And Fetal Heart Rate Monitors?

I can't keep up!

I'm just going to post a portion of what The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wrote on its website (link will take you to the entire "consumer update" (article)):

"Fetal ultrasound imaging [2-D, 3-D & 4-D ultrasounds] provides real-time images of the fetus. Doppler fetal ultrasound heartbeat monitors are hand-held ultrasound devices that let you listen to the heartbeat of the fetus. Both are prescription devices designed to be used by trained health care professionals. They are not intended for over-the-counter (OTC) sale or use, and the FDA strongly discourages their use for creating fetal keepsake images and videos." It continues, “Proper use of ultrasound equipment pursuant to a prescription ensures that a woman will receive professional care that contributes to her health and to the health of her fetus.”


Now, what I find baffling is that this part was NOT reported. I sited two sources in a previous post that reported on the 3D/4D ultrasounds but nothing was mentioned regarding the fetal heart monitors! I found this out by going directly to the FDA website and searching 3D ultrasounds.

Ultrasound basics

What is the difference between 2-D, 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds? 

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. "In creating fetal keepsake videos, there is no control on how long a single imaging session will last, how many sessions will take place, or whether the ultrasound systems will be operated properly." (FDA)

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

FDA Warns Against 3D Ultrasounds

When I was pregnant with my son, I had a couple of complications and needed to have ultrasounds taken of him, to ensure he was well. My mother warned me against the use of 3D & 4D ultrasounds. She informed me she had heard on the news that those types of ultrasounds were not safe for a fetus. I never intended to purchase a 3D or 4D ultrasound. I knew I had to pay out of pocket and I didn't want to spend the extra money. I also thought the 2D ultrasounds I received at my doctors office were phenomenal! I could see my son and was thrilled, regardless of the prominence of his features, or not. I also had my own reservations about the use of 3D ultrasound. The technology is fairly new and I did not want to expose my son.

The following article, researched by CBS News, does not go into great detail about these machine types, but it does state that any type of ultrasound my heat tissue and can cause unwanted complications. It's more food for thought, I guess.

If you are thinking about getting a "keepsake" 3D fetal image, please read the following articles.

This article can be found on the Yahoo homepage (please click on the link) which then takes you to the CBS News website.

Sioux Land News also reported on the FDA's warning.


Take Care!

-km