Ayushi could see the monitor clearly. As the scanning tool was moving slowly on her belly, a picture started appearing on the screen. Soon she was watching her baby. Ayushi and her husband were spellbound to see the tiny baby trying to clasp her tiny toes in her hand. For the first time they were watching their baby. It was an amazing experience for them. Ayushi was completely fascinated with the 3D pictures of her baby.

3D ultrasound is the technique the next step after the conventional 2D ultrasound. The purpose of 3D ultrasound is to provide us a three dimensional view of whatever we are scanning. In obstetrics the ultrasounds scan is used to detect the health of the foetus and its development inside mother's womb.

How is it performed?

First the physician applies the ultrasound gel on the belly. The high frequency sound waves are emitted from the transducer (a probe used in ultrasound) through the abdomen of the mother. A handheld probe captures back the impulses of the ultrasound waves. At the end high resolution 3D images of the moving foetus can be seen on the monitor. These images are clear enough to give the view of the placenta and an umbilical cord thus making it easy to analyse the health of the growing foetus.

Diagnostic 3D ultrasound

An expert who is an ultrasonographer or consultant performs the baby scan. The best time to perform a 3D ultrasound is around 27-34 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnostic ultrasound scan enables the physician to diagnose any abnormality in the foetus. Obstetric ultrasound scans provide important feedback about well being of a child and a mother.

Diagnostic 3D ultrasound is performed to:

• Confirm early pregnancy
  
  
• Detect multiple births
  
  
• Determine baby's gestational age and size
  
  
• Determine baby's sex
  
  
• Diagnose physical abnormalities or foetal malformation
  
  
• Depict the amount and level of the amniotic fluids. Excessive or lower amount of these fluids can cause certain abnormalities in foetus
  
  
• Determine the breathing pattern of the unborn
  
  
• Detect irregular bleeding and placental placement

3D ultrasound and bonding with the baby

Advancement in technology allows your kith and kin to watch the movements of the unborn baby. 3D ultrasound will bring you close to your unborn baby. You can see your baby sucking her thumb, yawning and kicking. You may get to see her chubby little cheeks or tiny nose. You will feel and be able to watch the little life inside you.

Your ultrasound would be your first virtual meeting with your baby. You can preserve your 3D ultrasound images and cherish them for a lifetime. Parents prefer non diagnostic ultrasound just to be familiar with their baby. 3D ultrasound boosts the bonding between parents and a baby before birth. Thus 3D ultrasound is the most preferred and is in vogue.

Why 3D ultrasound?

3D ultrasound scan provides a clearer picture and captures small details as compared to traditional 2D ultrasound. 3D ultrasound provides almost photograph like images letting you see how your baby looks like. You will be flabbergasted to see how much your baby resembles with its 3D image or a video after delivery. 2D ultrasound provides all the necessary information regarding the growth and development of the foetus.

Is 3D ultrasound safe for baby?

3D scanning makes use of same technology which is used in 2D scanning. Ultrasound is performed since many years and technology is improving. The latest one is 4D ultrasound where actual video of the baby can be seen. 3D scanning provides you best quality images of your unborn baby whereas 4D scanning enables you to watch your baby moving and stretching inside the mother's womb. Ultrasound do not cause any harm to mother or a baby unless done excessively.

Prenatal ultrasound has become an integral part of the pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider in detail before going for a 3D ultrasound scan. Monitoring your pregnancy is possible through ultrasound scan. Watch your baby moving and keep wondering whether she looks like her dad or like you? Keep admiring your baby's scanned images till you bring him or her into this world.