Reviews and News on Ultrasound Machines

Because advances in technology have made ultrasound machines more affordable, a new industry has sprung up: the making of fetal keepsakes. These companies allow parents to purchase a photograph or video of their baby in utero as a keepsake. Companies who own equipment that can produce three-dimensional images are especially popular and sought after. These fetal keepsake images are far different products from the fuzzy snapshots doctors share when they are performing a diagnostic ultrasound. The exposure level is quite different as well: in the case of fetal keepsakes, ultrasound may be used for as long as an hour to capture the desired images.

The FDA considers the use of ultrasound for fetal keepsakes an unapproved use of a prescription medical device. First and foremost, ultrasound is intended to be used for diagnostic purposes. In the hands of a skilled technician working with a medical professional, an ultrasound can provide valuable information about a fetus, including diagnosing abnormalities that can be corrected even before the child is born. Secondly, ultrasound can also used to provide certain medical treatments. At higher levels, ultrasound can be used to help bone fractures heal and to treat sprained muscles. While there is no hard evidence that ultrasound can be harmful to a developing fetus, it makes sense to limit exposure to medically necessary scans.

Seeing your child’s face for the first time is an amazing experience, and since it is possible to see that face before the child is even born, it’s no wonder that some parents want to have that experience as soon as possible. While the risk of a fetal keepsake ultrasound may be minimal, no risk is worth taking unless there’s a potential benefit to be gained that is greater than the risk involved. In the case of seeing a developing face a few months early, the benefit doesn’t outweigh the risk, however small. It’s better to wait until the baby is born for that first real glimpse. After all, if you’re going to be a parent, you might as well start learning patience now.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: care medical, keepsake, medical, pregnancy, Ultrasound