Ultrasound Risks?

HighCountryCait · January 2016

I'm going to start by saying that I feel admittedly foolish asking this question in the first place. I know that my generation and my parents' generation have been doing ultrasounds with no proven risk to babies. However, I've been hearing more and more studies done on rats and chickens that suggest there *might* be a *slight* chance of behavioral development and tissue health risks due to repeated ultrasounds. Studies like these are alarming to me for obvious reasons and I hate to dwell on them because pregnant women already have enough to worry about and already so many decisions to make about theirs and the baby's care. But I want to be really cautious. I am dying to see the baby (haven't had an u/s or appt yet- I'm only 7 wks) and I will likely do tests, so it's hard to imagine that I wouldn't have any ultrasounds done, but I'm curious: have any of you ladies opted (or plan to opt) out of ultrasounds? What were some of the factors that either made you weary or comforted you about that decision?

Totally no judgement here, just looking for more info. Thanks!

ramoseecology · January 2016

I'm not concerned. I'm only getting them from trained professionals in a medical setting a handful of times.

Kjack85 · January 2016

I echo what the PP have stated. Personally, im not concerned but if you are an OB can provide you with more information to help your decision.

bexsd · January 2016

From what I remember reading during my last pregnancy, it seems like short, limited ones by a medically trained professional are not to worry about. The 30 minute optional "vanity" ones at those ultrasound boutiques might be a different story.

Toricharline · January 2016

Ive been researching it a lot, and only getting the ones that are needed. Like the initial one for due date check (around 10 weeks) and the anatomy scan around 18-20 weeks. Same thing I did with my daughter. Other than that, they aren't needed usually and will decline any extras. Also with an at home fetal Doppler. They have been proven to heat up and quicken the baby's cells while in use, and there are no proven long term effects either way so to me it's not worth any extra risk. My doctor told me all of those things with my first pregnancy so it was nice hearing it from a professional, along with doing my own research. This time I have a midwife and she has told me all of the same things. If you're worried, don't do it. If you're not worried, do it. To each their own.

kat22stl · January 2016

With my first two, I opted for only the 20 week scan. This time around I had a dating us (it was an abdominal scan - mostly bc we were not 100 percent on when we conceived or my lmp). I will do the 20 week and hopefully that will be it for us! Both of my pregnancies were 'normal' all the way through so I didn't feel the need. I had also read some of the risks. If there were a problem with me or the baby, that might change my mind but I am hopeful that won't be the case!

DSMLove · January 2016

I don't think there is enough information to say for sure that they are harmful. But just in case, I prefer to minimize exposure. I will only do two ultrasounds and both will be performed by medical professionals.

I'll do the NT scan around 12 weeks and the anatomy scan around 20 weeks. I feel that there is a valid medical reason for those scans, and the benefit of the information that can be gained from them outweighs the risks.

DSMLove · January 2016

And I just wanted to add that you shouldn't feel foolish for asking. I don't think it's ever foolish to ask for more information about a test or procedure. You have a right to informed consent.

It's foolish to blindly accept medical procedures without asking questions about potential risks.

Toricharline · January 2016

DSMLove said:
And I just wanted to add that you shouldn't feel foolish for asking. I don't think it's ever foolish to ask for more information about a test or procedure. You have a right to informed consent.

It's foolish to blindly accept medical procedures without asking questions about potential risks.

All of this. You should always ask questions. Especially if you feel uneasy about something.

rosieo52 · January 2016

Don't believe everything you read! And the benefits outway the risks.

mrsodonnell12 · January 2016

Just stick with the medically necessary ultrasounds.

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

In Germany, it's standard to have an ultrasound at every appointment.
In the states when I was pregnant with DS, I had an US at over half of my appointments because they were medically necessary and he's fine.

There are some other things to consider here:
How often are rats and chicken receiving ultrasounds? I'm willing to bet it's much more frequently than we would.
Does the size of the US machine matter? I meam, are they using a machine made for adult humans on rats and chickens? If so, and if they're exposed to it multiple times a day every day...well, you see where I'm going with this.

Also, too mu ch of anything is going to be bad. Having an ultrasound here and there isn't that big of a deal, imo. I agree that you should talk to your doctor about this, but most only do US when they're medically necessary anyway because many insurances won't cover frequent US.

jmknox · January 2016

When I was getting ultrasounds with my son, when they turned on the 3-d --- the energy required for that is so much more than the 2-d and it was almost like it was clapping on my belly --- my son would throw up his hands and try to get away from it like it was hurting him. I actually told them to stop and turn it off! I didn't get anything 3-d after that and don't want any 3-d with this pregnancy. I'm also not getting anything extra other than the necessary tests or if they're concerned. Yes ultrasound risks are probably low but we still don't *know* everything and if you are concerned better to be safe than sorry.

lotsofsunshine · January 2016

When I was pregnant with DS2 my mom worked at a family medicine residency clinic. The new residents were going through the ob portion of thieir residency and I got to go in for them to practice ultra sounds on me. I got to see my baby almost weekly. He is totally fine. But, if you are uncomfortable with it, you really need to have a conversation with your doc.

HighCountryCait · January 2016

Wow, lots of good info. Thank you everyone for sharing!

And yes, of course I will mention every one of my concerns to my care provider. However, I know that despite her best intentions, she is biased since she has successfully performed ultrasounds for so many expecting moms. Therefore I'm grateful to hear about other women's experiences!

@jmknox that was really interesting to hear your experience with 2 vs 3D ultrasounds. Thanks for sharing!

Have a great weekend everyone!

imakeeff0rts · January 2016

I didn't feel a difference between the 2 and 3d ultrasounds.

Here's the thing: If there is a legitimate issue with having ultrasounds and the studies/evidence supports that, your doctor is a shitty doctor if she can't acknowledge that and adjust her practices accordingly. Period.

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