4D Ultrasound

In routine pregnancy follow-up, fetal ultrasound examination is performed between the 18th and 23rd weeks of pregnancy. This examination is carried out to investigate the presence of any congenital anomaly (birth defect) in the baby. If no anomaly is detected, routine pregnancy follow-up continues.

The examination takes approximately 20–40 minutes. If, depending on the baby’s position, the detailed evaluation cannot be performed or if there is a suspicion, the ultrasound examination is repeated within about a week. However, if no suspicion or risk is detected, it is normally performed once during pregnancy and does not need to be repeated.

In detailed ultrasound examination, the baby’s skull bones, brain, face, spine, inside of the chest, heart, abdominal organs, stomach, intestines, kidneys, arms, and legs (including hands and feet) can be examined in detail with ultrasound. In addition, the baby’s amniotic fluid, placenta, and cervical length are also evaluated. If necessary, fetal echocardiography is performed between the 20th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy to evaluate the baby’s heart.

With 4D ultrasound, a technological marvel, it is possible to observe the baby’s real and simultaneous movements in the womb. By adding the time factor to the images obtained in 3D ultrasound, movements also become visible, which is called 4D ultrasound. 4D ultrasound devices, in addition to the two-dimensional examination feature, also combine color Doppler and 3D features.

Although 4D ultrasound is not essential during pregnancy, one of its most significant advantages is that it allows expectant mothers and fathers to see the real appearance of their unborn baby.