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2nd Trimester
aggielauren
member
Mom is against ultrasounds...(long)
aggielauren
member
My doctor does two ultrasounds during pregnancy - one at your first appointment and one at 20 weeks. DH and I decided we were going to go and pay on our own for a 3D ultrasound at about 28/29 weeks. Well, my mom came to visit the other weekend and told me that she and my grandmother don't think it's a good idea for me to get another ultrasound. Since we know everything is fine with the baby, they think it is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the baby. Apparently someone my grandmother knows who recently had a baby told her she had opted against ALL ultrasounds during pregnancy because she read that they could be possibly harmful to the baby and the research didn't know whether they were harmful or not so she didn't want to take the risk.
I personally believe ultrasounds are totally safe. Of course, I wanted to get the 3D ultrasound just for "fun" and to see the features of the baby more clearly. My mom and I got into a big argument about it where she told me we should spend the money on other things and why would I want to do the ultrasound when I don't know if it would be harmful and I could see what the baby looked like when it was born. I googled a bunch of research on ultrasounds in front of her and showed her how there is nothing saying they are harmful at all but she still thinks it is a bad idea. Now I don't want to get one because on the off-chance something ended up being wrong with the baby I just feel like she would, in the back of her mind, attribute it to me getting the extra ultrasound. Oh, and I did explain to her how when people have high-risk pregnancies they get MORE ultrasounds than normal pregnancies, so why would they do that if it was dangerous. Her response was that, at that point, it was better to monitor the baby than to worry about the potential side-effects, but that when we know the baby is healthy we shouldn't risk it.
I don't really know what my point is to this post (sorry!) but I just wondered if anyone had any response or something they could show me about the potential harm or lack-thereof in having ultrasounds? I realize it's our money, our baby, and our decision whether to get one but I wouldn't even want to show her the pictures if we got one because she would be against it. I am very close to my mom so keeping that from her in order to avoid controversy would be difficult for me.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Mom is against ultrasounds...(long)
Evelyn (3.24.10), Graham (5.30.13) & Miles (8.28.16)
Honestly, I'd tell her to get over it. It is 2009. In a nicer way, of course. I've already had about 5 u/s, because I had some early bleeding. Tell her that you value her opinion, but you have made a choice that is best for you, DH, and LO, and that is how you will proceed.
My mom sometimes says crazy stuff because things were so different when she had me.
Ask your mom to produce some medical proof (articles published in ACCREDITED medical journals, etc - NOT Wikipedia) that states that u/s can be harmful and then you'll listen. Until then, you're taking the advice of the guy with the letters after his name.
Personally, I think that's absurd. Do what you want to do, and if it bothers your mom, too bad for her. I mean, I adore my mother and we're also very close, but when she started meddling in my decision to get an epidural (saying that it's healthier for mom and baby to go natural, why would I want to risk my child's health, etc.) I had to put my foot down and tell her that it's none of her business. I think you need to do something similar with your mother. You won't always have the same opinion about how you're going to raise your child, but ultimately it's YOUR child. You call the shots.
And besides, ultrasounds are perfectly safe.
That's a toughie. I would call your Dr. and get his/her opinion.
I have had 6 (yes 6!) ultrasounds. I had a very difficult time conceiving and was monitored very closely at first by my RE and then by my OB. I have heard that U/S can potentially be bad for the baby, but I haven't seen it substantiated by a medical professional.
Honestly, I am so thankful for all the pics I got during those ultrasounds! If you and DH feel comfortable with the decision, I would move forward. Especially if your Dr. gives you the thumbs-up.
Good luck!
Tell your mom that I am an US tech, and that after 30+ years of studying, the FDA and medical groups has NEVER found ANY adverse effects from ultrasound. This has been looked at extensively and has been deemed safe by the government and medical community. It's safe. **plus, many US techs scan their babies often and so if there were effects to the baby--trust me, we'd see it in our babies! They'd be born with 3 heads!
haha
But, just for your FYI, the FDA has been slowly trying to shut down the 3D/4D "entertainment US" centers. While US is safe, there is no government regulation of these centers and no specific training requirements that these "techs" need. Anyone technically can work in these centers, not just professional ultrasound technologists. You were smart and got your big US as a medical procedure in your OB's office or medical center, but just know that those "entertainment US centers" are for just that--entertainment. They are cute and fun so if you chose to get one that's fine, but should NEVER be used in place for a real medical scan. Women can still chose to go to these centers, but only if they chose to do it for fun, these scans are in no way professional. Ok, off my soap box!
Thanks, everyone. My doctor actually said he would only recommend getting one 3D or 4D ultrasound but didn't elaborate on his opinion as to why. He is ultra conservative, so I could see him thinking there might be a potential for harm from them.
I don't know if we will get one or not, but I appreciate your responses and it's nice to know that I haven't missed some big study saying ultrasounds are unsafe or anything like that!
Yeah, I think this is what the woman who was talking to my grandmother told her and so this is what my mom is thinking.
Thanks! Yes, the 3D one would be totally for fun and not a medical reason. I definitely agree with needing to go to a medical doctor for the big ultrasound.
My midwife does not believe in overdoing ultrasounds. I have had 6 u/s due to infertility and early bleeding and my MW would prefer I do not have any more. 3D/4D u/s are not recommended unless it is done by certified u/s place - not the u/s boutique type places.
my guess would be money. insurance doesn't pay for u/s just for fun. my dr writes all but two of them off, so my insurance only gets billed for 2 while i get one at every appt. and all he does is flip a switch and the pic is in 3D.
I agree with you on this and she hasn't been crazy about telling me what to do or really being super involved at all until this one issue. It kind of came out of left field. I did tell her when we were "discussing" this that we weren't going to do something to harm our child and we were the parents and the ones that would make the decision.
This is basically what I've read. Of course, it's not stopping me from having ultrasounds. The reassurance of seeing that everything is alright with the baby is important to me. It doesn't seem as dangerous as some things that used to be part of childbirth, like twilight sleep and chloroform, so it's a risk I'm willing to take.
...Baby Blog...CD Blog...
I really dont see what the problem is with u/s. If they were dangerous the doctors would be more cautious with them. (honestly they would be the first to know) Like amnios. They are a little risky, which is why not all women get them during pregnancy.
get the u/s. See your little cupcake!! (IMO)
You might be right about this. My doctor actually doesn't even have 3D ultrasound technology at his office.
OMG, I was going to LITERALLY post the exact same thing. Hi-larious.
Well, this is not in an accredited medical journal, but here's a statement from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, which was endorsed by ACOG:
"The AIUM advocates the responsible use of diagnostic ultrasound. The AIUM strongly discourages the non-medical use of ultrasound for psychosocial or entertainment purposes. The use of either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to only view the fetus, obtain a picture of the fetus or determine the fetal gender without a medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice. Although there are no confirmed biological effects on patients caused by exposures from present diagnostic ultrasound instruments, the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future. Thus ultrasound should be used in a prudent manner to provide medical benefit to the patient."
https://files.aium.org/keepsake/ACOG_Nonmedical_Obstetric.pdf
In other words, there's no evidence that ultrasound is harmful, but there's also no way to prove that it's not harmful. If there are medical reasons to do it, absolutely, have at it. But if it's just for "fun," then that is a different story.
Mommy to DD1 (June 2007), DS (January 2010), DD2 (July 2012), and The Next One (EDD 3/31/2015)
This exactly. To what I've read, the issue is more that op's mother and grandmother have decided that it's not safe for op to have an u/s. It's unfounded 'motherly' worry, and I'd personally take issue with that.
If this were my mother, I'd be telling her to back off. She had her chance to make decisions for my well being. It's my turn for me to do this for my LO.
Both of you are right. This would be one extra ultrasound for a total of 3 during the pregnancy. My doctor didn't do one at 12 weeks. And it is them worrying about it because of what someone told them and what they have heard about there being no certainty that there won't be harm from them in the future. I think the main problem is that neither one of them had ultrasounds while pregnant. They were around when my mom was pregnant with me but they were still new and her doctor didn't use them. However, she did have an X-Ray of her belly done to see how big I was and I'm pretty sure x-rays are extremely risky during pregnancy and she acknowledges that but it doesn't change her mind that this could be harmful.
I agree with the article Flyer posted. Since we really don't know long term effects yet, why get one just for the heck of it? use it as its intended: as a medical diagnostic tool.
That being said, I think your mom went way over board.
This is exactly my mom's sentiments and why she doesn't want me to get one. She says since they don't know what the effects could, then I shouldn't get one when I know everything is okay with the baby.
Ultrasounds are not X-rays. Ultrasounds use *sound* waves, (much like sonar) they do not use radiation.
I have had seven u/s so far this pg and will be having my eighth one tomorrow. There is no evidence, from any reputable source, that has shown any negative effects of u/s use.
Also, examples of "My kid had 20 and he's fine!" don't work. Its false logic. We can all come up with examples that fit our side. Personal examples don't prove anything.
I have a friend whose mom drank through her entire pregnancy (pretty heavily). He graduated top in his class from an Ivy. So does that mean we should all drink now?
see what I mean
I agree with you on this. I know everyone is different and what doesn't harm one baby can easily harm another. I was just wanting to see what everyone thought about this situation.
i think if they were not safe your doc. would not give them to you. i am 18 wks and have had 4, one at 8 wks to see how far i was another for a NT test another cuz i started bleeding real bad and they couldnt find a heart beat but thank god they could only hear it through a vaginal ultra sound and then another last week to find out what out little guy was!
9 angels in heaven-3 in my arms and 1 in the NICU
Mono/di twin girls: Josephine born to heaven and Evangeline born Earthside at 25w
I'm bored, so I came over from first tri...
I have read in a medical journal (for a class) that some researchers are exploring the link between increased ultrasounds and increased rate of ear infections in young children. However, that's a hypothesis, not yet studied enough to come to any real conclusions.
Personally, I'm only getting the one 20 wk u/s because that's what my doctor does normally. However, I personally would opt not to have it just because why pay for it and do it if it's just for fun? That's just me, though, and since the worst side effect I've heard about is a potential link with ear infections (not permanent damage), then if I really wanted it for whatever reason, I'd do it.
Bottom line-- you should make your own decision, but to make it go more smoothly with your mom, you could tell her you've done more research and talked to a couple of doctors, etc. Maybe that will make her feel better.
here you go - a World Health Organization review on prenatal ultrasounds. They're safe. The 3d u/s is NO different than the 2d - special software is used to render the 3d image, but the ultrasound waves are exactly the same.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19291813?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
OBJECTIVE: In the context of the planned International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology-World Health Organization multicenter study for the development of fetal growth standards for international application, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety of human exposure to ultrasonography in pregnancy. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases, reference lists and unpublished literature was conducted for trials and observational studies that assessed short- and long-term effects of exposure to ultrasonography, involving women and their fetuses exposed to ultrasonography, using B-mode or Doppler sonography during any period of pregnancy, for any number of times. The outcome measures were: (1) adverse maternal outcome; (2) adverse perinatal outcome; (3) abnormal childhood growth and neurological development; (4) non-right handedness; (5) childhood malignancy; and (6) intellectual performance and mental disease. RESULTS: The electronic search identified 6716 citations, and 19 were identified from secondary sources. A total of 61 publications reporting data from 41 different studies were included: 16 controlled trials, 13 cohort and 12 case-control studies. Ultrasonography in pregnancy was not associated with adverse maternal or perinatal outcome, impaired physical or neurological development, increased risk for malignancy in childhood, subnormal intellectual performance or mental diseases. According to the available clinical trials, there was a weak association between exposure to ultrasonography and non-right handedness in boys (odds ratio 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.54). CONCLUSION: According to the available evidence, exposure to diagnostic ultrasonography during pregnancy appears to be safe.
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