Three-dimensional ultrasound  is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic way to “see” into the body

— parents are able to view amazing details of their child in the womb. Potential problems can be more clearly seen before the baby is born.

All exams are done in the comfort of our victorian style exam room with plenty of space for friends and family. Ultrasound is also very important for women in screening their reproductive organs. Ultrasound can discover and visualize abnormalities

such as endometrial problems, and provide a baseline screening exam for comparison later.

Theresa Porcarelli, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, has extensive training and expertise in ultrasound.  A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer since 1975, she has become proficient in all modalities of Ultrasound.  She established the Ultrasound Departments at Kootenai Medical Center in 1978.  Over the past six years she has provided ultrasound imaging and guidance for Vein Clinics Northwest.  Her passion is to continue to provide superior professional imaging for patients.  She maintains the highest national credentials. 

“Obstetrical Ultrasound is very gratifying to me. The mystery of the unborn child becomes visible via Ultrasound Imaging devices.” says Terry.

She enjoys living and working in our growing community. She and her husband have raised two wonderful sons. “We love, appreciate, and respect all the beauty of the great outdoors offered in all seasons.  We have been engaged in Coeur d’ Alene’s huge arena for 35 years and we feel blessed to provide our professional services here.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will ultrasound harm my baby?
Ultrasound has been used for over 35 years. Harmful effects in cells of experimental animals or humans have not been demonstrated in the large amount of studies that have so far appeared in the medical literature purporting to the use of diagnostic ultrasound. Findings in one study reporting lower birth-weights in babies exposed to prenatal ultrasound have not been reproducible.

I want to know the sex of my baby, can you tell me that?
Usually by 20 weeks the genital of the baby can be easily seen, however ultrasound can never be 100% accurate in determining the sex of your baby due to many different factors such as, baby’s position, amniotic fluid level and patient size.

Do I have to have a full bladder?
Yes, “Fluid is our friend” and we’ve found that being well hydrated prior to the ultrasound makes for better images as the level of amniotic fluid around the baby may actually increase with adequate fluid intake.

Can family and/or friends be present at the time of the ultrasound?
Yes, we encourage patients to bring whomever they’d like to have share in this special experience. Siblings are welcome to participate. However, young ones may get bored with the process and may need someone to care for them.

For you created my

inmost being.

You knit me

together in my

mother's womb. I

praise you because

I am fearfully and

wonderfully made;

your works are

wonderful I know

that full well. My

frame was not

hidden from you

when I was woven

together in the

depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my

unformed body. All

the days ordained

for me were written

in your book before

one of them came

to be.

Psalms 139 13-16