4D ultrasound of the fetus

The modern and advanced ultrasound machine of the expert class, Voluson E8 Expert, allows obtaining the most accurate information about the embryo at all stages of development. The HD LIVE feature, four-dimensional ultrasound scanning using ultrasound waves, provides a clear, colored, and real-time image of the fetus starting from the 10th week of pregnancy. Compared to the regular black and white ultrasound in Ivano-Frankivsk, which is informative and understandable only for the doctor, this is a more precise picture and information due to the high clarity of visibility of all tissues and assessment of the condition of various body parts in three projections simultaneously.

This type of scanning, available in our city and region, enables us to see the fetus clearly: its smile, tongue, facial expressions, dancing and spinning movements, yawning, hand and foot movements, sucking fingers, or just sleeping. It opens up the possibility of counting the fingers on the hands and feet and conducting a thorough examination of the brain, spine, heart, and internal organs. Even with the incorrect placement of the fetus in the mother’s womb, by switching to another scanning method, we can assess the condition of the necessary organ. The light game, in which different shadows are overlaid, will show incredible images of your baby.

The examination will be understandable not only to the doctor but also to the future mother and father, whom we always invite to a full examination, which is important from a psychological and emotional point of view. Our doctors will answer your questions, determine the gender of the baby with 100% accuracy, and provide the opportunity to examine the fetus down to the smallest detail, using an additional imaging screen for the patient.

The 30-second video clips recorded during the examination can be transferred to a flash drive or digital photograph, which will preserve your first encounter in an album.

The 4D program is not just interesting to see the fetus and its movement in real-time, but its greatest advantage lies in the accuracy of detecting the development and possible abnormalities of the fetus. With a wide range of built-in programs, starting from the earliest stages of pregnancy (from 11-12 weeks), we qualitatively examine:

We give an accurate conclusion of the ultrasound examination with the indicated weight of the fetus (from 70 g) and calculate the predicted due date.

WHY AND WHEN IS ULTRASOUND TESTING NECESSARY DURING PREGNANCY?

The Med-Atlant Medical Center in Ivano-Frankivsk follows the orders and protocols of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, according to which pregnancy ultrasound screening is performed three times.

• The first trimester (from 11 weeks 3 days to 13 weeks and 6 days) when the crown-rump length measures 46 mm, allows us to make the necessary measurements and examine the formed systems. The purpose of this examination is to monitor the development of the fetus and the correct formation of internal organs, and to detect the risk of chromosomal abnormalities by measuring the five main markers: intracranial space – indicating the formation of the neural tube, nasal bone, nuchal fold, and reverse blood flow in the venous duct – changes in which can indicate possible genetic syndromes, tricuspid regurgitation – responsible for heart defects, and Doppler measurement of uterine arteries – which indicates the possibility of pre-eclampsia (gestosis) in later stages of pregnancy, which is no less important. After the ultrasound screening, we offer you a quality, fast comprehensive blood analysis with an individual calculation of the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and a conclusion from a geneticist (ASTRAIA, BRAMS Fast Screen Pre I Plus software), which not only provides numbers but also details the conclusion with a graphical scale image. This will save your time searching and consulting with a doctor.
• The second trimester (from 18 to 23 weeks) is the longest examination, as we thoroughly examine the anatomical structure of the baby, which includes the examination of the head with all its dimensions, the structure of the brain with measurements of each ventricle and septum, and the spine as the main support. The heart is examined in a cardiological program, which provides a detailed assessment of the structure and all major vessels. We examine the organs of the abdominal cavity and urinary system, measure each bone of the arms and legs, calculate the number of amniotic fluid and their structure. And, of course, we examine the placenta and the cervix to ensure the normal development of the pregnancy.
• The third trimester (which starts from the 30th week when a woman goes on maternity leave) is already characterized by the determination of the presenting part of the fetus (head or buttocks), the exclusion of the possibility of developmental delays, functions, and the structure of the placenta. The degree of maturity of the lungs is assessed. The most important and new indicator that is added during this period is Dopplerometry – which is responsible for blood flow in the umbilical vessels and brain, and shows the functional status of the fetus. And if necessary, the fetal biophysical profile (BPP) is recorded, which assesses the condition of the baby on a scale of 12 points with 100% accuracy.

In addition to the three screenings mentioned above, your doctor may recommend additional testing – there is no need to be afraid of this, as ultrasound diagnostics is not harmful, thanks to the use of the latest technologies, and does not cause complications for both the mother and the baby!