Three-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound is used in both obstetrics and gynaecology. Whether you are pregnant and thinking of getting a "keepsake" video of your unborn baby or your doctor has recommended that you have the scan to investigate abnormalities in your reproductive system, you can book your 3D/4D scan today - at the Medicover Hospital in Warsaw and Medicover Centres in Poznań, Wrocław and Katowice.

The two major types of scans used in obstetrics are the "static" 3D scans of the whole baby's body or one of its part, and 4D scans, which are three-dimensional scans done in real time. This "keepsake" video may be taken in addition to the scan routinely done between the 11th and 14th or between the 20th and 30th week of pregnancy.

Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging can be useful in diagnosing certain developmental anomalies of the foetus and provides additional information - for this reason, the ultrasound scans are so frequently performed during pregnancy. Although foetal abnormalities are also normally diagnosed during the so-called grey-scale (2D) scan, this imaging modality is not sufficient to detect all the developmental anomalies of the foetus. The advantage of 3D over 2D scanning is particularly evident when we look for abnormalities of superficial structures, craniofacial anomalies, limb anomalies and neural tube defects. With 3D and 4D ultrasonography, it is also possible to measure the volumes of foetal parenchymal organs, such as the kidneys, spleen, liver, brain and lungs.

In gynaecology, 3D ultrasound is very useful in detecting congenital anomalies of the uterus. This modality is better in visualising the shape of the uterus than 2D ultrasound. In ovarian pathologies, it helps to assess the extent of their vascularisation, or the density of the vascular network in a tumour or a cyst. The decision to use this additional method of imaging is made by the doctor usually during the scan (if it can provide additional information).