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To: Varda
She told me that ultra-sound can damage cells and is the same technology used to break up kidney stones.

I suppose that's possible, at least to some extent. My wife had the same concerns. But that probably has to do with the energy and type of radiation. I'm sure GE's legal department has looked into it.

11 posted on 10/02/2002 5:20:04 AM PDT by Aquinasfan
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Ultra-Fancy Ultrasound Technology
Jul. 6, 2001

(CBS)  The ultrasound procedure is a familiar one for mothers-to-be. It checks the baby's progress inside the womb.

But the images created by new ultrasound technology are remarkably different from what you may be used to. They are so detailed you can count the fingers and toes, and even see an unborn infant yawn.

It's called "4D" technology. The fourth dimension is time--a high-speed computer enhancement of ultrasound scans that creates a live picture of life before birth.

"This is adding a new dimension, you are able to see the surface features of the baby much more clearly; you are able to diagnose abnormalities like cleft lip and palate much more easily," says Dr. Stuart Campbell, an obstetrician. [What's that about? Not aborting them I hope.]

Doctors say mothers who see their babies this early are more likely to give up smoking and drinking and watch their diets [and, oh yeah, killing their babies].

"Seeing it on this you can actually--you feel like you can see around the edges of the face--so, yeah, it definitely gave it more of a human feature," says expectant mother Lucy Jones.

More than satisfying curiosity or reassuring parents, there's potential in this technology for a range of medical benefits, even life-saving treatment. It may help doctors diagnose heart problems and perform precision biopsies.

But the sensation it's causing right now is in the obstetrician's office. [Not for long.]

"Previously, when we had the earlier scans they were much more medical--sort of just measuring limbs and all that sort of stuff. But this time actually, you really feel as if you sort of can really bond with the baby," says expectant father Simon Jones.

Two months before birth, parents can already say: "Gee honey, he looks a lot like you."

12 posted on 10/02/2002 5:28:40 AM PDT by Aquinasfan
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To: Aquinasfan
I'm wondering if, some day, a child will remember being in the womb, and "hearing this gawd-awful, high-pitched whining sound that drove me absolutely nuts!".
18 posted on 10/02/2002 6:06:57 AM PDT by MrB
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