Evaluating the Clinical Role of 4D Ultrasound in Routine Obstetric Screening: Insights from Real-World Practice with a Highlight on Cleft Lip Detection

Background: Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound, an advanced imaging modality, allows dynamic real-time assessment of fetal anatomy and behavior. Unlike traditional 2D ultrasound, 4D imaging enhances the visualization of facial movements, limb activity, and subtle anomalies, offering both diagnostic and emotional benefits. In low-resource settings like Iraq, data on routine clinical use remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and maternal experience associated with 4D ultrasound during routine prenatal screenings, focusing on fetal movement assessment, anomaly detection, and emotional bonding. (Vinals, 2023) Methods: A prospective observational design involved 100 pregnant women who underwent comprehensive 4D ultrasound examinations. Detailed assessments were made of fetal morphology, activity patterns, and umbilical cord positioning. Maternal emotional responses were observed qualitatively. Results: Ninety-nine fetuses were found to have normal anatomy and function. One case of unilateral cleft lip was diagnosed accurately on 4D ultrasound, demonstrating the modality's superior anomaly detection capability over 2D imaging. Enhanced visualization of fetal expressions and movements contributed to improved maternal bonding experiences. (Yeo, 2022) Conclusion: 4D ultrasound represents a valuable adjunct to prenatal care in Iraqi clinical practice, supporting diagnostic precision and emotional connection, and its broader adoption should be encouraged.