3D ultrasound has taken medical imaging into a new era, and it looks and feels like a real photograph of the unborn baby. The incredible breakthrough in imaging technology uses three dimensional imaging and allows us to see babies move their hands and feet, open their mouths and eyes and other things that babies normally do if they think nobody is watching. What a surprise it will be to them when they realize that we saw everything!
Taking the grey boring two laboratório em laranjeiras serra es dimensional picture (one that only the savvy observer can understand), into the three dimensional world might seem like an easy task given the fact that the technology is getting better and better every day. But it only seems that way.
While you enjoy the sight of your baby on the big screen, behind the scenes, or rather, in front of the machine, a well-trained, experienced and knowledgeable sonographer (ultrasound technologist) is working hard to get that perfect shot of the baby. It takes more than just a push of a button to 3D image the baby.
First, the sonographer needs to make sure that a good, even excellent, 2D image is obtained. The reason is that 3D image is not directly recorder or taken during the ultrasound session. The machine transmits and receives only 2D images. Some parents and health care practitioners think that if one gets 3D images one must be using more power or radiating more heat or other energy into the body. However, the reality of it is, that the transmitted power and sound waves are the same as with the regular 2D ultrasound, and nothing more is going in, or coming out of the mommy’s or baby’s bodies. The three dimensional image is created by the machine after the signals have been received by it, and it does so by layering multiple two dimensional images on top of each other, thus creating a more complex, and real looking images.
After obtaining a good 2D image the technologist then makes sure that all the parameters are optimized and finely tuned so that the 3D image comes out as nice as possible.
The tedious process of getting just the right picture can be abruptly interrupted, when the precious, albeit not well mannered, babies decide to turn to another side, or cover their faces with hands and feet, or worse, completely turn around a face mommy’s back. At this point mommies should try to walk around, eat or drink something that might make the baby move again into an optimal position. Some of the mommies even try a little more vigorous exercises like sit-ups to try to wake the baby and have them turn on their side. Of course if everything still fails to have the babies cooperate the session should be rescheduled for another day when, hopefully, the baby will feel more photogenic.
There are things that could be done in advance, to make sure that the baby is at its maximum cooperative mood when it arrives to take the centre stage. First of all, it is important to remember to drink plenty of clear fluids, as this will help to clear up and increase the volume of the amniotic fluid around the baby. Booking your session when the baby is active also helps reduce the risk of having the baby sleeping in position, especially if that position is not favourable for the ultrasound. Chocolate is not only good for the soul, but it might also help to wake the baby up, as will most of sweet snacks or drinks. And of course, always remember to bring the most important thing to your ultrasound session (you will need this when the baby is born, also): your patience! You will definitely be rewarded for it.
When choosing a place to have your 3D ultrasound done, you should look for the following:
1. Certified, experienced and patient sonographers
A lot of times the person who if performing the study is not certified and may lack skills and expertise to get good images. This may result in suboptimal picture quality even though everything has been well planned and the baby is in good position. You will end up spending a lot of money for a several images that could definitely be better. And, you don’t want an inpatient and rude staff to ruin the whole experience for you, so read up on reviews to see what people are saying about the clinic.
2. Latest equipment
Some places use better equipment than others. The technology never stops developing, so the model and age of the machine will make a big difference. Newest machines will offer technology that will make the picture appear even more realistic, and many manufacturers are now producing ultrasound systems that can create a 3D image that can be manipulated in many ways to provide a photograph-like image of the baby. This not only makes for a better investment, it also helps in identifying facial features and increases the resolution of the pictures.
3. General environment of the clinic/studio
You will want to feel comfortable during the session. Look for places that offer comfortable beds for mommies to have the ultrasound on, as well as comfy seating furniture for the family and friends accompanying the mommy. As a bonus, you could opt for a studio with complimentary drinks or snacks. The experience should be as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. Again, check out the reviews anywhere you can find them to get a better feel of the place.
4. Printed vs. digital pictures
Many clinics will offer a couple of printed images and just a few digital ones. The age of print is no more, so opt for the place that offers maximum digital pictures; you can chose to print those in any local photo center for a few cents later. However, very often the printed pictures add to the price of the package, and it really is not worth it. Digital pictures will always be in better resolution than printed ones because the printer used to print the picture is usually a regular office one. To get the best quality of prints, a special printer that costs a few thousand dollars must be used, and it is very unlikely that that quality of prints will be included in your package.
5. Time of scan
Pay attention to the time of the session. Many times the scan time will be limited, and the session might be terminated before good pictures are obtained. Ask if your choice of the clinic is flexible with time of scan to allow for adjustment if baby is hiding, and if free re-scheduling is included.
We all want everything to be perfect from the first try, but unfortunately, the world doesn’t always work that way. Especially if it has anything to do with kids. So set your expectations appropriately, pack your patience, relax and come in ready to enjoy the bonding moments with your baby. Make sure to always ask around and read reviews to help you make a better decision!
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