Blind parents were given the chance to feel their baby’s ultrasound with the help of 3D printed models created using 3D data.

Seeing your baby’s ultrasound for the very first time is an extremely precious moment for soon to be parents. However Brazilian parents, Ana Paula Silveira and Alvaro Zermiani, were only able to dream of their baby’s face. The reason being is that they are both legally blind.

However, they came up with a creative way to experience the first moment of knowing their baby’s face. They visited the DASA clinic in Rio de Janeiro and met gynecologist and obstetrician, Dr. Heron Werner.

Dr. Werner agreed to help Silveira and Zermiani experience the magic of an ultrasound throughout the pregnancy. He was able to do this by using a GE ultrasound machine. After collecting the ultrasound information, Dr. Werner was able to 3D print lifelike models of Silveira and Zermiani’s baby.

Dr. Werner explains: “From the moment we got to the high-quality ultrasound exam, through the possibility of 3D printing it, I realized that it could also serve to enhance the prenatal experience of visually impaired pregnant women.”

The Voluson E10 is the first ultrasound machine in the OB/GYN field. It’s also possible to 3D print directly from this machine. As well as the huge benefits for blind parents, it can also aid learning and discussion between doctors and patients.

3D Printing for Very Special Purposes

Interestingly enough, the idea to 3D print ultrasound models came from Rio’s National Museum. Dr. Werner witnessed a tomography machine being used to digitize ancient Egyptian exhibits. “We thought, why not use for printing fetus models,” he says.

Of course, this technology was an extremely special way for Silveira and Zermiani to feel their son. “Holding the small fetus at 12 weeks is an indescribable feeling,” Silveira says. “Following up on our son’s evolution allowed us to have this feeling of being whole, because we feel with our hands.”

By doing this, they could be sure that their son Davi Lucas was growing and healthy. But there were also other special benefits: “When we touched the second model, with Davi’s face, we realized his resemblance to us,” Silveira adds.

She explains that this was a precious gift, saying: “Thanks to the exams and printing, we were able to not only know that our baby was growing healthy but also to have a very real contact and establish a very strong involvement with our son.”

Source: GE Reports