Baby photography: fetal photography

When you think of baby photography, most people picture an Anne Geddes-style sleeping baby curled up in a fluffy animal suit or perched atop a gerbera – not a 4D ultrasound image.

Fetal photos are the latest craze in baby photography. Thanks to some amazing technology, your soon-to-be bundle of joy could be posing for their first photo shoot before they’ve even made it out of the womb.

These days, you don’t have to wait for a trip to your obstetrician to catch a glimpse of your new baby; non-diagnostic 3D and 4D ultrasounds are now available for non-medical purposes – such as baby photography.

Unlike diagnostic ultrasounds, this type of ultrasound provides a detailed view of the surface areas of your baby, such as their hands, feet and face.

Fetal baby photography offers parents-to-be a precious keepsake, as well as a rare insight into their baby’s world.

Fetal photos can be taken from 3 months up until your due date. For a lifetime – and tangible – reminder of your baby’s development, you might want to collect the whole set and get monthly “photos” taken!

While the prints might make a great feature frame wall, fetal baby photography also has some proven psychological benefits.

Studies show that regular 3D ultrasounds help increase maternal-fetal bonding. The experience can help expectant parents feel more connected to their growing baby.

There are, however, some safety concerns associated with the practice, with a handful of medical professionals labelling it a “misuse of technology” and urging parents to proceed with caution.

Their concerns lie in the unnecessary exposure to high-frequency sound waves – a risk they believe is only worth taking for medical purposes. For this reason, most fetal photography businesses require clients to provide written permission from their doctor.

Although slightly controversial, fetal baby photography is fast becoming the most talked about subject in mothers’ groups around the country.

Offering a rare sneak peek into a miraculous process as well as providing a unique piece of art, it’s no wonder fetal photos are such a hit.

However if you prefer to keep things simple and are happy to wait a few extra months for your snaps, you can always opt for one of the more traditional forms of baby photography.