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Three dimensional ultrasound (3D Ultrasound) and 4D Ultrasound i.e. real time 3D ultrasonography are a natural development of the imaging technology and were first demonstrated nearly 15 years ago, but are becoming a clinical reality only now. People around the world prefer a 3D or a 4D to get the exact picture.

3D has helped in reconstructing the traditional methods of CT and MRI images. The 3D applications in ultrasound have slowed the increasing use of CT and MRI the data is much more difficult to render in 3D.  Only in the past few years has the computing power of ultrasound equipment reached a level adequate enough for the complex signal processing tasks needed to render ultrasound data in 3D's. The clinical application of 3D ultrasound is likely to advance rapidly, as improved 3D rendering technology becomes more widely available. 3D ultrasound helps the bonding between the parents and their future offspring, and consultants understand fetal pathology better and can plan post-natal interventions better. 3D ultrasound is a medical ultrasound technique, often used during pregnancy, providing three dimensional images of the fetus. 3D ultrasounds allow one to see width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but the only difference is that there is no movement.

4D Ultrasounds take 3D ultrasound images, or 3D sonograms, and adds the element of time to the process. 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. 4D ultrasounds do not require a doctor's order and are often done at a private ultrasound business, which specializes in keepsake 4D ultrasounds. The procedure is non-invasive and takes about twenty minutes to complete. 4D allows your doctor to visualize internal anatomy moving in real-time.

The advantages of 3D and 4D ultrasound in certain areas of today's medical field are indubitable. Most centers already apply its use in the workup of fetal anomalies involving the face, limbs, thorax, spine and the central nervous system. The use of this technology is in applying color Doppler, in guiding needles for different puncture procedures as well in evaluating the fetal heart are currently under close research scrutiny. 3D and 4D Ultrasound both make use of sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image.

3D and 4D Advantages in general are as follows:

• Simplified 3D acquisition
• Reduces study time and decreases the waiting of patients
• Faster examination procedure
• The C-plane obtained, not possible in 2D
• Complete examination through increased perspective from volume data that means better qualitative and
• quantitative information to diagnose effectively
• All planes of view reproducible: virtual patient

It is important to note that there has been no conclusive evidence in the medical literature to support these benefits, and in fact, the medical literature shows conflicting studies on these benefits. Generally, the risks of 3D ultrasounds mirror those of 2D ultrasounds, as it uses the same ultrasound waves at the same intensity. Unlike the comparison of CT scans to X-rays, 3D and 4D ultrasounds do not employ multiple snapshots of 2D ultrasounds but uses the 2D ultrasound images taken at various angles to construct an image. So the potential risk of 3D ultrasounds, if any, would depend on the duration of the ultrasound session rather than whether it is 2D or 3D or 4D. The only noted risk is that there is more than one report of a slight increase in left-handedness in boys whose mothers have received 3D ultrasounds. Left-handedness does not qualify as a medical effect according to the FDA. Other than the above stated risk, there are no reported medical defects or medical issues contributed to the 3D/4D ultrasounds. Medical studies show no increased risk of a 3D/4D ultrasound in comparison to a 2D ultrasound.