At 21 weeks into her pregnancy, Nicole Babick-Akishin was able to see detailed images of her baby’s eyes and nose. She saw these facial features during an ultrasound exam at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, using Good Sam’s recently added 3D ultrasound equipment.
“He looks like a little human being,” said Babick-Akishin, who had a traditional ultrasound done when she was pregnant with her 3-year-old son. While the traditional ultrasound revealed good profile images, Babick-Akishin said 3D gave her good views of her baby’s face and arms.
Samaritan Albany General Hospital and Samaritan Valley Imaging Center in
North Albany also offer 3D ultrasound; and its largest benefit is for pregnant women, according to Jennifer Ringwald, ultrasound coordinator at Good Sam.
“We offer this service with the 20-week ultrasound exam and any follow-up
OB exam,” Ringwald said. “We try to get a few 3D pictures at the end of the exam for the parents.”
Babick-Akishin, for one, loved that service. “It was really cool to have those pictures available.”
Ringwald said the machine also offers 4D views, which include motion, which makes it easier for patients who can’t see the images very well. “Once the baby starts moving, they can see the image more easily.”