The PhD project of a Brazilian design student at London’s Royal College of Art offers expecting mothers the chance to hold a life-sized representation of their unborn child. Jorge Lopes’ technique makes use of MRI and ultrasound scans and uses rapid prototyping technology to turn them into physical models.

In Dr. Lopes’ own words:

It’s amazing to see the faces of the mothers. They can see the full scale of their baby, really understand the size of it.

Hilary French, head of the School of Architecture and Design Products, details another application in obstetrics:

The technology can be also be used as an emotional tool for parents whose fetus might be deformed or need treatment.

Fetus – 18 weeks

Fetus – 21 weeks

Fetus – 32 weeks

Twins: left, conjoined; middle and right, separated

[Daily Mail via We Interrupt]