Fetal ultrasounds have gone high tech. Gone are the days of cheesy black and white printouts of an undistinguished blob. Today's fetal ultrasounds come in stunning 3D with amazing detail. Count all ten toes or compare baby's button nose to his dad's. The new 4D ultrasound takes 3D to the next step showing clear, full motion images of the baby long before birth.

This technology has spawned an industry that caters to expectant parents. Some of the benefits touted include better and earlier bonding with the baby. Companies claim that stronger pre-birth bonds result in better prenatal care and healthier babies.

The 3D images are rendered by sophisticated software that compiles many 2D images together. The wow factor is upped even more when the technician actually rotates an image showing the baby from several different views. Even more exciting is when the technician switches to 4D. The software works in the background to bring live motion three dimensional images to the screen. This addition of motion is considered the fourth dimension. Expectant parents can watch their unborn child kick or suck their thumb in full motion 3D as it happens.

Companies offer many different ultrasound packages including color photos in varying sizes, gender determination, video or DVD of the ultrasound set to music and announcement cards. Some keepsake ultrasound companies even allow additional guests to view the ultrasound in a separate theatre or studio as it's being performed.

For determining gender, an ultrasound can be done as early as seventeen weeks. However, between twenty eight and thirty two weeks is the optimal time to schedule a 3D ultrasound. This is the time when the fetus begins to look more baby like and before it moves downward into the birth canal in preparation for birth. When in this downright position, the face will likely be blocked from view.

While diagnostic ultrasounds have been in use for over thirty years and are generally considered safe during pregnancy, the FDA does not endorse their use for entertainment purposes. The FDA regulates the use of ultrasound and sets the standard for energy levels used during fetal ultrasounds. The FDA is concerned that commercial establishments using ultrasounds for keepsake videos and images might use the equipment at higher energy levels and for longer durations than considered safe for the fetus. The FDA considers the use of ultrasound equipment for keepsake imagery as an unapproved use of a medical device. Those using a diagnostic prescription device without a doctor's prescription could be in violation of local or state laws regulating the use of prescription medical devices.

The fetal photography industry is well aware of the FDA's position on the use of ultrasounds for non-medical uses and most companies address this issue with their customers by answering their questions and having them sign a waiver.

Using a commercial ultrasound company can cost anywhere from $99 to well over $300 depending on the package desired. These ultrasounds do not take the place of the diagnostic ultrasound the OB/GYN performs in their office between seventeen and twenty weeks and elective ultrasounds are typically not covered by medical insurance.

For those considering splurging on a commercial 3D or 4D ultrasound, the best expert to talk to is their own OB/GYN. The OB/GYN can answer any questions about ultrasound safety and may even have 3D abilities of their own. In addition they might have a list of reputable companies that meet their own high standards.

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