Is anybody planning to forgo all ultrasounds?

BeccaBooK

I've read some scary risks that ultrasounds pose, and I think I may choose not to have any done unless there is reason to believe that something is seriously wrong with my pregnancy. Does anyone else feel this way?

 

Btw, here are a couple of sites that concerned me...

 

https://www.associatedcontent.com/article/130084/the_dangers_of_ultrasounds.html

https://www.unhinderedliving.com/pultra.html

AngelGirlEms

ULTRASOUNDS DO NOT POSE HARM ON YOUR BABY, geesh! ?Or else we'd all be running around with babies that have 4 eyeballs, 6 legs, 8 arms and are hermies.....and we're not! ?

Danielle43043

No, I don't feel that way at all. I feel that if doctors are comfortable doing them, it is safe for my child. They would never intentionally put your unborn child in danger. Also, it's rare to have frequent ultrasounds anyway...so I really don't think you need to worry!

BeeLove

I will be having a u/s.  I think there is more that could go wrong NOT having one.  A u/s is the only way to really measure the baby and see if there is a heart beat and I think those things outweigh the risks.  I need to make sure my baby's heart is beating and it's important to be able to "see" anything that could be wrong. 

As you will learn and read the longer you research, EVERYTHING has pros/cons.  But, I am not on board with NO u/s's.

dmogmo

You're kidding me, right??

mrsjazzsinger

AngelGirlEms:

ULTRASOUNDS DO NOT POSE HARM ON YOUR BABY, geesh!  Or else we'd all be running around with babies that have 4 eyeballs, 6 legs, 8 arms and are hermies.....and we're not!

Ditto. 

And I'm hesitant to trust articles that confuse their/there/they're in the subtitle...just saying....

MrsBro6116

We will be having all necessary ultrasounds. I would be more nervous forgoing all u/s.

How will you and your baby be monitored if you choose to do this? Do you have a doctor that agrees with this?

KimmyB111304

I think it would be irresponsible to forgo all ultrasounds, and I would be surprised if your doctor would let you do that.

YellowBride

I'm definitely having an u/s. I have enough to worry about, I trust my doctors.

saj&jaj

I am high risk so this is not a choice for me; for my health and that of the baby, I will need to have certain ultrasounds done (fetal echo, for example). I don't plan to have any of the non-essential u/s done like the 3 or 4-d though.

Mrs.C042807

Best thread of the day.  And it's only 9:45 am here.

JCM052707

No way. I'd never be able to even relax a little bit without one.  Even now, I am calling my Dr. and begging for one just to see if everything looks like it should at this point.

ForForever

Heck no. I will be there with bells on for both my ultrasounds.

BeccaBooK

Haha, well excuse me for doing some research! Most of the women in my family have all seen midwives who strongly caution against ultrasounds unless they have reason to believe that something in wrong. My big worry is hearing the heartbeat, which can be done without an ultrasound in a couple more weeks (for me). Aside from that, I would never terminate a pregnancy based on what they saw (thought they saw) during an u/s.

cnchavez69

They are not harmful.  Most doctors don't do more than 2 anways and most insurance won't cover more than that unless medically necessary.  Yes measurements can be taken by doctors with hands on methods but an u/s is the only way to see if organs are formed correctly and if the baby is growing as it should be.  Having an u/s was not even on my list of concerns for my baby. 

dmogmo

mrsjazzsinger:

AngelGirlEms:

ULTRASOUNDS DO NOT POSE HARM ON YOUR BABY, geesh!  Or else we'd all be running around with babies that have 4 eyeballs, 6 legs, 8 arms and are hermies.....and we're not!

Ditto. 

And I'm hesitant to trust articles that confuse their/there/they're in the subtitle...just saying....

No kidding.

BeccaBooK

Just my opinion, but I see I'm a loner here!

robbie3982

I think those articles are misleading.  The FDA's site does caution against unnecessary ultrasounds (as in the 3d/4d just for fun ones), but even for that it seems like it's more because the risks just aren't known. Those places tend to use the u/s machines on higher energy settings for longer periods of time, so presumably, whatever risks regular u/s's pose, the just for fun 3d/4d ones pose higher ones.

ETA: I will be having all u/s's offered by my doctor except for the NT scan.  I feel like any possible risks posed by u/s's performed in a doctors office (which I really don't believe there are) are far outweighed by the fact that if there's something wrong with my baby that will require immediate care after delivery, I want to know ASAP so we can have the best plan of care in place for him or her.

mrs. remy

I am not sure what kind of scientific credentials the "Center for Unhindered Living" holds.......so I am just going to trust what my doctor tells me is safe.

People have been having ultrasounds for years.....if there really was a problem with them I think we would be seeing a lot more effects.

AngelGirlEms

BeccaBooK:

Haha, well excuse me for doing some research! Most of the women in my family have all seen midwives who strongly caution against ultrasounds unless they have reason to believe that something in wrong. My big worry is hearing the heartbeat, which can be done without an ultrasound in a couple more weeks (for me). Aside from that, I would never terminate a pregnancy based on what they saw (thought they saw) during an u/s.

?

Did any of us say that we'd terminate our pregnancy if the u/s showed something abnormal? ?I don't think so. ??

BeccaBooK

Hey!

Why would they caution against what they consider unnecessary ultrasounds if there was NO RISK?

How the heck does that make sense?

"There's nothing to worry about, they are only SOMETIMES dangerous."

Huh?

And I'm not judging anybody who is planning on or has already had one, you have to do what's right for you and your baby, I'm just personally trying to the same.

Jenn30

The problem with this midwife logic is that ultrasounds TELL you if something is wrong--knowing that something is wrong and then choosing to have an ultrasound is often not an option.  There have been a couple studies suggesting harm from ultrasounds, but they were very controversial and used an incredibly high dose of u/s (in animals), way more than any of us would ever receive. 

And frankly, hearing the heartbeat is the least of the things you should be worrying about.  What if your baby has a serious heart defect and needs surgery within hours of birth?  Wouldn't you want to know this in advance to ensure that you deliver at a hospital that can handle that kind of care, and is prepared to provide it to the baby right away?  Wouldn't you want the time before delivery to research the heart defect and find the best cardiac surgeons?

I commend you for doing research, and there's nothing wrong with questioning established medical practice (if no one did this, it would never improve).   But I think you should take care in which research you trust.  If midwives you know are recommending against ultrasounds, ask them where the evidence is from studies showing that they're harmful.  And anecdotes are not studies.

cranberry27

There are a thousand medical journals out there saying ultrasounds are safe. ?But by all means go with the two guys on the internet who have concerns. ?If you understood how an ultrasound worked, you would realize how stupid this is.?

Great for you that you would never terminate. ?Should your baby have a life-threatening problem, do you want to deliver while surrounded by specialists who can immediately start interventions that they have carefully planned for months because you knew there was an issue, or would you like to watch your doctors to figure out how to save your baby's life when he or she is in serious trouble IF you gave birth in a hospital? Part of an u/s is being able to plan what kinds of births are safe for you and making sure you and your baby will be able to get the necessary treatment before, at, and after birth.

Mrs.C042807

Your hearing the heartbeat only theory doesn't work. 

I know a couple who had a heartbeat, and growing baby... only to find out at their anatomy US that the baby didn't have a brain.  Yes.  It's possible to appear to have  healthy baby with a good heartbeat and for them to be unhealthy.  U/S is the only way they would have caught that. 

 I realize that's a rare case, but it happened.  We didn't do the NT scan in 1st tri, but you're dammed skippy we did the anatomy U/S. 

BeccaBooK

AngelGirlEms:

BeccaBooK:

Haha, well excuse me for doing some research! Most of the women in my family have all seen midwives who strongly caution against ultrasounds unless they have reason to believe that something in wrong. My big worry is hearing the heartbeat, which can be done without an ultrasound in a couple more weeks (for me). Aside from that, I would never terminate a pregnancy based on what they saw (thought they saw) during an u/s.

 

Did any of us say that we'd terminate our pregnancy if the u/s showed something abnormal?  I don't think so.   

 

Oh geez, because I'm so self righteous lol... That was not what I was saying, and I really didn't mean for anybody to be offended by that!

skylooo

I had considered no prenatael testing, including no ultrasounds, but when 12 weeks rolled around I just couldn't help myself.  I needed to know that there was something in there.  Also, the measurements and data they acquire from the 20 week ultrasound can help them detect problems and defects that can be helped/treated in utero.

lvisser

Uh no.  I will take the one they give me. 

Not having ANY is stupid.

BeeLove

what they said!

After all, we weren't saying DO NOT research.  We were saying that you have to be somewhat open minded about everything you read.  After all there is research out there saying we shouldn't drive when we are pregnant, eat feta, the list goes on.  SOMEONE out there will always find something ridiculous to blame for problems during a pregnancy.

We have to be cautious about a lot of things, but make sure you research BOTH sides of the coin.  There is SOME research that u/s's COULD be dangerous, but not the necessary ones.  3D and 4D u/s's have not been approved by the FDA, but it doesn't mean that women shouldn't have them.  They are new; therefore, there are questions.

As someone mentioned, if we didn't question medical practices, there would be no improvement but make sure you come here with ALL your facts instead of trying to scare a bunch of overly hormonal pregnant women who are already nervous about everything from hot baths to sex.  I mean, we are all a bit on edge waiting it out, but u/s's are our one thing to look forward to that can tell us about health problems, a normal heart rate, etc.  

NO ONE said they would terminate but having knowledge from an u/s is invaluable.

blondie42107

BeccaBooK:

Haha, well excuse me for doing some research! Most of the women in my family have all seen midwives who strongly caution against ultrasounds unless they have reason to believe that something in wrong. My big worry is hearing the heartbeat, which can be done without an ultrasound in a couple more weeks (for me). Aside from that, I would never terminate a pregnancy based on what they saw (thought they saw) during an u/s.

BlairWaldorf

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

::gasps for air::

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

We shall now add ultrasounds to the list that includes pop tarts & deli meat.

AmyfromMI

MrsBro6116:

We will be having all necessary ultrasounds. I would be more nervous forgoing all u/s.

Ditto

BeccaBooK

cranberry27:

There are a thousand medical journals out there saying ultrasounds are safe.  But by all means go with the two guys on the internet who have concerns.  If you understood how an ultrasound worked, you would realize how stupid this is. 

Great for you that you would never terminate.  Should your baby have a life-threatening problem, do you want to deliver while surrounded by specialists who can immediately start interventions that they have carefully planned for months because you knew there was an issue, or would you like to watch your doctors to figure out how to save your baby's life when he or she is in serious trouble IF you gave birth in a hospital? Part of an u/s is being able to plan what kinds of births are safe for you and making sure you and your baby will be able to get the necessary treatment before, at, and after birth.

::head/desk::

There is a lot more controversial evidence out there than two random articles on the internet. And I didn't mean to offend you by anything I said, honestly I didn't. I have personal convictions when it comes to medical treatment, just as I'm sure you do. We don't have to agree, so please don't come after me like I singled you out personally.

Happiest Newlyweds

I plan on doing all U/S except for 3-D or 4-D. DH doesn't like them at all

Jenn30

BeccaBooK:

cranberry27:

There are a thousand medical journals out there saying ultrasounds are safe.  But by all means go with the two guys on the internet who have concerns.  If you understood how an ultrasound worked, you would realize how stupid this is. 

Great for you that you would never terminate.  Should your baby have a life-threatening problem, do you want to deliver while surrounded by specialists who can immediately start interventions that they have carefully planned for months because you knew there was an issue, or would you like to watch your doctors to figure out how to save your baby's life when he or she is in serious trouble IF you gave birth in a hospital? Part of an u/s is being able to plan what kinds of births are safe for you and making sure you and your baby will be able to get the necessary treatment before, at, and after birth.

::head/desk::

There is a lot more controversial evidence out there than two random articles on the internet. And I didn't mean to offend you by anything I said, honestly I didn't. I have personal convictions when it comes to medical treatment, just as I'm sure you do. We don't have to agree, so please don't come after me like I singled you out personally.

I think what you need to consider, though, are the benefits of ultrasounds versus potential risks.  Personally, I don't believe there are risks to getting 3-4 ultrasounds in pregnancy.  But if you do (and that's your perogative, I totally agree with you there), I would still consider what you risk by forgoing those ultrasounds.  The risks are very real to you and your baby.  That's all people are saying.

emaria

i had to come back and make a first tri visit. ?never again...

mrshutch

I agree that it would be irresponsible not to have any. I trust my doctors to help me make the right decisions, and clearly they feel the u/s are safe. I can't imagine going through a pregnancy not confirming that I have a healthy baby. U/s may not catch everything, but if there was a major health concern DH and I would absolutely need to know about it before the birth.

annibes

Are you being lied too?

That was the first line in the "dangers of ultrasounds" article. Um, no.

Honey, I understand the holistic approach- I have a cousin in particular that is very into this whole midwife and home-birth and natural approach, and to each her own.

That said, many of us are educated people. Don't come on this site pasting links to articles that are neither peer reviewed nor found in credible medical journals and espouse the benefits of NOT seeing our babies in utero. Again, to each her own, but you can bet your next paycheck that I will be having as many ultrasounds as my doctor's practice normally does.?

I am thisclose to posting a PSA on scholarly articles from reputable sources and how to find them.

thatgirlang

Jenn30 makes great points. It's not as simple as deciding whether or not to terminate a baby based on what an u/s tells. It's about preparing for caring for your child in the best way that you can in the event that the u/s shows something wrong. Or being relieved when the u/s shows that all is well.

Now, I am off to see where this post has been c&p'ed on other boards...

blondie42107

Researching is great.  The material you linked - not so credible.  The first article is the only one I read.  Never does it reference any scientific proof, studies or even quotes from doctors.

Please continue to research but please find decent material to review.  Not just a random article found online.

BeccaBooK

Okay, Okay! I stepped on some toes, and I certainly didn't mean to! If I offended anyone I'm really am sorry. I'm not judging anyone for doing their best to try to determine what is best for their baby, I'm just trying to do the same.

Let me make it clear, that I'm not the type to be overly concerned.

I eat lunchmeat,

I drink coffee,

I turn on the seat warmers in the car ::gasp::!

But it does make me crazy to think that I'm supposed to take the advice of a Dr. without question. I know that we're all smarter than that!

And I know that there is a ton of articles and docs that are pro ultrasounds. My giving two random internet articles is not the basis for my concern, nor was it meant to scare anyone. I have done a lot of personal research with midwives who have delivered thousands and thousands of healthy babies without an u/s.

If you really feel that it's neccessary to try to make me feel stupid for taking my and my child's medical care into carefull consideration, you can just keep trying.

**Nowhere did I say that I thought that anyone of you were planning to terminate. I simply stated that I, personally, would never choose to do so.

Truly, I'm sorry if I scared or offended anyone, that wasn't my intention. I was simply curious if anyone else was CONSIDERING to forgo their ultrasounds.

 

dmsmth

Well, seeing they have been doing u/s for years, I don't feel as if there is a problem with them.  So, bring on the u/s's!