When you get your first trimester ultrasound, you will be able to see your baby’s heartbeat! Remember that it’s going to appear very fast when you see it for the first time, so don’t be alarmed, this is totally normal. You will see the baby’s length being measured from the top of the head to the end of the spine and this gives a very accurate age. Isn’t it amazing that all babies measure the same in the very early days. If you have your ultrasound around 12 weeks the  sonographer will also be able to measure the fluid at the back of baby’s head to determine whether or not your baby has a risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. It’s always good to be prepared. If you come in at the 12 week time frame any major abnormality can usually be ruled out as well.

The first ultrasound is a magical time for new parents, and most are surprised how developed the babies are at such an early stage. You won’t be able to find the sex of your child until the second trimester and your new addition may resemble a small bean on the screen (if you’re around 7 or 8 weeks), or a tiny little toddler (if you’re around 12 weeks). Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make an appointment for your second trimester while you’re there.

For more information about pregnancy scans contact us today:  at 01 210 0232 or visit us at www.ultrasound.ie

An ultrasound is an exciting opportunity to get a first glimpse of your new baby. Images created by traditional two-dimensional ultrasound technology cannot compare as a first portrait. Two-dimensional ultrasound produce black-and-white swirls and streaks for images, making it is very difficult in some settings, to identify the different bits of baby’s anatomy. In contrast, three-dimensional ultrasound (3D scan) creates a much more realistic and lifelike image. The ultrasound probe takes a number of images (which the sonographer might call ‘slices’ or ‘planes’), and the computer assembles them into a 3D image, complete with depth and surface details. 3D ultrasound is also color-enhanced, so you can see subtle surface details like facial features and fingers. Did you know that having a 3D ultrasound done is actually good for your relationship with your new little one? Well it is! Studies show that mums who have the 3D/4D ultrasound before birth bond better with their babies. Mums make that early and very important connection with their baby and they feel like they ‘know’ their baby better when he or she is born. The vast majority of the time, 3D ultrasound will introduce you to your baby and reassure you that he or she is healthy and developing just right. In very rare cases when there’s a problem, 3D ultrasound can help you understand just exactly what it is so that you can prepare in advance for any treatment that might be required. If your main concern is the overall health and well being of the baby we also have a more detailed scan service where we specifically look for any obvious abnormalities. This scan is done in 2D so that all babies organs can be assessed. You might have heard about a 4D ultrasound? What exactly is the difference? Instead of looking at single still images of your baby, like snapshots, 4D ultrasound assembles them into a time series—in other words, a video of your baby inside the womb. Depending on how active your baby is during the examination, you may be able to see the movement of your little one’s arms and legs—or even watch a yawn, blink, hiccup, or wiggle of the fingers. If you’ve been feeling a little anxious about the health of your baby—and what pregnant mum doesn’t?—seeing this can be extremely reassuring. Just as mums benefit from seeing their babies, so do dads and siblings. Many dads-to-be can feel disconnected to the ‘bump.’ A lifelike portrait, or even better, baby’s first video helps many dads and siblings feel a bigger part of this exciting event. Three-dimensional (3D Scan) and four-dimensional (4D Scan) ultrasounds can be a bit more complicated to perform, so it’s important to choose an ultrasound center with a strong track record of 3D and 4D ultrasound examinations.

Monica Healy References 1. Ji, E. K., Pretorius, D. H., Newton, R., Uyan, K., Hull, A. D., Hollenbach, K. & Nelson, T. R. 2005. Effects of ultrasound on maternal-fetal bonding: a comparison of two- and three-dimensional imaging. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 25 (5), pp. 473-7. 2. Timor-Tritsch, I. E. & Platt, L. D. 2002. Three-dimensional ultrasound experience in obstetrics. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol, 14 (6), pp. 569-75. 3. Johnson, D. D., Pretorius, D. H., Budorick, N. E., Jones, M. C., Lou, K. V., James, G. M. & Nelson, T. R. 2000. Fetal lip and primary palate: three-dimensional versus two-dimensional US. Radiology, 217 (1), pp. 236-9. 4. Chmait, R., Pretorius, D., Jones, M., Hull, A., James, G., Nelson, T. & Moore, T. 2002. Prenatal evaluation of facial clefts with two-dimensional and adjunctive three- dimensional ultrasonography: a prospective trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 187 (4), pp. 946-9.