2D is a type of scan that has been used since the 1950's and makes ultrasound images like looking at the faces of each slice of bread. Each picture is a vertical representation of the density of the scan. A sophisticated computer then takes the data and creates an image on the screen. 2D is very primitive, but it still shows valuable information to doctors for certain types of conditions, such as abnormalities and anomalies.
3D ultrasound was first developed by Olaf von Ramm and Stephen Smith at Duke University in 1987 works the same way as 2D, but the transducer is moved around the area on the skin over the organ, tissue, or fetus to be inspected. This creates signals on multiple angles and different planes. Instead of the pictures being of the inside of the object, they create a surface rendering. This makes more of a sculpture-like image. A fetus can be observed with great clarity. The baby's sex can be determined early on. At 18 weeks, a baby has eyelids that open and blink. You can see details like fingernails later on.
4D ultrasound uses multiple images in rapid succession to give the effect of motion. When an object is getting closer to the transducer, it reflects a higher frequency and when it is going away the echos have a lower frequency. This is known as the Doppler effect. The images are interpreted a little bit differently from its 2D and 3D cousins. It not only shows images like a sculpture, the computer creates a stream of images in a movie-like manner. The ultrasound pictures are shown so fast on the monitor, that the baby's movements are seen in real time. The mannerisms and personality of the baby are seen. By 26 weeks all the baby's behaviors are exhibited. Any abnormal development or conditions such as down syndrome can be detected as well.[3] 4D ultrasound can also show the blood flow through the arteries and veins. This is particularly important to tell if the heart and other organs are functioning normally.
