SAN ANTONIO – With a squirt of gel on her pregnant belly and wave of the sonographer's wand, Christina Machado and Miles DeLeon get a sneak peek at their son sucking his tiny thumb.
The 3D and 4D sonogram shows his face and fingers in startling detail. The technology gives parents-to-be a window into the womb.
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"I don't even know how to describe it," Machado said. "I just fall in love with him even more."
The room at BabyVision Ultrasound is spa-like, with a couch for guests and a giant screen for viewing the real-time images.
"When people come in here, they can get the broad family experience. They can bring up to 10 people with them," said owner Brian Salmon.
His business is one of a several in San Antonio that offer elective ultrasounds.
"We don't see people if they are not seeing a physician," Salmon said, adding they make it clear their services do not replace the mother's doctor's sonogram.
He said what they offer is limited diagnostics, a bonding experience and an opportunity to purchase photographs and video of the session.
The basic package runs $175.
While the pre-natal ultrasound industry is booming, it is not without controversy and warnings.
The FDA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly discourage using a medical device for entertainment purposes.
"This is unethical because patients can be given false reassurance that everything is okay with the baby," said Dr. Margaret Kelley, a southside ob-gyn. "Patients walk into these facilities many times thinking this is equal to a medical ultrasound screening."
Of particular concern, according to Kelley, is the qualifications of the sonographer. She said women patronizing ultrasound businesses should ask thorough questions.
"What training (do) they have? If they do have medical background, to ask the question, 'What if something is seen abnormal in the anatomy, will you tell me? Will you notify my doctor?'" Kelley said.
At BabyVision Ultrasound, Salmon said they follow a protocol. If they see anything that stands out to them, they call the facility's medical director, a longtime ob-gyn.
"He'll take a look. He'll call their doctor and they can speak first," Salmon said. "We do not tell the patients anything. It's not our place to tell them, but it is our place to help out if we can."
As for safety, fetal ultrasounds are considered when done properly, according to the FDA.
The technology uses sound waves, not ionizing radiation.
The sound waves can cause tissue to heat. And although there is no evidence of harm to a fetus, the FDA says the longterm effects of lengthy or repeated sessions is unknown.
"In my career, I've never seen anyone get hurt from using ultrasound," Salmon said.
He also encourages parents to ask questions about the qualifications of the sonographer and the medical director.
Under Texas laws, the prescription ultrasound imaging machines can only be used under the supervision and order of a physician. In turn, doctors are to approve ultrasounds only for medical or diagnostic purposes.
As for Machado, she said she had no concerns having an elective ultrasound.
" I feel him every day," she said. "And then to actually see what I'm feeling, it's just, brought a tear to my eye."