All About 3D Ultrasound

Whether you’re expecting your first child, adding a little brother or sister to the family, or just curious about advancements in medical technology, a lot of people have questions about 3D ultrasounds.  

With the help of Jackie Saunders, ultrasound supervisor at Women’s Care of Wisconsin, we’re here to answer some of the most common questions patients have surrounding 3D ultrasounds and learn a little bit more about why this technology is so beneficial for patients and doctors alike. 

With the help of Jackie Saunders, ultrasound supervisor at Women’s Care of Wisconsin, we’re here to answer some of the most common questions patients have surrounding 3D ultrasounds and learn a little bit more about why this technology is so beneficial for patients and doctors alike. 

With the help of Jackie Saunders, ultrasound supervisor at Women’s Care of Wisconsin, we’re here to answer some of the most common questions patients have surrounding 3D ultrasounds and learn a little bit more about why this technology is so beneficial for patients and doctors alike.

One common misconception you may have heard is that 3D ultrasounds are replacing 2D ultrasounds. This simply isn’t the case. Jackie explains that instead of replacing 2D technology, 3D technology works in adjunct with it.

“3D just gives us even more information than 2D,” Jackie says. “We build off of the 2D image, so it doesn’t go away, but 3D gives us more information for a better prenatal diagnosis.”

In order to better understand how this technology builds off of each other, we asked Jackie what the biggest difference is between 2D and 3D.

“The biggest difference, really, is how the image is acquired and displayed,” she explains.

While 2D uses just a single image or a single plane of information taken from various angles, 3D is multiplanar and rapidly acquired. This means 3D technology gives obstetricians a volume of information to work with, which makes it easier for them to identify potential health concerns.

And 4D ultrasound takes that 3D volume of information and puts it in continual motion, like a movie.

One of the most common questions we get from patients about about ultrasounds is whether or not they are safe for the mother and the baby.

Jackie reassures patients that “ultrasound is very, very safe in the hands of skilled sonographers and skilled physicians,” and that medical professionals have “very specific guidelines to follow ensuring patient safety.”

While a lot of soon-to-be mothers are excited to see their baby in 3D for the beautiful pictures, this technology does more than just produce realistic images.

“On our end, 3D technology has been so beneficial in allowing us to have  improved visualization of the developing fetus,” Jackie explains.

For example, in the case of a baby that might have a cleft lip or palate, 3D enhances the prenatal diagnosis. This information is beneficial for the surgeon who can now see the anomaly in-depth and in greater detail, for the pediatrician who is planning how best to care for the baby, and for the parents who now have extra time to prepare.

“The number one thing parents want to know is, ‘Is my baby okay?’” Jackie says. “3D ultrasound has revolutionized things for the obstetrician, so we can help answer that question.”

The uses for 3D ultrasound technology expand beyond pregnancy as well.

“3D in gynecology allows us to see uterine malformations, help specify ovarian masses and tumors, identify intrauterine devices (IUD’s) and their location and just provide us with more information for better diagnosis all around,” Jackie explains.

3D ultrasound technology also provides a unique and unforgettable bonding tool for soon-to-be mothers, fathers and even siblings.

“The 3D is just so clear!” Jackie tells us.

While the excitement of a mother and father seeing their baby for the first time is hard to beat, 3D ultrasounds are also emotionally beneficial for mothers who have previously miscarried or had pregnancy loss as well as for couples dealing with infertility.

“It’s just such a clear visual of the developing fetus that gives such relief to the family!” Jackie shares. “The clarity of 3D ultrasounds allows them to see exactly what is going on with their baby, offering an extra level of comfort and security.”

Jackie adds that the fetus does need to cooperate in positioning for a good 3D or 4D image.

“I just love to see moms and dads, especially first time parents, get so excited to see their baby,” Jackie tells us. “It’s so exciting and it never gets old for me.”

If you’re expecting and looking to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, please call or text us at 920.729.7105 or click here.

What You Need to Know About Subfertility

Deciding you are ready to add to your family—whether it is your first baby or maybe baby number two—is a big step for any couple. Then, your well-meaning friends and family tell you to “just relax and it will happen.” Unfortunately, now it has been a year of trying and it still hasn’t happened. It may feel like everyone else around you is getting their positive pregnancy tests, which can be a very devastating and isolating time for any couple.

First, let’s define subfertility: in a woman less than 35 years old, it is defined as failure to conceive after 12 months of regular intercourse. In a woman over 35, it is defined as failure to conceive after 6 months of regular intercourse. 15-20% of couples find out they are pregnant each month after regularly trying to conceive, and 80-85% of couples become pregnant after a year of trying. That leaves about one in five couples headed to their doctor for an evaluation of subfertility.

About 20% of subfertility is due to a problem with ovulation. A woman is likely ovulating if she gets regular periods. Other signs of ovulation are breast tenderness prior to a period, +LH surge, and a temperature spike on basal body temperature charting. If ovulation issues arise, medications can be given to help women ovulate. As we get older, our egg quality and quantity decline—there are blood tests that can determine egg quality and quantity.

Fallopian tubal damage accounts for about 15% of subfertility. Tubal damage can be caused by endometriosis, prior sexually transmitted infections, or pelvic adhesions. The fallopian tubes can be evaluated via different procedures. Male factor accounts for another 25% of subfertility. A semen analysis should be performed early in the evaluation of a subfertile couple.

Next, endometriosis and cervical factor each account for 6 % of subfertility. Some clues that a woman could have endometriosis are painful periods, pain days prior to a period, and pain with intercourse.

Finally, about 28% of couples are given the diagnosis of unexplained subfertility. This diagnosis is given after a thorough evaluation has been performed, but no cause has been found.

No matter the cause of a couple’s subfertility, there are treatment options that the fertility specialists at Women’s Care of Wisconsin can help with. Sometimes, a couple will get a positive pregnancy test with some education about timing of conception, medications to help a woman ovulate, or intrauterine insemination. Sometimes a couple needs a more specialized treatment plan with a fertility specialist (Reproductive Endocrinologist). No matter what your journey is to conceive a baby, Women’s Care of Wisconsin will be there every step of the way.

The physicians at Women's Care of Wisconsin are devoted to you and your health. That means having the most advanced techniques, up-to-date educational information and a compassionate, caring staff. Our providers offer a well-rounded approach to your OB/GYN care, one that meets both your physical and emotional needs throughout every phase of your life. We call it our Circle of Care.

Meet our providers and learn more about infertility, gynecology, pregnancy care, midwifery services, procedures and surgery, incontinence, osteoporosis, menopause management and more at www.womenscareofwi.com. Or call or text us at 920.729.7105.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month

Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and vulnerable times of a woman's life. Most of us have thought about pregnancy and how our pregnancy would go long before we were actually pregnant. Most of the time, everything goes just right. However, almost one in ten women deliver preterm (defined as less than 37 weeks). These babies miss out on the important growth and development that happens in the final weeks. Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality. Babies who survive can have health problems, both short- and long-term.

Some of the signs and symptoms of a preterm labor are:

• Contractions (the abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
• Pelvic pressure – the feeling that the baby is pushing down
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like a menstrual period
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

It is important to notify your doctor if you think you are experiencing preterm labor.

While we don’t understand all the reasons some babies are born too soon, we do know that some factors increase the risk of preterm birth: young or advanced age of the mother, cigarette or substance abuse, stress, depression, and carrying more than one baby. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, many of which are more common in African- American communities and threaten the health of pregnant women and their families.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified five proven strategies to reduce preterm births:

• Prevent unintended pregnancies and achieve an ideal length of time between pregnancies
• Provide women ages 18–44 years access to health care before and between pregnancies to help manage chronic conditions and modify other risk behaviors
• Identify women at risk for giving birth too early and offer effective treatments to prevent preterm birth
• Discourage deliveries before 39 weeks without a medical need
• When in vitro fertilization is used, elect to transfer just one embryo, as appropriate, to reduce multiple births.

As November is Prematurity Awareness Month, we invite everyone – future parents, pregnant women and everyone supporting them through their pregnancy, healthcare providers, public health professionals, and others – to learn about preterm birth and take action to prevent it.

The providers of Women’s Care of Wisconsin believe having a healthy pregnancy starts before a woman is pregnant. Healthy babies begin with healthy mothers. We promote a well-balanced lifestyle to our patients, which means preconception care, proper nutrition, routine exercise, a healthy, safe environment, as well as a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid. With good guidance, avoidable conditions that may have everlasting consequences may be prevented. We would love the privilege to take care of you and answer any questions you might have about pregnancy care or preterm deliveries. Call or text us at 920.729.7105 if you have any questions or concerns.

A Visionary Program 100 Years in the Making

 

On October 18, 2022, ThedaCare announced the creation of an Obstetrical Emergency Department (OB-ED) and Hospitalist Program. Through the program, set to begin in 2023, women who are more than 16 weeks pregnant would bypass the emergency department and go directly to an obstetrical triage area located in the Family Birth Center at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. This program will supplement the care of a woman’s OB provider; her doctor will continue to provide care in the facility. The program ensures a highly specialized doctor to be available to evaluate a woman immediately, without waiting for the patient’s doctor to arrive on site, or providing a consultation over-the-phone.  

“The OB-ED and Hospitalist Program can redefine the standard of women’s care in the hospital setting to help continue safe patient care,” said Dr. Eric Eberts, Department Chair of Obstetrics at ThedaCare. “Because a trained physician evaluates every patient, our goal is that expectant mothers can leave the hospital with peace of mind, focusing on the health and well-being of their family.” 

The creation of an OB-ED and Hospitalist Program is an important milestone in ThedaCare’s history. For 113 years, ThedaCare has proudly provided care for the people in Northeast and Central Wisconsin, and that opportunity was made possible more than a century ago when Theda Clark Peters directed a significant portion of her estate to be used to build a hospital in Neenah so that people in the community would have local access to medical care.

Before her sudden passing at age 32 in 1903, just three days after giving birth to her only child, Theda Clark Peters directed a significant portion of her estate to be used to build a hospital in Neenah so that people in the community would have local access to medical care. On October 18, 1909, the sixth birthday for Theda’s daughter, ThedaCare opened its first doors.

“ThedaCare is honored to continue the vision of the Theda Clark Peters and her family by providing care to patients and families, and empowering each person to live their unique, best life,” said Lynn Detterman, Senior Vice President of the ThedaCare South Region. “The creation of the OB-ED and Hospitalist Program can help ensure mothers and babies have the most up-to-date technology, and facilities designed with patients in mind to allow care teams to continue to offer the right care, in the right place.”

Dr. Eberts noted that the program aims to provide support for ThedaCare’s other hospitals, including those in rural communities.

“The OB-ED and hospitalist program can help ensure that expectant mothers continue to receive timely, specialized care for themselves and their babies,” said Dr. Eberts. “We will have providers with the patient, ready to step in to provide care and help improve outcomes and peace of mind.”

Learn more via NBC 26’s exclusive report, which includes Dr. Eberts’ special connection to Theda Clark Peters.