Ashly Fancher can attest to the old adage “practice makes perfect” is just about right. All you have to do is look at the 4D ultrasound images she is able to capture as part of her work in Dr. Deidre Russell’s office in Selma to know it’s true.

“I’ll admit that I practiced with it on myself before GE came in for the training,” Fancher said, telling how she would chase around her own unborn son, Evan, trying to get the best pictures possible. “It really was something.”

Although she was able to “practice” with her son, Fancher did get a 4D ultrasound even before she snapped her own pictures.

“They were amazing,” she said. “I just wanted to cry. It was almost as good as when he arrived.”

Now, Fancher is able to be a part of that joy when expectant mothers and their families come in the office to take advantage of some of the latest ultrasound technology available.

“It makes me feel like part of the family,” Fancher said. “I really enjoy it when there’s a lot of people in the room when we are doing the ultrasound.”

While the technology of the 4D is available in Selma, it is not that common in other areas, giving local mothers-to-be an advantage others do not enjoy.

“Some other locations will only work to get images for about 15 to 30 minutes,” Fancher said. “That’s regardless or not if you get a good picture. I’ve gone up to an hour or so with some trying to get a good picture.”

She admits that some babies are much more cooperative than others and that getting really good pictures is somewhat of a gamble.

“It’s not a guarantee that we will get a good image, but we will work hard to get one,” she said.

When it comes to Russell’s office, the 4D technology is not used for diagnostic purposes, touting the technology as a luxury. But, that doesn’t mean Fancher isn’t on the lookout for anything that “looks funny.”

“Thankfully, in the year or so, since I’ve been doing it, I haven’t seen anything that is a problem,” Fancher said. “But, if we do, we can share those images with any doctor.”

She also added that those wanting to have a 4D ultrasound should know that they do not have to be a patient of Dr. Russell’s to take advantage of the service, and that insurance will not cover the costs.

“It is by appointment, and it requires payment upfront,” Fancher added.

For more information on 4D ultrasounds from Russell’s office with Fancher, call 875-2134.