Have you ever wanted to check in on the bun in your oven on the go — or at least from the comfort of your own home? There's an app for that. No really. There is.
Named the mobiUS, the smart-phone based imaging device isn't actually intended to be used by parents on their own. It was developed for medical professionals to use, especially in countries where large swaths of the population don't have access to modern medical equipment or for emergency responders. But we think it's an interesting peek into a possible future of medical apps like this for personal use.
The other catch is that the unit only hooks to one specific phone that's already two years old. You can check out more details on the model of phone needed over at OhGizmo and from the product's makers, MobiSante.
(Image: MobiSante)
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My understanding is that doctors do not recommend "entertainment" ultrasounds (i.e. ones not prescribed by a physician). Although there is no evidence that ultrasound technology harms a fetus in any way, it's best not to expose one to any medical procedure that is not warranted. I have to admit this is pretty cool but only as intended--to give medical information to those who need it most.
Agree with nellymom. Also - and I'm not sure if other parents felt this - I couldn't make heads or tails of any of my ultrasounds. A little blip here, some dark patches over there.. didn't look much like a baby to me! I wouldn't know what I was looking for if I performed an ultrasound on myself.
I think the article makes it clear that this is for medical use. Especially since it only works with a specific type of phone. A lot of doctors warn against at-home things like this because it causes a lot of unnecessary worry when someone, as mentioned above, doesn't know what they're looking at or for and panic for no reason.
I think it's an awesome tool for doctor's offices.
I like how you left out it's also almost a cool 8 grand! Lets see how many over the top mommies to be try to scoop that one up!
Just like others said, I'd stay clear of the recreational ultrasounds. I can wait the few months for the baby to come, I don't have to peek in on him every few minutes (you sure feel them enough to know they're ok!)
As for at the doctor, maybe its just me but on an ipad or something a little more "office only" feeling maybe but if my doc whipped out her iphone, minimized her text messages and plugged in an ultrasound wand I'd be a little skeeved out. Personal phones are just that, personal, so I wouldn't be that cool with my doc using her phone to show me my baby.
Cool device for medical professionals working in reduced circumstances.
But sonograms should be kept to a minimum. They are linked to some minor issues in fetal development but have never been rigorously studied and where are not studied in depth for use in pregnancy. We do know that a fetus does not like it.
I love so see how many other mamas agree with me on this!!!! I get so much backlash from friends on FB and baby forums for letting people know ultrasounds are not proven safe. I don't think all these "ultrasound stores" should be legal at all, and now this kind of crap comes on the market. I can see how it could be VERY useful for professionals who attend homebirths, or for paramedics to use in emergencies, but it is seriously pathetic for this to be available to the public.
Just think how useful this will be in developing countries with no formal ultrasound labs. Doctors will be able to use this in any regular clinic! Very exciting!!!
While I understand why it was developed and that is an awesome reason, it is going to be hard to keep them out of the hands of the more fortunate who want to indulge themselves in a little home peeking. Everyone knows that for the right price anyone can buy anything...
I agree with ConnieK.
While I understand the concept of medical staff using this device in reduced circumstances in impoverished countries, I predict that some wealthier folks will purchase it for home use. We live in a microwave, instant gratification sort of society and this is just too sweet a toy to be left to the professionals.
Having said that, I also agree that ultrasounds should held to a minimum during pregnancy.
Have any of you ever lost a child in the womb? At full term? And not a soul can tell you why? Well I have and let me just say this: If this were available to the general public, my "over-the-top" self wouldn't so much as flinch to spend a cool $8,000 on this machine just so I would NEVER have to go through that again. And I don't have that kind of money lying around, either. I'm pregnant again now and let's just say the fear and anxiety is unimaginable.
Ultrasound waves in moderation have never been proven to have a negative effect on a fetus... that's why all doctors use them in their offices.
For some mothers, ultrasounds aren't for entertainment... they're to prove that your baby is free from disorders and that he or she still has a heartbeat. It's only after I see what I need to see on an ultrasound that I can breathe easy... for the next few minutes anyway. Then it's back to fear again.
Before anyone is so quick to judge, you should think about the mothers who aren't so fortunate. You know... the ones that never get to take their babies home from the hospital.