When a woman learns that she is pregnant, she might take a few initial steps, including sharing the news with her loved ones, creating a plan, and talking with her doctor.
The ultrasound machine has existed as part of a woman’s childbearing journey, but not many know of how the device came to be. Let’s discuss a brief history of ultrasound used for pregnancy worldwide.
How It Began
The ultrasound machine was created by obstetricians Ian Donald and John MacVicar and engineer Tom Brown to detect manufactural issues in welds in the early 1950s.
The machine was primarily applied in many industrial factories until approximately 1955, when the husband of one of Donald’s patients allowed them to test if the device could detect tissue samples. The early version of the machine displayed dark shadows with white lines indicating the uterus and placenta, bringing birth to what would become the ultrasound.
The 1960s
After years of researching and perfecting, the machine began entering hospitals where midwives and expectant mothers could participate in early scans. Many people were shocked that they could see the baby before it was born. It was revealing how quickly the ultrasound would develop from there.
Development of Technology
Throughout the 70s and 80s, the ultrasound transformed into a basic scanner that enabled the patient to see the fetus in a machine that used three-dimensional technology to detect movement in the abdomen. The 3D scanning technology was created by Kazunori Baba from the University of Tokyo.
The Revolution
Since early development, the ultrasound machine has undergone many changes to reflect the newest technology available. Today, Real-Time 3D (also called 4D) can display fetus’ movements, heartbeats, and a real-time video of the baby.
This clinically studied technology has paved the way in the medical industry for more advancement in sonogram technology.
Benefits of Ultrasound Machines
Ultrasound machines help women pre-develop a strong bond with their child with the help of the 4D moving sequence. All hospitals should have an ultrasound to enable their patients to experience the now-basic must-haves of maternal care.
However, you don’t have to buy a brand-new machine to provide care to your expecting patients; purchasing refurbished ultrasound machines gives you the ability to work with high-quality technology for a fraction of the price.
Learning the history of ultrasound used for pregnancy gives you a better understanding of how these machines work and how to use it to benefit your patients.