Fetal pictures are images of developing fetuses taken while the baby is still in the womb. These pictures are generally taken through the use of sonogram, or ultrasound, technology. Fetal pictures are used as a tool to check on fetal development, as well as for parents to see the first images of their unborn baby.
Ultrasound technology, which allows for fetal pictures, is a unique form of medical scanning. Instead of using electromagnetic radiation to capture an image, like an X-ray, sonograms use sound waves to do much the same job. An instrument called a transducer is placed over the stomach, where it emits sound at different frequencies. The organs and the fetus produce echoes when the sound waves hit, which are detected by the transducer and used as data to create fetal pictures.
Fetal pictures done through ultrasound are generally considered to be safe for pregnant women, since the process emits no radiation. Some medical experts caution, however, that pictures should be taken only for medically sound reasons and not for keepsakes or other purposes. Sound waves do contain energy that can be harmful to babies in some cases, and some research suggests a link between frequent ultrasounds and developmental disabilities. Taking additional pictures for non-medical reasons may be illegal in some regions, and elective sonograms are usually not covered by insurance plans.
For medical purposes, sonograms may be taken every few months during a pregnancy, or at least once in each trimester. Babies that show signs of physical developmental issues may be monitored more often, to help keep doctors informed about the progression of the condition. In the first trimester, a fetal picture can help reveal how far the pregnancy has progressed, if there are multiple fetuses, and identify some potential developmental issues, such as Down's Syndrome. During the second trimester, pictures may be taken to monitor the growth and position of both the fetus and the mother's organs. Third trimester ultrasounds can help give doctors an idea of late development and whether the baby is positioning itself correctly for birth.
Most diagnostic fetal pictures are done using a two-dimensional image projection, but three-dimensional scanning is also possible. This is done through altering the angle of the sound waves to produce a picture that includes depth. Three-dimensional fetal pictures can help produce clearer images of the entire fetus, which may be useful in identifying any developing problems. It may also be easier to identify the sex of the fetus through this technique.
