For the expectant mother, the regular ultrasound examinations are a special experience.These appointments are also very important for the future father. The pictorial experience helps them build a relationship with their child.Until now, however, ultrasound has only ever been possible in two dimensions. With the development of 3D ultrasound, it is now possible to see the growing baby spatially – in other words, three-dimensionally.3D ultrasonography enables three-dimensional imaging of the fetus.
Indications (areas of application)
- Another advantage is the improved early detection of malformations, for example, malformations of the spine – spina bifida aperta (open spine) – or cleft lip and palate – cheilognathopalatoschisis.
- Chromosomal abnormalities (eg, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome; mongolism), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), among others) can not be diagnosed. Only certain physical abnormalities can provide evidence of a chromosomal abnormality, so that an amniocentesis (amniocentesis) can be considered for genetic diagnosis.
- A particularly important area of use is 3D ultrasonography of the heart to detect and treat vitia (heart defects of the unborn) at an early stage:
- Ventricular septal defect (most common congenital malformation of the heart (heart defect) in which the cardiac septum between the ventricles (septum interventriculare) is not completely closed. The ventricular septal defect belongs to the so-called shunt vitia).
- Persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) – the so-called ductus arteriosus (also called ductus arteriosus Botalli or ductus Botalli, after Leonardo Botallo) provides a connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery (truncus pulmonalis) in the fetal (prenatal) circulation. This is a bypass of the lung, as it is not yet ventilated before birth and thus blood flow is not required. After birth, this connection normally closes, not in the case of a PDA.
- Tetralogy of Fallot – combination of four heart defects (pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the great pulmonary vessel), ventricular septal defect, riding aorta (malposition of the aorta) and right heart hypertrophy (enlargement of the right heart)).
- Atrial septal defect (connection between the two atria of the heart, causing backflow of blood).
- Aortic isthmic stenosis (ISTA; synonym: coarctation of the aorta: coarctatio aortae) – narrowing of the aorta at the isthmus aortae in the region of the aortic arch.
The procedure
The transducer takes three two-dimensional images simultaneously – a computer then creates the three-dimensional image from this data. The most favorable period for 3D imaging is the 12th to 16th week of pregnancy (for images of the whole unborn baby) and the 25th to 33rd week of pregnancy (for impressive detailed images of individual organs and body parts of the unborn baby). Earlier and later examination times are also possible in principle. The main focus of this sonography (ultrasound examination) is the experience of the parents with the unborn child. Furthermore, 3D sonography provides important diagnostic findings when abnormalities in normal sonography require further clarification. 3D sonography is particularly suitable for the plastic imaging of malformations of the body or organs. Although the direct detection of chromosomal malformations (e.g., trisomy 21 (Down syndrome; mongolism); trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)) is not possible, it is possible to search for external features. With 4-D ultrasound, which has been further developed, the dimension of time is added, resulting in a constantly updated, three-dimensional image on the ultrasound monitor, in which fetal movements can be displayed with virtually no time delay. The 3D ultrasound provides a fascinating insight into the womb. Parents receive images and film sequences of their child as a reminder of the pregnancy. Fathers in particular can establish a particularly strong relationship with their child. Further notes
- According to the new Radiation Protection Ordinance, sonography for commercial purposes, such as “baby-watching,” will be prohibited from the end of 2020. Experts from the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine e.V. (DEGUM) point out that sonographic examinations in pregnancy should only be used in medical contexts.
