Ultrasounds unsafe for baby?

old_time_girl · December 2010

Has anyone ever thought to question how safe the ultrasounds are for your baby? I never thought that it would be unsafe until my midwife brought it up to me to do some research. All I wanted was the little pic so I could show it off to my family and friends like they've done. But since doing some research on the subject my husband and I have decided that unless I show signs of not having a heathly pregnancy, we will not be doing any ultrasounds. My husband is disappointed because he wanted to find out the sex of the baby. (I never wanted to...besides. It's a girl. I have a feeling. lol)

Thoughts? Concerns?

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

https://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasoundrodgers.asp

12bailey18 · December 2010

I've never asked in detail but my OB office doesn't like to do them. For a normal pregnancy you get one at 18 weeks and that's it. While the pictures are fun, I trust their opinions and know it's for a reason so I'm happy with my one ultrasound! It's important to have atleast one though-To make sure the growth and development is progressing and to make sure the baby is healthy. The only way you'll "see signs" is from an ultrasound so you'll have no way of knowing. Are you sure you get a choice to opt out of an ultrasound?

bakermommy10 · December 2010

We had ultrasounds with DS and he's healthy as can be. I will be having them with this one as well, my doc has mentioned nothing bad and i value his advice. If there is a potential danger to the baby with other procedures he has mentioned the risk. I thought first one was a girl, (like was having vivid dreams of seeing the proof) and then had our ultrasound to find out we were DEFINITELY having a boy, so don't be so sure!

heather_09_15_07 · December 2010

Seeing how many IF patients have frequent and early u/s, I think that's a load of crap.

I had 8-9 u/s with my daughter and she is perfectly healthy.

reesie4 · December 2010

I had several u/s in my previous pregnancy with ds due to a previous m/c and frequent red spotting. I have heard that they should not be used in excess, but I just wanted anyone who has been in a situation where they have had to have several u/s to not feel like you are a bad mom who has done the wrong thing! My son is remarkably healthy and smart

.

ASmallWonder · December 2010

Not that you have to have it but the 20 week ultrasound is very important (in addition to it being when you find out boy/girl). I can maybe understand not wanting a lot of them but you should give serious consideration to at least that one. The information they can gather during that ultrasound can help you and your medical team prepare for any serious issues your LO might have at birth. Personally, I'd want to know if specialists should be present during the birth rather than have them scrambling to find help if something was wrong that they could have known about, kwim?

Tomkat8403 · December 2010

There is no conclusive evidence whatsoever that ultrasounds harm a fetus. These articles are speculative (at best) about the possibilities of links between these things.

There is a need right now for people to link the recent rate of autism and other diagnoses to just about anything right now, when in fact there is more than likely a higher rate of diagnoses simply because of increased awareness and medical knowledge.

My Aunt is a midwife and says ultrasounds are perfectly safe, as does every OB I've ever discussed it with.

GirlsOwnLove · December 2010

Think of how many babies have had ultrasounds done while they were in the womb. Can it truly be THAT dangerous.

old_time_girl · December 2010

I will be happy with a boy if that's what we end up with. It does sound a little cocky to insist it's a girl.

I don't get ultrasounds unless I request one or my midwife thinks it's a good idea and will refer me to a OB to get it done.

One of my friends has a 3 year old boy who they got many ultrasounds done with him because of the risk of a birth defect they were worried about. (I forget what it was they were looking for...) But anyway, at 3 years old he cannot carry on a conversation with you. He can say, Yes, No, Dog, Mommy, Daddy. Anything else is a noise, to sound like what he's talking about. If he wants to check the chicken house for eggs, he clucks like a chicken, if he wants to feed the goats, he "maas" like a goat. The kid is really smart for his age with the mechanics of things. But not speech.

Tomkat8403 · December 2010

old_time_girl:

I will be happy with a boy if that's what we end up with. It does sound a little cocky to insist it's a girl.

I don't get ultrasounds unless I request one or my midwife thinks it's a good idea and will refer me to a OB to get it done.

One of my friends has a 3 year old boy who they got many ultrasounds done with him because of the risk of a birth defect they were worried about. (I forget what it was they were looking for...) But anyway, at 3 years old he cannot carry on a conversation with you. He can say, Yes, No, Dog, Mommy, Daddy. Anything else is a noise, to sound like what he's talking about. If he wants to check the chicken house for eggs, he clucks like a chicken, if he wants to feed the goats, he "maas" like a goat. The kid is really smart for his age with the mechanics of things. But not speech.

That doesn't mean it was because of ultrasounds...

heather_09_15_07 · December 2010

That is anecdotal and not based on evidence, OP.

And I'm giving a HUGE side-eye to that book you linked.

NithyaV · December 2010

I agree w/PPs - I'm only getting 4-5 more U/s based on my discussions w/my dr but I feel safe that it's not excessive. I think if there's no definite proof of harm, moderation or a little bit is OK.

e_uecker · December 2010

old_time_girl:

I will be happy with a boy if that's what we end up with. It does sound a little cocky to insist it's a girl.

I don't get ultrasounds unless I request one or my midwife thinks it's a good idea and will refer me to a OB to get it done.

One of my friends has a 3 year old boy who they got many ultrasounds done with him because of the risk of a birth defect they were worried about. (I forget what it was they were looking for...) But anyway, at 3 years old he cannot carry on a conversation with you. He can say, Yes, No, Dog, Mommy, Daddy. Anything else is a noise, to sound like what he's talking about. If he wants to check the chicken house for eggs, he clucks like a chicken, if he wants to feed the goats, he "maas" like a goat. The kid is really smart for his age with the mechanics of things. But not speech.

Then he is behind in speech and could see a speech therapist. That doesn't mean they had too many u/s. There could be a million other reasons for this. I'd say too many u/s should be at the very bottom of this list.

TristaD81 · December 2010

My OB doesn't like to do excessive u/s either (like previous post). Unless you see something going wrong (like spotting, cramping, abnormal blood test etc), she only does one at 18-22 weeks to make sure everything is ok. She explained that a LOT of information can be gathered from the one u/s at this stage and it is really important. After that, if everything is going smoothly, she said you don't really need anymore and baby's health can be monitored by listening to the heartbeat. So from what I've been told I would def get the one for sure.

12bailey18 · December 2010

old_time_girl:

I will be happy with a boy if that's what we end up with. It does sound a little cocky to insist it's a girl.

I don't get ultrasounds unless I request one or my midwife thinks it's a good idea and will refer me to a OB to get it done.

One of my friends has a 3 year old boy who they got many ultrasounds done with him because of the risk of a birth defect they were worried about. (I forget what it was they were looking for...) But anyway, at 3 years old he cannot carry on a conversation with you. He can say, Yes, No, Dog, Mommy, Daddy. Anything else is a noise, to sound like what he's talking about. If he wants to check the chicken house for eggs, he clucks like a chicken, if he wants to feed the goats, he "maas" like a goat. The kid is really smart for his age with the mechanics of things. But not speech.

Are you serious? I'm calling MUD...

dairygirl19 · December 2010

I don't think they're unsafe, but I also wouldn't do them "Just for fun" either.

My dr. said there is a small risk involved so that's why he only does them when medically necessary (IF, at 20 weeks, medical issues etc.).

That said, I was u/s to death the first time for various reasons and we finally asked the specialists to please stop because the stress of the stuff they saw actually got to be worse than the u/s itself.

I also think it's weird that your midwife doesn't want to do at least one. I'd want to know everything at least looks fine in there.

Tomkat8403 · December 2010

It's also true that you have no way of diagnosing problems like Gastroschisis (babies born with organs outside their body), which can be deadly to the baby if not treated as soon as the baby is delivered through corrective surgery - but totally treatable if they know ahead of time.

A 20 week ultrasound would pick stuff like that up for you so that you can be prepared to fix any problems once the baby is born. Same with things like transverse and breech babies. The doctors couldn't tell by doing external palpations if L was still transverse at my 38.5 week appointment. So they did an ultrasound to confirm if she was head down or not. There is no way to deliver a transverse baby aside from a c-section - it's not like a breech birth.

Scout05 · December 2010

I've had nine so far, and will have more given our prior history. I had partial previa that needed to be monitored, and some unexplained bleeding they needed to check. Because of the previa, internal exams were out, so u/s was the only way to make sure my cervix was still closed and further measures weren't needed.

There are also conditions and situations that can only be determined by u/s, and would require intervention right away at delivery. For that reason alone, I think they are an important part of prenatal care. And while I don't think they should be treated as anything other than an important medical tool, I really have no lingering concerns about how many I have had to have.

ijack · December 2010

I had a ton with DD (probably over 20) and she's fine. My doc has also told me that I can have an u/s every day if it helps me worry less about having a preemie.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · December 2010

I have 5 ultrasounds with my daughter and she is completely healthy and thriving. No health problems or congenital defects.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · December 2010

old_time_girl:
I will be happy with a boy if that's what we end up with. It does sound a little cocky to insist it's a girl.

I don't get ultrasounds unless I request one or my midwife thinks it's a good idea and will refer me to a OB to get it done.

One of my friends has a 3 year old boy who they got many ultrasounds done with him because of the risk of a birth defect they were worried about. (I forget what it was they were looking for...) But anyway, at 3 years old he cannot carry on a conversation with you. He can say, Yes, No, Dog, Mommy, Daddy. Anything else is a noise, to sound like what he's talking about. If he wants to check the chicken house for eggs, he clucks like a chicken, if he wants to feed the goats, he "maas" like a goat. The kid is really smart for his age with the mechanics of things. But not speech.

Are you a Dr.? How can you relate the ultrasounds to having anything to do with his speech? You mentioned they were looking for possible birth defects, yet you couldn't tell us what they were? Not very informed on this subject from the get-go. Maybe he has a neurological disorder that affects his speech which they were looking into with the ultrasounds.

Until you are an expert on ultrasounds then I would stop making such strong conclusions.

leslie13510 · December 2010

You're totally right, they're so dangerous! I had them at almost every appointment, and some in between, and my baby came out with 2 heads and 8 limbs!! The horror!!

::runs around in circles waving arms wildly::

old_time_girl · December 2010

I will admit that with my friend there is no evidence linking the u/s to the speech delay. I will even go as far to say that an u/s at 20 weeks would be a good thing, to catch a problem early on. I for one am NOT having a NT scan done as it will not change my thinking for the baby. Therefore I deem it unnecessary in my case. I have not had any spotting or painful cramping so I deem an early u/s unnecessary in my case. As far as knowing weather or not a child is breech, hands on will be able to tell you. I'm not saying that u/s doesn't have it's place. I know it does and is a very important tool to have access too. I however feel that it is used too often and as more of a entertainment tool. I was not against u/s at all until I started researching it. I figured if the DRs were doing it, it must be ok, but as with other things I've learned that I need to be more educated about things so I can make the right choice for me and my family. I'm not saying that what's right for me and my family is going to be whats right for your family. That's for you to decide. I did think this would be a nice topic of conversation/debate. And to see if anyone else shares my views, because I know my way of thinking is not the 'norm'

jenerally? · December 2010

I had ONE ultrasound with my first son and he was speech delayed.

I had about 14 with my second and he's ahead in speech.

ultrasounds have nothing to do with speech delays.

walla.

Tomkat8403 · December 2010

old_time_girl:
I will admit that with my friend there is no evidence linking the u/s to the speech delay. I will even go as far to say that an u/s at 20 weeks would be a good thing, to catch a problem early on. I for one am NOT having a NT scan done as it will not change my thinking for the baby. Therefore I deem it unnecessary in my case. I have not had any spotting or painful cramping so I deem an early u/s unnecessary in my case. As far as knowing weather or not a child is breech, hands on will be able to tell you. I'm not saying that u/s doesn't have it's place. I know it does and is a very important tool to have access too. I however feel that it is used too often and as more of a entertainment tool. I was not against u/s at all until I started researching it. I figured if the DRs were doing it, it must be ok, but as with other things I've learned that I need to be more educated about things so I can make the right choice for me and my family. I'm not saying that what's right for me and my family is going to be whats right for your family. That's for you to decide. I did think this would be a nice topic of conversation/debate. And to see if anyone else shares my views, because I know my way of thinking is not the 'norm'

I didn't say breech. I said transverse. And no, you can't tell 100% by touch.

hales.21 · December 2010

I'm not worried about it, and it's the last thing I would be worried about. I'm considered high-risk, so I've already had a couple ultrasounds - one at 8 weeks and one at 12 weeks. And I'm sure I'll have one at 20 weeks. I trust my doctors know what they're doing.

Chulisima · December 2010

HI, I'm a registered sonographer (ultrasound technologist) and from my extensive training, education in ultrasound physics, and read the research I am proud to say that ultrasounds are safe! Don't worry! Smile

The only issue is during the 1st trimester, color doppler should not be used on the embryo/fetus as it could cause overheating due to the ultrasonic energy emitted by the color doppler. Otherwise, it is safe. There was a research study done on pregnant mice that used a 1 mHz ultrasound transducer and they left it on the mice for 24 hrs and found fetal defects. This study is irrelevant to humans that are scanned by ultrasound professionals in a doctor office. The reason why is because in medical ultrasound for humans, we NEVER use 1 Mhz (at this unit, the sound waves penetrate deeper)! We use 2-5 Mhz and for pregnancy, 4-7 MHz which is safe. We also are trained not to leave the probe on the patient for long periods of time (like hours and hours). Ultrasound manufacturers make machines that emit energy that is not high enough to harm humans. So, don't be afraid of ultrasoud. Be afraid of radiation, xrays and cat scans. Ultrasound is pure sound waves, no radiation! Safe!

Chulisima · December 2010

HI, I'm a registered sonographer (ultrasound technologist) and from my extensive training, education in ultrasound physics, and read the research I am proud to say that ultrasounds are safe! Don't worry! Smile The only issue is during the 1st trimester, color doppler should not be used on the embryo/fetus as it could cause overheating due to the ultrasonic energy emitted by the color doppler. Otherwise, it is safe. There was a research study done on pregnant mice that used a 1 mHz ultrasound transducer and they left it on the mice for 24 hrs and found fetal defects. This study is irrelevant to humans that are scanned by ultrasound professionals in a doctor office. The reason why is because in medical ultrasound for humans, we NEVER use 1 Mhz (at this unit, the sound waves penetrate deeper)! We use 2-5 Mhz and for pregnancy, 4-7 MHz which is safe. We also are trained not to leave the probe on the patient for long periods of time (like hours and hours). Ultrasound manufacturers make machines that emit energy that is not high enough to harm humans. In addition, we are not allowed to perform ultrasounds for non-medical reasons (The Tom Cruise law), it HAS to be ordered by a doctor. Those so-called clinics that give you 3d/4d ultrasound just for keepsakes and do them without a doctor's orders, is illegal in most states.

So, don't be afraid of ultrasound. Be afraid of radiation, xrays and cat scans. Ultrasound is pure sound waves, no radiation! Safe! IF yo

najii · December 2010

I don't think there's anything wrong with being concerned, or at least doing research. Since I'm 36, they've done 3 for me already and I have the 20th week coming up. If everything is fine, I'm going to ask they not do anymore.

I do think some docs are more liberal with the scans than others. But it's a personal choice and if you feel comfortable having them that's fine. And if your pregnancy is going well and you'd rather not have them, that's up to the patient.

I do appreciate the post from the registered sonographer. That is reassuring but I also have heard that there hasn't been a lot of research done on long term effects. So while I believe that for the most part, the benefit does outweigh the risk if they're done for medical purposes, the bottom line is that we don't know 100% yet if they do increase risk for certain things like autism.

I look forward to learning about more research in this area.

Squiggy29 · December 2010

Hello,

I'm 8 and a half weeks pregnant and already had 2 ultrasounds and going for a 3rd this week. After reading this i'm now extremely concerned. There is no medical reason to have the ultrasound other than to check on the baby and make sure that little heart is beating.

I usually error on the side of caution with everything and i'm concerned I may be harming the baby by having 3 ultrasounds in a 3 week period. The reason for doing it is because the first 2 indicated two different sizes, and we decided to do a third to determine the exact size and age of the baby.

My midwife says it is only sounds waves and not proven to have any effect on the baby. Any thoughts/suggestions.

Thanks

magdalina.h · December 2010

My dr wants me to bring this baby home almost as much as we do. I'm getting u/s all the time and she has said that she doesn't believe they cause any harm.

christina1776 · December 2010

all the midwives i've seen only do the early quad screen (which i decline because any 'results' wouldn't change a thing for me) and a 20 week u/s. Other than that, only if there is medical indication to do additional u/s's. With both my previous kids i had one around 38 weeks because i was measuring small, but my babies were 7-12 and 8-4.6 and perfectly healthy! Personally i don't have any concerns with this approach. I might question routine u/s at every visit though, that seems unnecessary for healthy pregnancy. Fun to see, but because long-term effects are questionable i would avoid overdose!

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