'Next Level Baby Bump Scans' Show Baby Moving And Kicking In Womb Using High-Tech MRI | HuffPost Life

You can see the baby moving and kicking in the womb.

Jack Peat— SWNS

An incredible video is said to be the “next level of baby bump scans” using hi-tech MRI that is so detailed, it reaches right through the unborn baby’s body.

The video uses algorithms, magnetic fields and radio waves to create extra-high quality images of a tiny foetus. You can clearly see the baby - around 20 weeks old - fiddling with its umbilical cord, stretching its arms and turning its head.

It was captured by the iFIND project, a group of medical experts from around the world who made the world-first tech in a bid to improve antenatal scans.

“It can see the structures inside the body regardless of whether there’s bone, muscle or fat in the way and in some cases it can give us even more detailed images than ultrasound,” said Dr David Lloyd, clinical research fellow at King’s College London and part of the iFIND project.

“Importantly, it is also one of the few imaging techniques that is safe to use in pregnancy.”

SWNS

The 24-second video scan ends with the unborn baby giving its mum a kick with both legs, causing her belly to wobble.

Unlike ultrasounds, the high-tech scan shows beneath the baby’s skin to get usable images from even the wriggliest babies.

Dr Lloyd added: “Taking pictures of a 20-week foetus while they’re still in the womb really isn’t that easy. For one thing, they’re very small.

“The foetal heart, for example, with all of its tiny chambers and valves, is only about 15mm long, so less than the size of penny.

“Ultrasound technology - used in all routine antenatal scans in the UK - is actually fairly good at visualising these tiny structures. It uses very high frequency sound waves which are reflected back (’echo’) from the structures inside the body to produce an image.

“In foetal ultrasound, the images produced can be excellent, but unfortunately that’s not true for every patient. Ultrasound has to be able to ‘see’ through the body to the parts of the baby we want to image, and that isn’t always easy.

“It will depend on the age of the baby, how they are lying in the womb, the size of the mother, and many other factors.

“MRI, which uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce images, isn’t so limited.”

SWNS

The team behind the new scan were given £10 million by the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to develop new scans.

It’s said to be the most “cutting-edge scan” available to date. Normally if a baby moved rapidly in a conventional scan - just like the baby in the vide above - you would get an unusable image and the mum might have to return for a re-scan.

Medics hope to develop the technology so it will eventually involve four probes which automatically move around the top of the mum’s tummy to get the best image.

This would mean more complications could be picked up earlier and even treated before the baby is even born.

SWNS

The images, taken during a trial, were of an anonymous mum at a hospital in London. They were given to video parenting site ChannelMum.com to share with pregnant mums around the world.

Cathy Ranson, editor of Channel Mum said: “Scans are amazing as they help mums, dads and even other family members bond with their baby.

“There is nothing quite as emotional as seeing your unborn child moving inside you, and these MRI scans are taking images to the next level.

“They are truly breathtaking.”

The team behind the new scan technology are from Kings College London, St Thomas’ Hospital, Imperial College London, University of Firenze, Italy, the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Philips Healthcare in Amsterdam.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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