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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Yong Moma | Posted under Pregnancy
The Benefits Of A 3D Ultrasound
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In the late 1990s three dimensional ultrasounds began showing up on the market and in medical facilities. They work differently than the 2D in that they use thousands of the slices in a series that make the image look more life like. It's more impressive but it is also much more costly than 2D technology. For the 3D image to be clear the technician must have steady hand and be able to hold the transducer steady while the internal technology moves at a specific speed to capture the volume. Medically a 3D or 4D ultrasound are not required and usually provide more information for the parent then it does to the attending physician or midwife. However there are some noted benefits to this technology. 1. It allows some portions of the baby to be seen a lot clearer than with 2D technology especially at certain angles. For example cleft lip, spina bifida, and heart defects will show up much better and then decisions for treatment can be decided much earlier.2. It takes less time to perform because of the way the images are stored so it reduces the fetus's exposure.3. Increased bonding between mom and baby as well as dad and other siblings because the images are so realistic. Wondering how the procedure is actually done? It's really quite easy and it is painless. It starts with you showing up at the ultrasound lab with a full bladder. Having a full bladder helps to push bowel loops out of the way, and it will push the uterus higher making it easier to see the fetus especially in early stages. It will also move the uterus higher up To achieve that full bladder go to the washroom and empty your bladder a couple of hours before your appointment. Then drink at least four glasses of water in the hour before your appointment and do not go to the washroom again. Wear clothing that makes it easy to expose your belly so that you don't have to change into a gown. You'll be asked to lie on a bed. Once you are correctly positioned and the technician is ready to start the lights will be turned off so that the image is clear on the screen. The wand is smooth and is not painful but for the ultrasound wave to travel a conducting gel needs to be used. The probe is moved across your belly in a variety of directions and will some pressure but it's not painful. You need to lie still while the test is being conducted. When the technician is finished the gel will be wiped away and you will be free to go. It's a simple procedure. An ultrasound can reveal a lot about a pregnancy but they aren't the end all too every problem and do have some limitation. Accuracy depends on the quality of the equipment and the skill of the technician. Accuracy also depends on what stage your pregnancy is at. The stage will depend a great deal on what is revealed. At as early as 6 weeks an ultrasound will reveal the size of the baby and help determine the age of the fetus. Ultrasounds after 18 weeks show how the baby is lying and detect physical abnormalities such as a heart defect. It is not a tool that is used to reveal genetic problems although after 18 weeks it can pick up subtle signs that genetic testing should be done. Your ultrasound will also find where the placenta is and it can show what is causing bleeding during the pregnancy. The probe is what limits the ability of the scan. In the first half you can see the entire baby on the monitor often with arms or legs moving. During the last half of the pregnancy you can see hands, feet, and even facial features. Ultrasounds don't take that long to conduct. If you are having a detailed scan expect it to take 30 minutes to an hour. After the test the sinologist will file his or her report with either you the caregiver, the hospital, or a copy can be sent to your home. There are many reasons an ultrasound is used. The one scheduled for around 20 weeks will screen for any abnormalities. It will also be used to determine if you are pregnant, if you have an ectopic pregnancy, and if you were on fertility drugs where you stand now. If you are experiencing bleeding an ultrasound can detect what's going on. If you are pregnant you will need to determine what the problem is. It can be determined as young as 7 weeks. There are many problems that can be picked up on and since the original pieces have been recovered are still waiting for a new home, we got some great deals.. A 3D ultrasound is definitely worth experiencing. About The Author: Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At http://www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories. |
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