December 3rd, 2010 • Posted by Becoming Mom • Permalink
Having a 3D Ultrasound
during your pregnancy is one of the most exciting moments of the journey.
Words cannot describe the joy a new mom feels when she sees her baby’s face for
the first time. Years ago, women had to wait 40 long weeks for that incredible
moment. Now, we are able to offer remarkable images of your baby developing and
a way for parents to experience the excitement of seeing detailed images of the
baby throughout the journey!
There are many factors that
effect what kinds of pictures you will get -- Most of these factors are outside
of our control (remember they still are in the womb!). The sonographer
might move you around to try and obtain different angles but the position of
the baby, fluid level, and the density of the tissue we scan though all impact
the picture quality. Here are some things I tell our clients to consider
before having a 3D / 4D ultrasound and ways to help get the best pictures
possible:
1. Know who is scanning you! -- Believe it or not, in many
states (including Ohio) you do NOT have to have ANY medical training to
perform ultrasounds. When choosing an elective facility be sure to ask
what type of education and training the technicians
receive. Becoming Mom is the only elective Cincinnati area 3D
Ultrasound facility that employs sonographers who have gone
through an independent and accredited multi-year program in medical ultrasound
and also have extensive experience in OB/GYN scanning.
This allows us to provide you with both peace of mind and reliable imaging.
Ask if the person performing your ultrasound is
RDMS Certified (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) ...
a nurse or someone that has been trained for a few weeks to take baby pictures
is NOT the same thing and has not received the extensive training required to
know what it is they are looking at on an ultrasound!
2. When to do an ultrasound--This is a very common question and
there are a few different things to consider when picking a time to do an
ultrasound.
Gender can be accurately after 17 weeks. At this time you
can see more of your baby and the amazing development already underway.
Between 24-26 weeks facial features are becoming more
defined. If you are having multiples this is also a good time to capture
3D pictures of the babies.
If you are only going to have one elective ultrasound, between
27-32 weeks is the BEST TIME. The baby has had time to build up body fat, but
still has room to move around.
Between 33-37 weeks is also a great time, if baby will
cooperate. Because the baby is getting larger and may start to drop… getting
the desired facial pictures becomes a little more challenging.
3. Drink plenty of fluids-- Drink plenty of water in the
DAYS leading up to your ultrasound. This will increase your amniotic
fluid level which helps with the picture quality.
4. Eat before your appointment-- Try to have something
light to eat (sandwich, salad, small bowl of pasta, etc.) about 45 minutes to
an hour before your appointment. This will get the baby a little more
active.
5. Have a glass of fruit juice-- Drinking a glass of
orange juice, apple juice, etc. will also help get the baby more active.
Juice works better than soda. The caffeine in the soda does get the baby
active, but has a negative affect on fluid levels. Natural sugars in
juice create a longer active period, which is ideal. Try to have a glass
about 30 minutes before your appointment.
6. Wear loose clothing.-- You will need to have your pants
slightly below your hips during the ultrasound. Make sure they are comfortable
at that position, since ultrasounds can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Most importantly enjoy this special experience!
Ally Osborne, Assistant Manager
