New Parents Get First Portrait of Babies at HVHC

From the Hudson Valley Hospital Center: Your grandmother’s first portrait was likely on a bear skin rug. Yours may have been at the local photo studio. Today’s parents can have a real, honest-to-goodness baby portrait even before their sons or daughter’s are born.

Unlike the fuzzy ultra-sound shots of a few years back that look more like a blob than a baby, images produced by the hospital’s new 3D-4D ultrasound equipment are so precise that parents can tell whether their child has grandma’s high cheek bones or dad’s nose. The new technology has given rise to a flurry of companies who charge more than $100 for photo packages complete with CD-Roms of the entire photo session set to lullaby music. Some even have viewing rooms so the entire family can come and meet the new arrival for the first time.

“At Hudson Valley Hospital Center our new 3D-4D Ultrasound equipment is used for diagnostic purposes, but we do offer parents a CD of their babies’ images, plus printouts free of charge as part of the testing,” said Kathy Kiernan, Administrative Director of Radiology at Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

 “Obviously, physicians are more interested in the diagnostic benefits of having such precise images and that is the primary reason, in addition to our highly experienced technicians, that they send their patients here.’’

Hudson Valley Hospital Center is one of the few hospitals in the area to offer this technology. Other than crystal-clear baby pictures, the technology can help physicians to better diagnose physical abnormalities such as facial abnormalities or club feet

Expecting parents who want to find out more about 3D/4D technology can call the Hospital’s radiology department at 914-734-3674 or visit www.hvhc.org.