HOUSTON – Ultrasound technology has been used for years to check on the health of unborn babies, and over the past ten years, that technology has gone from standard black and white two dimensional images, to multi-dimensional live action views inside the womb.
Diagnostic medical sonographer Lynn Hays has performed thousands of ultrasounds over the past eight years. She has seen the images on her screen change drastically, when 2D was the norm until around 2007.
"That is the black and white skeletal view. What is wonderful about that is it's very diagnostic. We can see the bones, we can see the organs, we can see the vascular system, the brain, the heart," said Hays.
Doctor's offices continue to utilize 2D ultrasound technology to see the organs and bones.
Then came 3D and 4D imaging, offering surface views of the baby, a popular option for elective ultrasounds to see the baby's developing features.
"You see the outside 3D is actually a still image, so it's frozen in time. When you switch over to 4D ultrasound, that's when it becomes live. It's real time," said Hays.
3D and 4D has been viewed as the best and most detailed way for expectant parents to see their babies in utero, until this year with the introduction of GE's HD Live ultrasound technology on a commercial level.
"The HD turns it into more of a flesh look and you actually can see the hair on the baby, you can see the fine details," said Hays.
HD Live uses a moveable light source combining 3D and 4D imaging, while also lighting up the baby to see clear, fine details like the lips of a little girl or shapes of toes.
Elective ultrasounds are not harmful to mom or baby, but do not take the place of ultrasounds at a doctor's office.
To get the best images, drink lots of water and schedule an appointment between 27 and 34 weeks. 4D HD packages start at around $100.