Safety and Popularity of 3D Ultrasound

Ultrasound was first used for clinical diagnosis in 1942 by Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Dussik. Because it uses sound waves ultrasound has been safely used on pregnant women since early sixties . Extensive studies over 40 years have found that ultrasound has not been to cause any harm to mother or unborn baby. Reassurance is provided by researchers that multiple prenatal ultrasounds from the early stages of pregnancy have not any negative effects on the growth or development of the fetus. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is part of prenatal care today and it is widely accepted everywhere as safe for both mother and baby. The majority of American women have 1 to 3 ultrasound examinations during the course of a normal pregnancy. In France an average of more than 4 ultrasounds are done per pregnancy.

In 3D/4D ultrasound scanning exactly the same type and intensity of Ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning. In 1984 the first successful 3D ultrasound scan for obstetrics was developed in Japan, it compiled a series of 2-D slices into a 3-D picture. But it has really been in the last decade that advanced computer technology has made it possible to acquire, reconstruct, and display 3-D images quickly with high resolution.

When it comes to diagnostic application of ultrasound, 3D and 4D ultrasounds are not superior to 2D. There are some conditions not possible to diagnose with 3D/4D ultrasound views whereas 2D imaging would provide all the information needed. The diagnostic value of 3D ultrasound in non-obstetric imaging has been considered limited. However 3D ultrasound is the most advanced technology that can produce life-like images of the fetus that are as detailed as a photograph.
The natural desire of expecting parents to view and see their baby made 3D Ultrasound a popular tool for prenatal services. "There is no independent, confirmed evidence of harm from ultrasound, it probably is ethical to offer keepsake ultrasound to patients if there is no danger we can discern" says Joshua Copel, MD from Maternal-Fetal Medicine Section at Yale University School of Medicine.

The studies indicate the positive impact of 3D on maternal/paternal bonding with their developing baby. "3D Ultrasound is tremendously helpful for parents because they can see their baby as they will see their baby after birth, not in a represented slice, which for parents is hard to understand." Said Dr. Mohine, an obstetrician from Hamilton Health Sciences Centre who uses 3D technology for high-risk pregnancies.

Information from the researchers also suggest improvement in undesirable maternal behaviors such as cutting down on smoking and drinking after seeing baby's real pictures with 3D technology. It also facilitates compliance with medical advice, which improves health outcomes for the mother and child.
Parents who are dissatisfied with their medical ultrasound scan, citing reasons such as not learning baby's gender and no extra family time reserved by the sonographers, use parental 3D Ultrasound services in a more friendly atmosphere.

There is a increasing level of interest for parental ultrasounds not as a replacement of the medical ultrasound but to develop connection with their baby and get reassurance. To ensure safety and satisfaction of the expectant families, 3D ultrasounds should be performed by certified technicians in the second or third trimester.

UC Baby brings this practice to the parents with high quality settings and extra care to recommended professional standards which made the company leader in the 3D Ultrasound Services in Canada.

UC Baby's ultrasound service is dedicated to have quality time for families in a relaxing and comfortable environment. UC Baby's Live Broadcasting service gives families opportunity to share their unique 3D ultrasound experience with anyone in the world through simultaneous internet connection. Expectant families can also get the recordings on CDs, DVDs as well as UC Baby's Heartbeat Bears. To learn more about UC Baby's service and view sample pictures please visit www.ucbaby.ca or call 1-866-299-6533 to book your appointment at one of UC Baby's 16 locations.