3-D Ultrasound Technology Comes to Vegas
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Several months back, we told you about the new live 3-D ultrasound technology. It allows you to really see what your baby will look like. Now, that technology has found its way to Las Vegas.

Lisa Armijo is about to get her first good look at the twins she's carrying. She's doing it with the help of a live 3-D ultrasound.

At first, Dr. Joseph Adashek has trouble finding a good face shot. "Too many arms and legs. Twins is more of a challenge," comments Dr. Adashek. But moments later, "Now look at that!" The face is in full view. Dr. Adashek points out, "See the big cheeks and the mouth."

Not everyone makes a good candidate for the 3-D ultrasound. Dr. Adashek says, "The best thing is one baby with a lot of fluid and a lot of space between the face and the wall."

Lisa is amazed at what she saw. "I'm so shocked. It looked so normal," says Lisa. "I thought it would look squishier and not really able to tell like with a regular ultrasound but you can see really good facial features."

As neat as the pictures are, Dr. Adashek says 3-D is no replacement for the traditional ultrasound. "It's certainly not as good as a 2-dimensional machine which is 10 times better than this at picking up birth defects."

Despite that, Lisa is grateful for technology that's giving her a glimpse at her future family. "It's neat," shares Lisa. "The surprise is great, but it's also fun to use modern technology and see what they really look like."

Dr. Adashek says 30-34 weeks is the best time to get the live 3-D ultrasound. Before that, the skin is simply too transparent.

You can reach Dr. Joseph Adashek at Desert Perinatal Associates at (702) 341-6610.

The University of Nevada School of Medicine is also getting a 3-D machine and will have the technology available in their perinatology unit.