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24–32 Optimal Weeks
(Best Image Quality)
3D Surface Rendering
(Static Volume)
4D Real-Time Live
(Movement & Expressions)
⚕️ Medical Purpose Only
PCPNDT Compliant
What is 3D/4D Ultrasound?

Beyond Cross-Sections —
A Surface View of Your Baby

Standard 2D ultrasound shows the baby's anatomy as cross-sectional slices — powerful for measuring internal structures, but limited when the clinical question requires surface detail. 3D and 4D imaging changes this.

3D ultrasound uses the GE Voluson Signature Expert to acquire a volumetric dataset of the baby's surface anatomy, which is then rendered into a three-dimensional image. This shows the baby's face, limbs, and external features from any angle — the way a sculptor sees a form, not just a photographer. 4D is simply real-time 3D: the same surface rendering, live, showing the baby's movements, expressions, and activity.

At Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre, 3D/4D imaging is a clinical diagnostic tool — not a keepsake service. Dr. Kunda Shahane uses it when it adds specific, medically meaningful information to a standard scan: particularly for suspected facial anomalies, limb positional defects, and neural tube defect assessment. The images parents treasure as memories are the natural byproduct of a thorough medical examination.

3D/4D Ultrasound — At a Glance
When: 24–32 weeks of pregnancy (optimal amniotic fluid and fetal size)
3D: Surface-rendered static volume of fetal anatomy from multiple angles
4D: Real-time 3D — live surface imaging showing movement
Machine: GE Voluson Signature Expert — AI-enabled, highest resolution 4D available
Best for: Cleft lip, club foot, spina bifida extent, abdominal wall defects, limb anomalies
Safety: Identical to standard 2D — sound waves, no radiation, completely safe
Purpose: Medical diagnosis and surgical planning — not entertainment
⚖️
A Medical Tool — Not a Gender Scan

At Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre, every 3D/4D scan is performed for a specific medical reason. We do not offer "keepsake scans," "gender scans," or entertainment-based baby face sessions. All ultrasound at this centre is governed by the PCPNDT Act, 1994 — fetal sex determination by any modality is strictly illegal and is never performed or communicated here.

If you have been referred for 3D/4D imaging, it is because Dr. Kunda Shahane or your obstetrician has identified a clinical question that surface imaging can help answer. The images you see of your baby are the byproduct of that medical examination — and they are always shared with care.

Understanding the Technology

2D · 3D · 4D —
What Each Modality Shows

The three modalities are complementary — not alternatives. Standard 2D remains the backbone of every fetal assessment. 3D and 4D add specific surface and volumetric detail when the clinical question calls for it.

🔲
2D
Standard Ultrasound
Cross-sectional "slices" of fetal anatomy — black and white, showing internal structures, measurements, and blood flow (with Doppler). The foundation of all fetal assessment.
Best for: Measurements, internal structures, Doppler, biometry, most diagnoses
🧊
3D
Volumetric Static
A three-dimensional surface rendering built from multiple 2D sweeps. Shows the baby's face, limbs, and external surface from any angle — like a sculpted form rather than a slice.
Best for: Cleft lip, club foot, spina bifida extent, abdominal wall defects
🎬
4D
Real-Time Live 3D
The same surface rendering as 3D, but live and moving — showing fetal breathing movements, facial expressions, limb activity, and real-time assessment of dynamic features.
Best for: Limb movement assessment, facial expression, cleft palate evaluation
Clinical Value

When 3D/4D Imaging
Changes the Diagnosis

These are five specific situations where 3D/4D surface imaging provides meaningful additional clinical information over standard 2D — affecting diagnosis confidence, surgical planning, and parental counselling.

1 👄
Facial Anomaly
Cleft Lip and Palate
On 2D scan, cleft lip appears as a disruption in the coronal lip plane — a finding that can be subtle, particularly for an incomplete cleft or one identified in a non-ideal position. Cleft palate (isolated, without lip cleft) is even harder to confirm on 2D alone.
What 3D/4D adds: Surface rendering of the face shows the lip and nasal anatomy as a three-dimensional structure — confirming or excluding cleft, characterising its extent (unilateral/bilateral, complete/incomplete), and providing images for the surgical team and family counselling. Families find 3D images significantly more helpful for understanding what their baby's face looks like and what surgery will achieve.
2 🦶
Limb Anomaly
Talipes / Club Foot & Positional Limb Defects
Standard 2D imaging identifies foot positional abnormalities — but the precise relationship of the foot to the leg, and whether the position is fixed or positional (correctable), can be difficult to characterise from flat cross-sections alone.
What 3D/4D adds: The foot and leg are rendered as a three-dimensional surface — showing the angle, severity, and position from all directions. 4D real-time imaging shows whether there is any spontaneous corrective movement, which aids prognosis. This information is valuable for orthopaedic team planning and parent counselling.
3 🦴
Neural Tube Defect
Spina Bifida — Extent and Level Assessment
When spina bifida is identified on 2D anomaly scan, the level and extent of the spinal defect determines prognosis and surgical planning significantly. Identifying the exact vertebral level and the length of the open defect from 2D axial and sagittal planes alone can be challenging.
What 3D/4D adds: Surface rendering of the entire spine shows the open vertebral column, the extent of the meningocele or myelomeningocele, and its relationship to surrounding structures from the dorsal surface — providing information directly applicable to neurosurgical planning and to the family's understanding of what the defect involves.
4 🫀
Abdominal Wall Defect
Gastroschisis and Omphalocele
Abdominal wall defects are typically well-diagnosed on 2D scan — bowel loops outside the abdomen (gastroschisis) or membrane-covered herniation (omphalocele) are visible. However, the full extent, the contents of the defect, and the relationship to the umbilical cord can be difficult to characterise precisely.
What 3D/4D adds: Surface rendering shows the defect site, its relationship to the umbilical cord insertion, and the visible extent of the herniated contents — useful for differentiating omphalocele from gastroschisis in equivocal cases, and for neonatal surgical team planning.
5 🤲
Digit / Hand Anomaly
Missing or Fused Digits, Amniotic Band Effects
Counting digits on 2D scan requires patience and good fetal positioning. When a digit appears absent or abnormal, or when amniotic bands are suspected, characterising the exact digit involved and the degree of constriction from cross-sections alone is difficult.
What 3D/4D adds: The hand and foot are rendered as surfaces — each digit visible individually from multiple angles. Amniotic band constrictions, missing digits, syndactyly, and polydactyly are clearly characterised, providing accurate information for paediatric surgical team consultation and family counselling.
Who Needs 3D/4D Imaging?

Clinical Indications for
3D/4D Ultrasound at Mayflower Clinic

3D/4D imaging is not a routine part of every pregnancy assessment — it is added when a specific clinical question requires surface detail that standard 2D cannot provide. Dr. Kunda Shahane uses it in the following situations.

Suspected Cleft Lip or Palate

When a lip or palate abnormality is suspected on 2D scan — or when a high-risk family history warrants detailed facial assessment. 3D is the gold standard for characterising cleft anatomy before birth.

Limb Positional Abnormalities

Club foot, rocker-bottom foot, overlapping toes, absent or shortened limbs. 3D/4D imaging clarifies extent, position, and movement to guide prognosis and surgical planning discussions.

Neural Tube Defects

When spina bifida is confirmed on 2D, 3D surface imaging helps determine the vertebral level and extent of the defect — critical information for neurosurgical planning and for pre-delivery maternal transfer arrangements.

Abdominal Wall Defects

Gastroschisis, omphalocele, or body stalk anomaly. 3D imaging provides surface detail of the defect size, contents, and cord insertion — aiding surgical team consultation and delivery planning.

Digit and Hand / Foot Anomalies

Missing digits, polydactyly, syndactyly, clinodactyly, or amniotic band constrictions. 3D rendering clearly characterises individual digit anatomy where 2D counting is equivocal.

Second-Opinion / Referral Assessment

When a structural anomaly has been identified elsewhere and a second opinion at a specialist centre is sought, 3D/4D imaging is often used alongside repeat 2D to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible.

Mayflower Clinic: Clinical 3D/4D — What We Do and Do Not Do

We want our patients to be clear about the purpose of 3D/4D imaging at this centre, so there are no misunderstandings.

✗ Not performed here

  • Gender determination scans
  • "Keepsake" or "fun" 3D/4D sessions
  • Scans without a clinical indication
  • Fetal sex communication in any form
  • Entertainment-based baby face sessions

✓ Performed here

  • 3D/4D for suspected cleft lip/palate
  • Surface imaging for limb anomaly characterisation
  • Spina bifida extent and level assessment
  • Digit and abdominal wall defect imaging
  • Clinical second-opinion assessments
Technology

The GE Voluson Signature Expert —
Why Image Quality Matters for Diagnosis

The quality of a 3D/4D image depends entirely on the machine producing it. The GE Voluson Signature Expert at Mayflower Clinic is one of the most advanced fetal imaging systems available in India — and the most powerful ultrasound machine in Vidarbha.

GE Voluson Signature Expert — 4D Imaging Capabilities
Features that directly enhance 3D/4D diagnostic quality at Mayflower Clinic
🏆
HD Rendering
High-definition surface rendering with superior depth and texture detail — showing fine features like lip anatomy with clinical confidence
⚡
Real-Time 4D
Live volumetric imaging at high frame rates — capturing fetal movement, breathing, and facial expressions in real time without lag
🎛️
Multi-Plane Review
The 3D volume can be reviewed, rotated, and interrogated in any plane after acquisition — finding optimal angles for clinical assessment
🩻
Tomographic Imaging
Systematic multi-slice display showing multiple parallel planes simultaneously — used for detailed assessment of spinal defect level and extent
🔊
Hey Voluson Voice
Voice-controlled image capture and measurement — freeing Dr. Kunda's focus entirely on the screen and the clinical assessment
🤖
SonoLyst AI
AI-assisted anatomy detection that ensures standard planes are captured efficiently — allowing more time for detailed 3D assessment of complex findings
On the Day

What to Expect During Your 3D/4D Scan

A 3D/4D scan at Mayflower Clinic is an extension of the clinical assessment — not a separate entertainment session. Here is exactly what the appointment involves.

  • 1
    Pre-scan consultation

    Dr. Kunda Shahane reviews the clinical indication — the specific finding or question that makes 3D/4D imaging appropriate for your pregnancy. She explains what she will be looking for and what additional information the surface imaging aims to provide.

  • 2
    2D assessment first

    Every 3D/4D examination begins with a full 2D assessment — confirming fetal wellbeing, position, amniotic fluid volume, and the specific anatomy of interest. The 2D assessment informs exactly which region and approach will be used for 3D imaging.

  • 3
    3D volume acquisition

    The GE Voluson Signature Expert probe sweeps across the region of interest, acquiring the volumetric dataset. The scan takes a few seconds per volume; multiple acquisitions are taken to obtain the optimal angle. Gel is applied to the abdomen as for a standard scan.

  • 4
    4D real-time observation (when indicated)

    For dynamic assessments — limb movement, lip/palate motion, breathing — 4D live mode is activated, showing the baby's surface in real time. This helps assess whether limb positions are fixed or variable, and may reveal spontaneous lip or tongue movement relevant to cleft palate assessment.

  • 5
    Volume review and result discussion

    Dr. Kunda Shahane reviews the 3D volumes in multiple planes, rotations, and rendering modes to extract the maximum clinical information. Findings are explained on the screen, and the 3D images are shown and shared with the family. The report details the clinical assessment, with 3D images included.

  • 6
    Next steps and referrals

    Dr. Kunda discusses the clinical implications of the 3D/4D findings — whether they confirm, refine, or add to the 2D assessment. Referrals to the appropriate paediatric surgical specialists (cleft surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, neonatology) are arranged where indicated.

A note on image quality: 3D/4D image quality depends on factors Dr. Kunda cannot fully control — fetal position (the area of interest must face the probe with fluid in front), amniotic fluid volume (oligohydramnios significantly limits 3D quality), fetal activity (a moving baby can blur the image), and maternal BMI. If optimal images cannot be obtained in one session, a follow-up appointment may be arranged. Dr. Kunda Shahane will always achieve the best clinically useful images the circumstances allow.

✓ Preparing for Your 3D/4D Scan

  • ✓Optimal timing: Book between 24 and 32 weeks when amniotic fluid volume and fetal size are ideal for 3D imaging. Before 24 weeks, the baby is too small; after 32 weeks, fluid reduces and the head may be engaged.
  • ✓Partially full bladder: Drink 2–3 glasses of water 30–45 minutes before your appointment. Good hydration maintains amniotic fluid volume, which is critical for 3D image quality.
  • ✓Light meal beforehand: Eating a light meal 30–60 minutes before the scan can increase fetal activity — useful for 4D imaging of limb movements and facial expressions.
  • ✓Bring previous scan reports: All previous ultrasound reports, the anomaly scan result, any specialist letters — these help Dr. Kunda understand the clinical question being addressed by the 3D/4D assessment.
  • ✓Bring your partner: Families are welcome at 3D/4D scan appointments. The images are often shared on screen, and having the family present for discussions about findings is encouraged.
  • ✓Comfortable clothing: Loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the abdomen. Two-piece clothing is ideal.
  • ✓Allow extra time: A 3D/4D examination including 2D assessment and result discussion takes approximately 30–60 minutes. Allow enough time without rushing.
  • ✓Referral if required: For second-opinion assessments, bring the referral letter from your obstetrician or the original scan report describing the finding being assessed.
Watch Dr. Kunda Shahane
Fetal Ultrasound and Advanced Imaging — Dr. Kunda Shahane, Mayflower Clinic Nagpur
Frequently Asked Questions

Your 3D/4D Scan Questions, Answered

What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasound?
3D ultrasound creates a static three-dimensional surface-rendered image of the baby by processing multiple 2D scan sweeps through the GE Voluson Signature Expert's software. You see the baby's face or limbs as a volumetric form — like a sculpture — frozen at one moment. 4D ultrasound is the same surface rendering, but in real time — showing the baby's movements, breathing, facial expressions, and limb activity live on screen. Clinically, 4D adds the ability to assess dynamic features: whether a limb position is fixed or moves spontaneously, whether the mouth opens and closes (relevant for cleft palate assessment), and how active the baby is.
Is 3D/4D ultrasound a "gender scan"? Can I find out if I'm having a boy or girl?
No. Fetal sex determination by any modality — including 3D/4D ultrasound — is strictly prohibited under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. It is a criminal offence in India. Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre does not perform "gender scans" and does not communicate fetal sex under any circumstances. All ultrasound at this centre is performed exclusively for medical diagnosis and fetal wellbeing assessment. Families who ask about gender are respectfully informed of this legal position.
Is 3D/4D ultrasound safe for my baby?
Yes, completely. 3D and 4D ultrasound uses exactly the same sound wave technology as standard 2D ultrasound — the same frequency, the same energy, the same physics. There is no additional radiation, heat, or different energy type involved. The World Health Organisation, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), and every major obstetric ultrasound body confirm that diagnostic ultrasound has no established harmful effects on the mother or baby at any stage of pregnancy when used for medical purposes.
When is the best time for a 3D/4D scan?
The optimal window for 3D/4D ultrasound is 24–32 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, there is sufficient amniotic fluid surrounding the baby for clear surface rendering, the baby's features are well-developed and large enough to image in detail, and the baby is active enough for useful 4D imaging. Before 24 weeks, the face is small and fluid volumes may be limiting. After 32 weeks, the head may be engaged in the pelvis, amniotic fluid tends to decrease, and the baby may have less room to be in a favourable position for facial imaging.
What affects the quality of 3D/4D images?
Several factors affect 3D/4D image quality, some controllable and some not. The most important are: fetal position (the region of interest must face the probe with amniotic fluid between it and the probe), amniotic fluid volume (reduced fluid significantly degrades surface rendering quality), the baby's activity (movement during acquisition can blur the image), gestational age (ideal 24–32 weeks), and maternal BMI (more abdominal wall tissue can reduce penetration). Even with the most advanced equipment, Dr. Kunda Shahane cannot guarantee a specific image outcome — but she will always obtain the best clinically useful result the circumstances allow.
My anomaly scan showed a possible cleft lip — will 3D/4D confirm it?
3D/4D imaging is particularly valuable for suspected cleft lip, and this is one of the most common clinical indications at Mayflower Clinic. Surface rendering of the face shows the lip anatomy as a three-dimensional form — confirming whether a cleft is present, whether it is unilateral or bilateral, and whether it is complete or incomplete. However, cleft palate (without a lip cleft) is more difficult to confirm even on 3D/4D, as the palate is inside the mouth and depends on the baby having its mouth open during imaging. Dr. Kunda Shahane will give you a realistic assessment of what the 3D/4D examination can and cannot definitively confirm in your specific case.
Will I get printed images from the 3D/4D scan?
Yes — clinically useful 3D images obtained during the examination are included in the written scan report. Where image quality is good and the baby's position permits, facial images are also shared with the family. These images are always a secondary outcome of the medical examination — the report and clinical findings are the primary deliverable. The scan is not structured around obtaining the best "baby photo" — it is structured around answering the clinical question that indicated the scan.

Related Services at Mayflower Clinic

Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks) → Fetal Echocardiography → Fetal Neurosonography → Fetal Echo with STIC → All Pregnancy Scans → About Dr. Kunda Shahane →

A Structural Finding Deserves the Clearest Possible Answer.

If you have been told there may be a facial, limb, or structural anomaly on your scan, 3D/4D imaging by Dr. Kunda Shahane on the GE Voluson Signature Expert provides the most detailed fetal surface assessment available in Central India. Do not settle for uncertainty when clarity is possible.

📞 Call 0712-669-2706 💬 WhatsApp Us 📅 Book 3D/4D Scan

Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre · Dhantoli, Nagpur 440012 · Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

⚖️ PCPNDT Act Compliance Notice Mayflower Fetal Medicine Centre strictly complies with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Sex determination and sex-selective practices are strictly prohibited and punishable by law. 3D/4D ultrasound and all other diagnostic services at this centre are performed exclusively for medical diagnosis and fetal wellbeing. Disclosure of fetal sex by any modality is illegal and is not performed at this centre.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult Dr. Kunda Shahane or your treating obstetrician for advice specific to your pregnancy.