4D Sonogram

Sonograms
A Sonogram or an Ultrasound as it is also known is a popular and widely used diagnostic technique which sends and receives high –frequency sound waves using an instrument called a “transducer” by gliding it against the body part to be diagnosed after applying some gel.

The transducer works just like a loudspeaker and a microphone while sending and receiving sound waves from the body of the patient. The sound waves that are received back are used to construct images that help medical practitioners and sonogram technicians to study the internal condition of the body part being diagnosed.

Technological developments in Sonography
Only 2 dimensional images were possible earlier but with advancements in technology, 3 dimensional as well as 4 dimensional images (with movement) can be achieved. 4 dimensional ultrasounds are the latest type of sonograms that add the element of motion to 3 dimensional images. Such Sonograms provide a very clear quality of images and are used commonly in monitoring foetal and baby development in pregnant women. The four dimensions indicate height, weight, length and movement. The image quality is so good that one gets an idea of how a baby will actually look when he or she is born.

Several hospitals and diagnostic centers help in providing parents or expectant mothers with CD recordings of the 3D or 4D sonogram that can be kept as a record for the years to come. It can be one of the most precious photographs that one ever takes of one’s baby. Few other pictures will delight a child more when he or she sees himself/herself as he/she looked in his/her mother’s womb.

How 4 D Sonograms work?
4D and 3D sonograms have been made possible due to advancements in computer technology. As computers can process more information in a faster way now, many 2-D images are stitched together and a 3 D image is obtained. In a similar way, when the computers can process information in an even more fast way, 4D images that also capture movements have become possible. As technological developments go on happening, one will reach a stage when almost real-time movements of the unborn baby could be displayed on the monitor of the computer that is used as part of the sonogram procedure.

Is 4D better than a 2D sonogram?
However, 3D or 4D sonograms cannot do the job that 2D sonograms can. Each serves a different kind of purpose when doctors want to diagnose or analyze a patient’s body. One cannot act as a replacement of another but all can co-exist and be used in accordance with the purpose of the diagnosis.

Conclusion
4D Sonograms are one of the most wonderful innovations made possible through computers that have enabled us to see fetuses in the womb like never before. This technique of sonography, like the others, also uses high-frequency sound waves and captures images along with movement due to the fast processing speed of the latest computers available today. The most common usage of 4D sonograms is in monitoring fetal and unborn baby development to diagnose any health issues at an early stage.