According to Medical
News Today (medical news website):
"An ultrasound scan, also referred to as a sonogram,
diagnostic sonography, and ultrasonography, is a device that uses high
frequency sound waves to create an image of some part of the inside of the
body, such as the stomach, liver, heart, tendons, muscles, joints and blood
vessels. Experts say that as sound waves, rather than radiation are used,
ultrasound scans are safe*. Obstetric sonography is frequently used
to check the baby in the womb.
* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against prolonged
exposure when using ultrasounds. Specifically stating, "Ultrasound can heat tissues slightly, and in some
cases, it can also produce very small bubbles (cavitation) in some
tissues. The statement
continues, "The long-term effects of tissue heating and cavitation are not
known. Therefore, ultrasound scans should be done only when there is a medical
need."
In my research I found there to be a discrepancy in the
maximum amount of time a mother should be exposed to ultrasound, sound waves.
The time ranged from 10-20 minutes. The FDA particularly warns about 3D and
4D ultrasounds because some technicians, many of which are not OBGYN's,
may go over in time and expose the mother and fetus as long as an hour. "
So that's that, now here are the basics (finally!)
2-D Ultrasounds:
*Images are black and white
*You can often see streaks on the ultrasound
*Ultrasound can appear blurry
*May be difficult to interpret
*FDA warns against prolonged exposure - Specifically addressing 3D/4D ultrasounds
*These are often covered by insurance
3-D Ultrasound:
*Series of fetus images are combined to create depth and a "life-like" ultrasound of the fetus
*You can often see the facial, body features of the fetus more clearly
*May be easier to determine the sex of the fetus
*FDA Warns of prolonged exposure - Specifically addressing 3D/4D ultrasounds
*Often an out of pocket cost
*Most medical offices don't offer this feature
4-D or Dynamic 3-D Ultrasound:
* 4-D Ultrasounds are 3-D Ultrasound images that have been given motion, resulting in "motion" of the fetus.
*You can often see the facial, body features of the fetus more clearly
*May be easier to determine the sex of the fetus
*FDA Warns of prolonged exposure -Specifically addressing 3D/4D ultrasounds
*Often an out of pocket cost
*Most medical offices don't offer this feature
If you would like to know more about ultrasound imaging, please click on this link.
You will be taken to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) site.
Take care!
-km
Sources:
www.fda.gov
http://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/ultrasound/
http://www.seebaby.org/helpful-information/gee-whiz/2d-3d-4d-whats-the-difference
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245491.php