The medical field has evolved significantly for delivering quality healthcare services to patients. New technologies like CT scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound imaging produce accurate results, enabling medical practitioners to provide better treatment to their patients. Ultrasound imaging has several applications that help medicos evaluate, diagnose and deal with medical conditions.
Let’s explore ultrasound imaging technology in detail and how it aids obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYN) to take care of pregnant women.
Ultrasound Imaging Technique
The first use of ultrasonic waves as a diagnostic tool dates back to 1942 when neurologist Karl Dussik transmitted an ultrasound beam through the human skull in attempts of detecting brain tumors. Ultrasound became important during pregnancy since the mid-1950s and went through extensive development over the years. By the end of the 20th century, ultrasound became synonymous with pregnancy and its related conditions. From viewing the fetus in pregnancy to monitoring the fetus’ heartbeat, ultrasound has found multiple uses to bring mothers closer to their baby.
Ultrasound or sonography is performed using a transducer (probe) that is placed directly on the skin or inside a body opening. A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to ensure smooth transmission of the ultrasound waves from the transducer. Since there is no ionizing radiation exposure in the ultrasound, it poses no risks to the human body and is extremely safe to perform. It is one of the factors that make it suitable for pregnancy scans.
3D 4D Ultrasound Imaging
Pregnancy is a memorable period in a pregnant woman’s life since it let her experience the feeling of nurturing a fetus inside the womb for 40 weeks and eventually giving birth to the baby. Ultrasound scans are beneficial during pregnancy as they reveal beautiful details about the tiny soul living inside the womb. The 3D 4D ultrasound imaging has overtaken the black-and-white, blurry images produced in 2D ultrasound. Through the 3D ultrasound, it is possible to visualize the facial features, fingers, toes of the fetus. 4D ultrasound is nothing but a 3D ultrasound in motion. It produces real-time images of the baby inside the womb thus making it easy to identify the baby in motion, performing actions. The 3D 4D ultrasound technology also enables the doctors/technicians to detect any placental and fetal abnormalities.
The technology has received an overwhelming reception from pregnant women and their families. It has added a new meaning to the excitement and joy of conceiving a baby by producing life-like images that connect the mother to her little bundle of joy like never before. With the ultrasound technology becoming an indispensable part of maternity, couples expecting a baby can make priceless memories while undergoing sonography.
Contact Mommy and Me, the best ultrasound clinic in San Diego.