The method know as 3d ultrasound is used when a woman is in early pregnancy, it provides 3d pictures of the fetus. Most times these ultrasound pictures are rapidly collected and combined to created a “4d ultrasound scan”.

Three dimensional scanning works in the same way to the traditional ultrasound except that the ultrasound pulses are directed from multiple directions. The ultrasound waves are redirected back and captured and provide information to construct a 3d picture in in the same way as 3d pictures. 3 dimesional ultrasound was devised in the usa.

It is important to understand that sonologists around the world have always pictured three-dimensional images of the body in their minds while doing 2d scans. However, until recently it was impossible to do this type of reconstruction on on patient information using ultrasound. With the introduction of 4d scans for the first time allowed us a peek into the mechanics of thinking of a sonologist and hence letting us see the images on the ultrasound machine.

3d/4d ultrasound imaging should utilize ultrasound energy following the same limits as conventional 2d ultrasound to create the 3d images. While there is no information of harm due to 3d ultasound scanning, its use in none essential situations needs to be undertaken with the understanding that a risk may exist.