Sydney Ultrasound for Women does not support the use of Diagnostic Ultrasound for the purpose of entertainment only.

The Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine has recently updated its policy in regard to the appropriate use of Ultrasound in pregnancy, expressing concerns about the emerging practice of "entertainment ultrasound".  Sydney Ultrasound for Women (SUFW) fully supports this policy in our practice.

The use of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Obstetrics has become an integral part of pre-natal care and diagnosis in the management of pregnancy.  SUFW opposes the trivialising of diagnostic ultrasound and the failure to recognise the important role of trained technical and medical professionals.  We aim to provide a high standard of appropriate clinical care and diagnosis, leading to optimum medical outcomes.  We do not perform scans unless clinically indicated and requested by a Medical practitioner.

The increased availability of high quality 3D Ultrasound technology has seen businesses emerge offering imaging during pregnancy without medical supervision and revision of the images.  This is often for the purposes of  "souvenir"  images rather than clinical management.

Pregnant women should be aware that scans performed outside a medical practice are NOT an adequate substitute for a properly conducted examination involving appropriately trained sonographers and medical practitioners.

ALL scans at SUFW are conducted on 3D/4D equipment for the added clinical benefit this provides. 

Ultrasound in the 4th dimension (4D)

The GE Voluson E8 4D Ultrasound System marks a new dimension in obstetric imaging. 4D Ultrasound represents the difference between video and a still photograph. Through this revolutionary technology, your baby's three-dimensional image is continuously updated, providing a "live action" view. The entirely digital platform and very fast processors cope with the large volume of data required to reconstruct 3D images again and again, giving the impression of a moving image.

What is "4D" Ultrasound"?

"4D" is shorthand for "four-dimensional"- the fourth dimension being time. As far as ultrasound is concerned, 4D Ultrasound is the latest ultrasound technology. 4D Ultrasound takes multiple 2-dimensional ultrasound images, creates a 3-dimensional image and adds the element of time to the process. The result: live action images of the unborn child or of any internal anatomy.

What are the advantages of the 4D technology?

In contrast to other 3D imaging diagnostic processes, 4D enables visualisation of internal anatomy moving in real-time. This is frequently used to look at the surface of the face or other fetal structures ("surface rendering") which is surrounded by amniotic fluid to give a life like image. This can make the image easier to understand. It is sometimes used to view fetal abnormalities, such as cleft lip, so that parents can recognise what the doctor is describing.

Download a video clip (1.4 MB)

Are there any risks related to 3D or 4D ultrasound?

No. 3D and 4D Ultrasound both utilise sound waves to look inside the body, just the same way as ordinary 2 dimensional ultrasound.

Why do the 4D Ultrasound images have a golden hue?

Physicians have the option of selecting different tints in reviewing images. The golden hue is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and shows excellent shadows and highlights.

What is Volume Rendering?

Volume Rendering is the process of capturing ultrasound image information and compiling it into a three-dimensional image. Volume Rendering allows doctors to visualise internal anatomy in every direction. For example, this can be used to capture the data necessary to reconstruct a 3-dimensional ovary, so that once the data has been collected the ultrasound probe can be removed and the necessary measurements taken later ("off-line").

Is it always possible to get a good image of a baby's face?

Often a good image can be obtained, but not always. To get an ideal surface rendered image, the surface must only have fluid around it. Sometimes the baby may put an arm infront of the face or may have part of the face resting against the wall of the uterus. At around 26 weeks, the chance of getting a better image is increased. At this stage the baby has developed some tissue between the skin and the bones of the face, as well as still having a reasonable volume of amniotic fluid around the baby.