a.k.a. Rorschach test or creepy gummy bears.
When it comes to ultrasounds, you have two basic choices. You can either go 2D or 3D. To the left is an example of what they look like. Not only is it what they look like, it is exactly what you will see.
For those who do not know, the Rorschach test is basically a bunch of ink blots psychiatrists use to see how crazy you are. The brain behind this test belonged to Hermann Rorschach. He developed a series of ten cards. Each card has a blot of some sort that leads you toward a certain psychological profile. For instance: Take a look at these inkblots and see what you see.
Going clockwise from the upper left corner, I see two gnomes doing the Kid 'n play dance, a giant viking sitting down with his helmet between his feet, two butlers fighting over a gift basket, and two dumbo elephants attacking a headless robed figure.
Typically, people see (in the same order) two humans and blood, an animal hide, two humans interacting, and a bat or moth.
So, what that means, psychologically speaking, is that I should not be allowed in public. I am actually quite okay with that.
Typically, people see (in the same order) two humans and blood, an animal hide, two humans interacting, and a bat or moth.
So, what that means, psychologically speaking, is that I should not be allowed in public. I am actually quite okay with that.
Now let us look at some actual ultrasounds. Here we have a baby face. I only say that because it has the word "face" typed on it. all I see is two blobs and a bloop. I think there is a spine in there as well. Many a man has been ridiculed for not being able to see what goes on in these things. Well, if you are so good, look at the next one.
So, you think you are hot stuff, huh? Tell me where the baby is in this one. Do you see it? Do you see a baby? Are you pointing at the giant face? Is that what you see? Well, that is not a face. You think it is a face, you ultrasound reading genius, but it is not.
There is a baby in this picture. Actually, there are millions of babies in this picture. Don't think that is possible? It is. This is an ultrasound of a man's testicle. But for a moment you saw something and felt smart. Now that I tricked you, you know how the rest of us feel when you point out how awesome you are at seeing these inkblots.
Okay, simmer down now. Let's look at an easy one to make everyone feel better.
There is a baby in this picture. Actually, there are millions of babies in this picture. Don't think that is possible? It is. This is an ultrasound of a man's testicle. But for a moment you saw something and felt smart. Now that I tricked you, you know how the rest of us feel when you point out how awesome you are at seeing these inkblots.
Okay, simmer down now. Let's look at an easy one to make everyone feel better.
No seriously, try this one.
This is little Hubigail at thirteen weeks. This one is actually pretty clear. If you can't see it, Hubi is just chillin' legs crossed and leaning back head on hands. If you can't see that, look at the bigger picture and see if you can find E.T.
Ultrasounds have come a long way over the years. The images are more definite. The first we got at five weeks was horrible. There was a black dot that we named spot. The place we regularly go has very old equipment. It is next to worthless. But the staff is very good at what they do and make it work. But other places have more money and can afford the good stuff. That is where we went for this one. But, it gets better.
Ultrasounds have come a long way over the years. The images are more definite. The first we got at five weeks was horrible. There was a black dot that we named spot. The place we regularly go has very old equipment. It is next to worthless. But the staff is very good at what they do and make it work. But other places have more money and can afford the good stuff. That is where we went for this one. But, it gets better.
3D ultrasounds are all the rage with the kids these days. The advantage of this is that you can actually see what your kid looks like. It also makes it easier to detect defects in the child. But mostly they charge you an arm and a leg to look at a gummy version of your baby.
2D sends sonic waves into the body and they are bounced back to the receiver. It then decodes the waves and makes a picture. 3D does the same but with more sets of waves. This allows for the depth of the image.
Not only do they do 3D, but 4D as well. To them, 4D is 3D that moves. Basically, a 3D video of the kid. I have to call that into question. If by making an image move you have moved into another dimension, our 2D image video should have technically been 3D. Now the old 3D should be 4D. And, the moving old 3D should actually be the all too confusing 5D. Here is where this gets tricky.
We all know that the fourth dimension is time, or more accurately duration. If you are suggesting that an image is 4D or 4th dimensional, it would have to be able to move freely through time. A 4D video would be of an entire life span. We should be able to see from conception to death all at the same time. And if you want to get into the fifth dimension, Oy vey! So yeah, it really isn't "4D". But, what are you going to do?
If I managed to somehow confuse you in my rant, here is a video that shows you the difference. Maybe I should have just shown you that instead.
2D sends sonic waves into the body and they are bounced back to the receiver. It then decodes the waves and makes a picture. 3D does the same but with more sets of waves. This allows for the depth of the image.
Not only do they do 3D, but 4D as well. To them, 4D is 3D that moves. Basically, a 3D video of the kid. I have to call that into question. If by making an image move you have moved into another dimension, our 2D image video should have technically been 3D. Now the old 3D should be 4D. And, the moving old 3D should actually be the all too confusing 5D. Here is where this gets tricky.
We all know that the fourth dimension is time, or more accurately duration. If you are suggesting that an image is 4D or 4th dimensional, it would have to be able to move freely through time. A 4D video would be of an entire life span. We should be able to see from conception to death all at the same time. And if you want to get into the fifth dimension, Oy vey! So yeah, it really isn't "4D". But, what are you going to do?
If I managed to somehow confuse you in my rant, here is a video that shows you the difference. Maybe I should have just shown you that instead.
Trans-dimensional or not, 3D and 4d are still pretty cool. You get images like this.
But, you also have the potential to see some down right creepy stuff too.
Or, you could find out your kid is so awesome that it comes with its own bandolero.
However you look at it, ultrasounds are fun. For me, it made this whole thing a little more real. Women know the baby is growing inside them. they can feel it moving around and using their insides as their own personal dojo. Men don't have this connection. It was really cool to see the ultrasound. Hubigail was just laying there having a nice nap. We got some pretty good images. In the process of poking and prodding, someone woke up. Then a series of flips and turns and headstands ensued. It helped to see a little personality. Now when my lady says Hubigail is doing something, I can picture it.
Another thing you need to be prepared for when going in for an ultrasound around 13 weeks is all the testing for defects they do. But I will maybe cover all that in another episode.
In closing, this whole experience has made me realize something. If that kid is spending this time mastering punching and kicking,
Another thing you need to be prepared for when going in for an ultrasound around 13 weeks is all the testing for defects they do. But I will maybe cover all that in another episode.
In closing, this whole experience has made me realize something. If that kid is spending this time mastering punching and kicking,
then I too must prepare for the day when we will meet face to face.