1. What is ultrasound imaging?

Think of when your baby is born, from its first breath, there is a camera there to capture its every movement. Elective prenatal ultrasound takes this concept to the next level, because a parent shouldn’t be limited to taking pictures only after their baby is born! With the ultrasound technology of today you can create memories that will last a lifetime!

2. What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound?

2D ultrasound is the traditional black & white ultrasound you have probably seen before. The pictures just show flat, two-dimensional outlines of the baby. A 2D ultrasound is the diagnostic procedure that you will experience as part of your prenatal care. This specific ultrasound is ordinarily used to listen to the fetus’ heartbeat, gender determination and It is still the best technology for gathering measurements of the baby, and ensuring that the baby is developing as expected.  Two-dimensional imaging is ideal for viewing heartbeat, fluid level, real-time fetal activity, hair and gender. We always include 2D ultrasound with 3-D as they work together to show a full picture of the baby's features and activity. The benefit of regular ultrasound is its ability to look "through" some obstacles, such a hand on the face. Also, the real-time movement shown in 2D ultrasound as well as your 4D session can be recorded on your video.

3D ultrasound is an advanced method which captures a true, three-dimensional image of your baby. The transducer (sound wave transmitter) sends out sound waves from numerous directions and as a result makes a life-like realistic images, which easily display the little one’s attributes. You can see the roundness of the baby’s face, the shape of the nose and the contours of the lips. The color is actually not the color of the baby, it is computer enhanced to make the pictures more appealing.

4D ultrasound is the exact same technology as 3D with the difference that you can see the motion of the baby . A number of shots are taken continuously showing real time imagery of the baby. It’s like a window straight into the womb that allows you to have a look at the fetus moving about, perhaps yawning, smiling or sucking it’s thumb! If your baby has a large, clear pocket of amniotic fluid around the face and is developed enough, then we can get great clips of motion.

3. Is it safe?  Is there any harm to me or my baby?

Dagnostic ultrasound has been in use for over 40 years.  Extensive studies over 30 years have found that ultrasounds has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby.  The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has issued the following statement regarding the safety of ultrasound:

"There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures from diagnostic ultrasound instruments. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present."  

The ultrasound imaging performed at myultrasound uses ultrasound energy subject to the same limits as conventional (2D) ultrasound to create our 3D and 4D images. These pictures and videos generated at myultrasound are not the result of increased ultrasound frequency or power levels, but a combination of better transducer (the probe that rolls across mom's belly) technology and sophisticated software interpretation of the sound waves generated.   In 3D/4D scanning, exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound waves is used as with conventional 2D scanning.  Routine scanning of all pregnancies is now normal throughout the United States . In 3D/4D scanning exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. 3D and 4D Ultrasound both utilize sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image. 4D Ultrasound will be similar to a conventional scan in terms of exposure. High risk mother's that are expecting receive more ultrasounds than mothers with no complications.  The greatest risks arising from the use of ultrasound are the possible over usage by inadequately trained staff and using poor equipment. MYULTRASOUND works with only trained and experienced individuals who have been trained specifically for obtaining quality images and video while maintaining a set of standards to assure the safety of the fetus and the mother.  You can rest assured that we are dedicated to your safety and always follow strict standards of practice. If you have any concerns about receiving a 3D Ultrasound, we suggest that you consult with your physician, nurse practitioner or midwife in which you are under care.

To read details of the studies on the affects on the use of ultrasound on a fetus, please visit www.ob-ultrasound.net.