3-D Sonogram

Technological developments in Sonography
What is a Sonogram?
A Sonogram is a diagnostic technique that utilizes sound waves in order to generate and capture images of the intended body part to diagnose or rule out a medical condition in a patient. This technique is also widely used to monitor the development of a fetus in a pregnant woman. The procedure is comfortable and painless for the patient and is preferred by doctors too since it is much safer than radiology which uses harmful radiation to generate x-rays which are also used for diagnostic purposes.

The results obtained from the procedure also quite clear and satisfactory. It is for all the above reasons that Sonograms are being widely used today in various fields of medicine such as echocardiography, obstetrics, gynecology, neurology and gastroenterology.

Regular Sonograms are 2-dimensional and black and white but with advancements in technology, 3-dimensional, 4-dimensional as well as Color Sonograms are also available these days.

As seen above, a 3D Sonogram is one of the types of Sonograms that generates 3- dimensional images of the body part to be checked.  This particular technique is used most commonly in pregnancy in order to check the normal development of the growing fetus. This was developed by Olaf von Ramm and Stephen Smith at Duke University in 1987.

How 3D ultrasounds work?

In 3-D Ultrasounds or Sonograms, the sound waves are sent to the intended body part at multiple angles instead of only directly (as is done in 2 D Sonograms). The returning waves are captured using a computer that is part of the sonogram machine and 3 dimensional images get generated using advanced computer programs. There is a myth that 3-D and 4-D Sonograms are harmful unlike 2 D sonograms but this is completely untrue because the sound waves that are used for both 2-D and 3-D Sonograms are absolutely the same. The only risk attached to fetuses that undergo sonograms of any kind 2D, 3D or 4D is related to the duration of the sonogram which should be controlled by the sonogram technician to minimize this risk.

Some hospitals as well as diagnostic centers that conduct sonograms give the expectant mother a CD containing the images of the unborn baby that are captured during the sonogram or the ultrasound. These images, especially the ones generated in 3-dimensional or 4-dimensional sonograms can be precious memories for the family. Seeing himself in 3-D while in the mother’s womb can be an equally delightful experience for the child when he grows up.

In 2-dimensional sonograms or ultrasounds, the patients are advised to consume plenty of water right before the sonogram as lots of water in the body helps in getting clearer images. This is not the case with 3-dimensional sonograms and so patients don’t need to consume plenty of water right before the procedure. They can simply drink normal amounts of water through the day.

3D Sonograms are generated most commonly for pregnant women in order to monitor fetus development and check foetal well-being. Seeing an unborn baby in a three-dimensional form can be a memorable experience for any mother-to-be.