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3D/4D ultrasound

9 months is a long time to wait for someone you’ve never seen before. Mothers are undoubtedly excited to see the baby they are carrying and the 3D/4D ultrasound is a great opportunity for it. This examination helps to form a strong bond between mother and baby and detect first similarities between their appearances.

The 3D scan shows a 3D image of the foetus on the screen. 4D ultrasound also shows the movements, facial features, smile, anatomy, and sucking movements of the foetus in real time.

The 3D/4D ultrasound may be carried out at any point in the pregnancy, however, you should keep in mind that the results may vary depending on the week of pregnancy.

  • The smaller the pregnancy, the greater the chances of seeing the entire foetus.
  • The bigger the pregnancy, the more visible the child’s facial features and expressions are.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to see the whole face of the foetus. The images and videos obtained during the scan are greatly dependent on the child’s position.

The results depend on the time of the examination:

  • The child’s sex can be determined at 15–18 weeks of pregnancy.
  • The 23–27 weeks of pregnancy are the best time to visualise the facial features of the foetus. By that time, all the vital organs of the foetus have developed. The appearance of the foetus is similar to that of a newborn.

Tips for preparing for the scan:

  • Avoid applying lotion on your skin in the stomach area a few days before the scan – body lotions can prevent the spread of sound waves of the ultrasound sensor in tissues.
  • It is recommended to drink 1.5–2 litres of water on the two days before the ultrasound scan.
  • Empty your bladder before the examination.
  • Please remove any belly button piercings.

The first and second/third trimester 3D/4D ultrasound scans are performed by gynaecologist Karina Luik at the Meliva Tartu clinic.

Tartu


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