What is 4D Ultrasound?
A **4D ultrasound** captures and sequences sound wave images together to create a lifelike, real-time moving image.
The 4D ultrasound machine collects the volume of sound echoes reflected from the transducer (probe) and displays a highly realistic image.
**This 4D ultrasound technology allows parents to clearly see the face and behaviors of their baby in the womb, such as yawning or smiling.**
How Does 4D Ultrasound Work?
- The doctor uses a device called a **transducer** to scan the mother’s abdomen.
- This device sends sound waves through the abdomen to the uterus.
- The sound waves pass through the fetus and then reflect back to the transducer head.
- The machine collects the data from the reflected sound waves and displays the results on the screen.
- The mother can clearly see the baby's movements in the womb on the 4D ultrasound screen.
When Should I Get a 4D Ultrasound?
An ultrasound to determine the baby's sex can be done starting from **19–24 weeks** of pregnancy. However, for a 4D ultrasound, some suggest it should be performed between **27–32 weeks** of gestation, while others recommend between **26–30 weeks**.
In any case, performing a 4D ultrasound at an earlier stage allows for a full body view of the fetus, and as the pregnancy progresses, more details of the baby can be seen. However, if the pregnancy is beyond **35 weeks**, the baby's face may be less visible as the fetus begins to descend into the pelvic cavity.
**If any mother wishes to have a 4D ultrasound, it is best to consult with your doctor early on, as the examining physician is the best person to advise on the most suitable time for the scan.**
What Can 4D Ultrasound Reveal?
- The baby's sex
- Arms, legs, hands, feet, and fingers
- Face and various facial organs
- Skull structure and brain
- Heart and blood circulation
- Baby's position, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid volume
- Spine, stomach, bladder, and kidneys
- Fetal growth and development
- Fetal growth rate, head circumference, length, and weight
Benefits of 4D Ultrasound
- Parents can clearly see the baby's various behaviors in the womb through the 4D ultrasound, such as yawning, sucking a thumb, or smiling.
- External organs of the fetus are clearer compared to a 2D ultrasound, such as the face, arms, legs, and fingers, which appear with greater depth and dimension.
- It shortens the time required for the mother's prenatal check-ups, as the baby's health, growth, and development in the womb can be monitored using the images saved on the computer.
- It helps establish the bond between parents and child that begins while the baby is still in the womb, as they await the baby's arrival.
Is 4D Ultrasound Safe?
The 4D ultrasound procedure is generally quite safe for both the mother and the baby in the womb. Additionally, a 4D ultrasound can help the doctor more clearly detect fetal abnormalities that may arise during pregnancy.
**However, if parents are still concerned about this matter, it is always best to consult with the examining physician about the risks and safety beforehand.**
Important Notes
- The price includes doctor's fees and service charges.
- Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.
For More Information
- Obstetrics-Gynecology Clinic, G Floor, Building 2, Tel: 043 002 002 ext. 1932
- Health Information Service Center, ext. 1905
