August 2015 Moms

Hazards of Ultrasounds

Im 17.4wks and just found out my sweet little baby GIRL is healthy (as well as myself) after some blood work and genetic screening. Very excited and so relieved. In a few weeks I'll be having my anatomy scan (also will be my first ultrasound). As I know the anatomy scan is almost completely necessary and I am excited to get it and see the baby and make sure everything is ok, I have been doing some research and some are saying that ultrasounds could be hazardous (contribute to birth defects and such). Some also say that the strong waves can be traumatizing to the baby. Is this true?
I was wanting to go get an elective ultrasound this week as I am so eager to see baby, but now I am second guessing. Thoughts and opinions mamas, please! :)

Best Answers

  • Answer ✓
    I would just wait until your anatomy scan if you are worried. It should only be a few weeks away if you are already over 17 weeks and then you are also able to ask any questions, etc. unlike if you go for an elective ultrasound. 


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  • leyla10leyla10 member
    Answer ✓
    I agree with you and the research, I'm only having one at 21 weeks and that's it.
  • CLTladyCLTlady member
    Answer ✓
    I am also hesitant to get any extra ultra sounds. The fact that people have commented that they saw their baby move away from the ultra sound or doplar really makes me agree with the research that ultrasounds and doplars are uncomfortable for the baby. I don't want to add any stress, it's not worth the risk. Definitely to each their own though!
  • ann_jeremiahann_jeremiah member
    Answer ✓
    I'm sure there is some truth to them being harmful as I know my doctor requires at least 10 days between ultrasounds.

    DS1 -6/25/11

    DS2 -3/23/13

    Missed MC D&C 8/26/14

    DD - 8/26/15

    LO#4 due 5/30/17


  • Answer ✓
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  • Lalala2326Lalala2326 member
    Answer ✓
    I've heard a lot of it has to do with the length of time that the ultrasound is being done both because of longer distress for the baby (if baby is in distress) and heating up of tissue from it. I don't think quick checks are as big of a deal as doing the lengthy video-taped ones that they tend to do at the boutique places. The anatomy scan is medically necessary, so it is what it is. My doctor does quick like 30 second checks with the ultrasound every appt till 20 weeks but doesn't use the doppler at all during that timeframe. Those don't bother me. I wouldn't do an elective one though.
  • mrsb30mrsb30 member
    Answer ✓
    I had not heard they were hazardous per say, but it doctor does not turn the volume up for you to hear the heartbeat at the ultrasounds. She said it causes unnecessary sound waves that can harm the baby. So we didn't actually hear the heart beat until 14 or 15 weeks although we could see it earlier at our first ultrasound.

Re: Hazards of Ultrasounds

  • Thanks everyone for your feedback! I've decided to just hold out and go for my anatomy scan in a few weeks! :)
  • I'm sure there is some truth to them being harmful as I know my doctor requires at least 10 days between ultrasounds.

    Interesting that your doctor has you wait between scans. I didn't know it was required!
  • I'm sure there is some truth to them being harmful as I know my doctor requires at least 10 days between ultrasounds.

    Interesting that your doctor has you wait between scans. I didn't know it was required!
    Yes... I think it's the standard practice of my hospital/clinic.... With DS2.. The US tech couldn't get a good image of the heart as he was so wiggly... We had to wait 10 days to come back. Same with my last pregnancy/miscarriage.

    DS1 -6/25/11

    DS2 -3/23/13

    Missed MC D&C 8/26/14

    DD - 8/26/15

    LO#4 due 5/30/17


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