Ultrasound Imaging

Ten months can seem like a long time when you’re having a baby! As most mothers will testify, they often cannot wait to put a face to the kick that they feel inside their bellies.  Over the past 3 years, technology has made this connection possible.  A new breed of ultrasonagraphy has emerged which can bring 3D and 4D images of your baby to life. The 4th dimension is actually “time”. In 4D, parents can watch their babies move and even suck their thumbs.  Now parents-to-be can not only get a unique glimpse of their baby but they can also enhance the maternal/paternal-fetal bond that has already developed. 

With all emerging technology, there are always questions regarding safety, exposure, and other medical questions. Ultrasound machines that are used in obtaining 3D and 4D images are the same machines that are being used in hospitals across the country.  In fact, physicians use 3D imaging to map out fetal hearts and other birth defects like cleft lip/palate and spinal cord defects. When operated by trained technicians, the exposure to the mother and fetus is similar to routine obstetric ultrasounds. The technology in the ultrasound machine converts the data into a 3D image or video. Ultrasonagraphy is one of the oldest studied technologies. To date, there have been no reproducible US studies to suggest that ultrasounds are harmful to either mother or fetus.

As this technology becomes more common place, there has been an emergence of prenatal ultrasound studios across the country that want to bring this technology to parents-to-be. Similarly, obstetricians are using this technology in their offices as well. When choosing to have this type of ultrasound performed in an independent ultrasound studio, parents should review the following information:

• Any expectant mother should be under a physician’s care. In fact, these reassurance ultrasounds should never be a replacement for a physician ordered ultrasound. Most ultrasound studios will not begin scanning until after 20 weeks gestation as this is the time when most physician ultrasounds are ordered. It is important to remember that ultrasounds performed at most independent ultrasound studios are limited diagnostic scans. Most are limited to noting the baby’s position, fetal number, gender and presence of a fetal heartbeat.
• It is important to confirm that the technician completing the scan is a certified ultrasound technician. Each technician on staff should have completed an accredited ultrasonagraphy program. If the technician has not completed a program, he/she may not have enough knowledge to operate the ultrasound machine safely.
• Most reputable studios will have a Medical Director on staff that directs the development of policies and procedures as they pertain to the ultrasound machine and the scanning. It is also important to have a Medical Director on staff if a medical issue arises.
• Many ultrasound studios include gender determination in the packages that they offer. As gender is barely visible at 13 weeks, parents should be cautioned in obtaining an accurate gender determination before 20 weeks.
• 3D images depend on multiple factors including the baby’s position, fetal movement, fetal size and amniotic fluid levels surrounding the fetus. As a mother progresses in her pregnancy, the fetus is able to deposit more fat stores As a result, 3D images later in pregnancy (after 24 weeks) often reveal more distinguishable features. Similarly, images obtained in the last few weeks of pregnancy (after 36 weeks) may be more difficult because the baby descends into the pelvis and there is less amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

Reassurance ultrasounds can be a wonderful way to document your pregnancy and to bond with your baby.  As with any emerging technology, it is important to not only research the technology but to also consult with your physician before having an elective ultrasound performed.

Editorial provided by Patricia Chiamas, MD, FAAP, and Medical Director of Stork Snapshots Prenatal Ultrasound Studio — serving the Chicagoland area since 2003.  www.storksnaphots.com