Hospital Wanita Metro uses a brand new 3D/4D ultrasound technology so that you can actually see your baby in live 4D motion while in your womb. You are able to meet your baby! Your baby's activities inside the womb can be seen which are difficult or impossible to identify on 2D scanning. In special circumstances, there are special modifications to the software that allows better visualization of the fetus. Abnormalities detected via 3D screening help you to identify the problem to seek further counseling or therapy. it also helps you bond with your unborn baby.

3D or three-dimensional scan involves surface rendering and volume rendering to achieve a 3D image. The 4D or four-dimensional view is in the video mode (movement) that can be seen while doing a 3D scan, for example, fetus moving hands or a fetus yawning.

Advantages of 3D/4D/5D scan:

A 3D ultrasound scan will provide convincing images and diagnosis of certain fetal abnormalities which will be appreciated by the patient. These fetal abnormalities include the abnormalities:

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• on the fetal face, such as cleft lips, low set ears, and facial defects,

• in the spine and feet, such as  polydactyly, club feet, spina bifida, and anencephaly, and

• in the heart, such as congenital heart defects

A 3D scan also increases the psychological bonding between the parents and their unborn baby. During the scan, parents will see and witness many facial expressions shown by the baby such as sucking thumbs, yawning, and mouth opening.

Reasons why 3D/4D/5D images cannot be obtained:

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There are times when a 3D ultrasound image cannot be obtained despite a few attempts. In order to obtain a good ultrasound image of the baby's face, the following criteria must be met:

1. adequate amniotic fluid surrounds the baby's face

2. baby's facing upwards

3. movement of the baby is minimal.

First trimester scan

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• This is also known as a dating scan, viability scan, early pregnancy assessment, or early pregnancy scan.

• During the first trimester, you will need a full urinary bladder or at least a partially filled urinary bladder to allow better image formation.

• The medical Sonographer will put some conducting gel on your tummy. Then a small hand-held transducer will be used and rolled over your tummy to get many views of your baby.

• Sometimes you may need a clearer view and the sonographer will use a transvaginal ultrasound probe to capture the image. This is particularly so in the early weeks of pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasonography is useful if you are overweight or your uterus is very deep in the pelvis (the bladder needs to be emptied during the transvaginal ultrasound).

An ultrasound scan is used in early pregnancy to detect the following situation:

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• Confirmation of pregnancy and its location whether intrauterine or extrauterine

• Evaluate suspected ectopic pregnancy

• Determination of placenta position

• Detection of numbers of embryos, pregnancy sac, and multiple pregnancies

• Assess the viability of the embryo

• Assess gestational age

• Detect early pregnancy failure

• Diagnose fetal anomalies

• Assess fetal growth

• Assess associated maternal abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, fibroid

Second trimester scan

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This is also known as Fetal Anomaly Scan, Detailed Scan, or a 20 week scan.

Third trimester scan

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This is also known as Fetal Well Being Scan

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• Perform from 24 weeks-to term

• To assess the baby's position

• To assess the baby's growth

• To assess placenta position

• To assess the amniotic fluid volume

• To perform Doppler studies