Elective Ultrasound

Elective ultrasound techniques produce exceptionally clear three- and four-dimensional images and videos of an unborn baby. Expert sonographer Joyce Morris, RVT, and her colleagues at JerBear Imaging in Brownwood, Texas, offer state-of-the-art 3D and 4D ultrasounds for expectant parents. The two-dimensional images traditional pregnancy ultrasound produces are often hard for parents to interpret, but 3D and 4D images are crystal clear, providing a valuable keepsake. Call JerBear Imaging for further details or request an elective ultrasound online today.

What is an elective ultrasound?

Ultrasound scans create images of your internal organs, tissues, and fluids using high-frequency sound waves. An elective ultrasound is one that isn’t necessary for medical reasons.

The most common use of elective ultrasound is for expectant parents, who can choose to have a keepsake image or video of their unborn child.

Expectant parents may opt for elective ultrasounds to help them bond with their developing baby and reassure themselves that all is well. However, 2D diagnostic medical ultrasounds are still vital for monitoring pregnancy, evaluating fetal development, and detecting abnormalities.

What technology do elective ultrasounds use?

The technology used in elective ultrasound is based on the standard two-dimensional (2D) medical images you see at your OB/GYN-managed pregnancy scans.

High-frequency sound waves travel from a transducer (handheld device) into your tissues through a special slippery gel applied to your skin. The transducer relays the sounds echoing back to a computer program that uses them to produce an image on a monitor.

Elective ultrasounds are typically three- or four-dimensional (3D/4D). 3D ultrasound combines numerous images taken from different angles to create a detailed, three-dimensional photo of your baby. 4D ultrasound combines a series of 3D ultrasounds to produce video footage.

During a 3D/4D elective ultrasound, you see details of your baby’s features, like their nose, mouth, cheeks, fingers, toes, and hair, on a television screen. You might see the fetus moving, yawning, or sucking their thumb.

What happens at an elective ultrasound?

JerBear Imaging usually performs elective ultrasounds after 14 weeks of pregnancy. Before your procedure, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This ensures the baby has plenty of amniotic fluid around it, which makes it easier for the ultrasound device to capture clear images.

Joyce asks you to lie on a comfortable treatment table and move your clothing away from your abdomen. She puts a water-based gel on your skin that helps to conduct sound waves to and from the transducer.

An elective ultrasound will likely take between 30 and 60 minutes. Afterward, you can carry on with your day’s activities as usual and can share the images of your unborn child with family and friends.

Call JerBear Imaging or request an appointment online today if you’d like to arrange an elective ultrasound.