Fetal images are taken through ultrasound technology to monitor fetal development and give parents a first look at their unborn child. Ultrasound emits sound waves to create images and is generally safe for pregnant women, but caution should be taken to avoid non-medical reasons. Diagnostic fetal imaging is done using two-dimensional image projection, but three-dimensional scanning is also possible for clearer images.
Fetal images are pictures of developing fetuses taken while the baby is still in the womb. These images are usually taken through the use of ultrasound or ultrasound technology. Fetal images are used as a tool to monitor fetal development, as well as for parents to see the first images of their unborn child.
Ultrasound technology, which allows you to obtain fetal images, is a unique form of medical scanning. Instead of using electromagnetic radiation to capture an image, like an X-ray, sonograms use sound waves to do much the same job. An instrument called a transducer is placed over the stomach, where it emits sounds at different frequencies. The organs and fetus produce echoes when sound waves hit, which are picked up by the transducer and used as data to create fetal images.
Fetal imaging done via ultrasound is generally considered safe for pregnant women, as the process does not emit radiation. Some medical experts caution, however, that images should only be taken for medical reasons and not for souvenirs or other purposes. Sound waves contain energy that can be harmful to babies in some cases, and some research suggests a link between frequent ultrasounds and developmental disabilities. Taking additional photos for non-medical reasons may be illegal in some regions, and elective ultrasounds are usually not covered by insurance plans.
For medical purposes, ultrasound scans may be taken every few months during a pregnancy, or at least once in each trimester. Children who show signs of physical development problems may be monitored more often, to help keep doctors informed about the progression of the condition. In the first trimester, a fetal image can help reveal how far the pregnancy has progressed, whether there are multiple fetuses, and identify some potential developmental problems, such as Down syndrome. During the second trimester, photos may be taken to monitor the growth and position of both the fetus and the mother’s organs. Third trimester ultrasounds can help give doctors insight into late development and whether the baby is positioning correctly for birth.
Most diagnostic fetal imaging is done using a two-dimensional image projection, but three-dimensional scanning is also possible. This is done by altering the angle of the sound waves to produce an image that includes depth. Three-dimensional fetal images can help produce clearer images of the entire fetus, which can be helpful in identifying any developing problems. It may also be easier to identify the sex of the fetus using this technique.
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