainy.

A 4d ultrasound shows much more detail than a traditional ultrasound.
A 4d ultrasound shows much more detail than a traditional ultrasound.

Occasionally, a two-dimensional ultrasound may indicate a problem and a more sophisticated 4D ultrasound is needed to confirm an abnormality. For many pregnant women, there is no medical need for this test, but the mom-to-be wants to get a better look at her baby. Most centers that perform this type of ultrasound, recommend the test is performed after 25 weeks gestation, at which point, the baby is usually big enough to see its features clearly.

A regular ultrasound shows basic anatomical traits.
A regular ultrasound shows basic anatomical traits.

Standard ultrasounds are ordered by a healthcare professional and performed at a clinic, a doctor's office, or at an ultrasound imaging center. 4D ultrasounds do not require a specific order and are often done at a private ultrasound business, which specializes in keepsake images. The procedure is non-invasive and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

A 4D ultrasound may be done after 25 weeks gestation.
A 4D ultrasound may be done after 25 weeks gestation.

After a conductive gel is applied to the abdomen, the procedure is done by gliding a transducer over the pregnant women’s abdomen. A monitor is within view, allowing the woman to view the fetus and watch as the ultrasound is completed. The mom is given a keepsake photo and video of the baby.

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates the level of energy used in ultrasound machines. Although they are considered safe, many medical professionals believe medically unnecessary ultrasounds should be avoided. This has caused some debate regarding elective procedures.

4D ultrasound uses much of the same technology as traditional ultrasounds.
4D ultrasound uses much of the same technology as traditional ultrasounds.

Due to the fact that 4D machines create a higher quality image, there is some concern that the energy level used by them may be higher, although this has not been proven. Women who do want a keepsake photo and opt for a 4D ultrasound should make sure that the technician performing the test is a licensed sonographer. It's also best for women considering the procedure to talk to a medical professional regarding any safety concerns.

Discussion Comments

anon316606

@anon157726: No! It is not okay to use 4D every day! They are not certain the effects it has on the baby, yet. You are putting energy and heat through your baby just to see the face. Don't be irresponsible. It will not kill you to wait a few months to see what your baby is going to look like.

anon157726

Is it fine to ultrasound every day using 4D?

Because my baby doesn't want to show his face due to breech position. So every day, they always check my tummy to see if it's in a good position.

anon142271

Humans can't see four dimensions, so it's misleading to call these things 4D ultrasounds. They should consider changing the name of the ultrasound.

anon129661

@Anon121365: The fourth dimension in this space was sometimes interpreted as time, but this is no longer done in modern physics. In the last century spacetime was developed, which unifies space and time but with a different metric, so the time dimension is treated differently from the three spatial dimensions. The resulting space is a Minkowski space which has different properties from this space.

anon121365

Do these ultrasounds record the child through time as well as the regular three dimensions?

dega2010

@oceanswimmer: As of right now, insurance companies do not cover the costs of a 4D ultrasound. It is considered an elective procedure and is not a replacement for a regular ultrasound.

OceanSwimmer

Do insurance companies cover a 4D ultrasound?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A 4d ultrasound shows much more detail than a traditional ultrasound.
      By: Tess Watson
      A 4d ultrasound shows much more detail than a traditional ultrasound.
    • A regular ultrasound shows basic anatomical traits.
      By: Mikael Damkier
      A regular ultrasound shows basic anatomical traits.
    • A 4D ultrasound may be done after 25 weeks gestation.
      By: LanaK
      A 4D ultrasound may be done after 25 weeks gestation.
    • 4D ultrasound uses much of the same technology as traditional ultrasounds.
      By: Monkey Business
      4D ultrasound uses much of the same technology as traditional ultrasounds.
    • Before an ultrasound, a small layer of conductive gel is applied to make the images clearer.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      Before an ultrasound, a small layer of conductive gel is applied to make the images clearer.