Pregnancy Ultrasound

Executive summary about Pregnancy Ultrasound by Thomas Morva

The use of ultrasound scanning in pregnancy is referred to as Obstetric Ultrasound. Since its introduction in the late 1950s, Obstetric Ultrasound has become a useful diagnostic tool. It is used to ""see"" the fetus in its mother's womb. In some countries, routine pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed to identify potential defects before birth.

Research indicates that pregnancy ultrasound is safe for the unborn child, unlike radiographs, which use ionizing radiation. Real-time scanners form a continuous picture of the moving fetus on a monitor screen. Very high frequency sound waves of between 3.5 to 7.0 megahertz are generally used for this purpose. Recurring ultrasound beams scan the fetus and are reflected back onto the same transducer.

The information obtained from different reflections is recomposed back into a picture on the display screen. The sex of the baby can generally be determined after 16 weeks, depending upon the sonographic machine and aptitude of the operator. Structural abnormalities in the fetus can be dependably diagnosed by pregnancy ultrasound scan, and these can usually be performed before 20 weeks.

A full bladder ultrasound is often necessary for the procedure when abdominal scanning is performed in early pregnancy. It is a relatively hassle-free, painless and safe procedure although there may be some uncomfortable sensations from pressure on the full bladder. The conducting gel is non-staining but may feel somewhat cold and damp.

Is Pregnancy Ultrasound Risky?
Executive summary about Pregnancy Ultrasound by Yvonne Lapp Cryns

No one knows the long-term effects of ultrasound use. Many practitioners feel that the technology is perfectly safe since studies of babies and their mothers have not determined any effects. DES and thalidomide alsso were deemed safe and were later found to be the cause of cancer, sterility and anomalies.Possibly the greatest risk of overuse of ultrasound technology is that if an ultrasound raises a question of fetal well-being, invasive and high risk procedures and technologies may be instituted which do have clear risks to the mother or her baby.

STUDIES
Non-diagnostic ultrasound has demonstrated biological effects such as cell heating or thermal effects and cavitational activities using plants and animals. These experiments have had various outcomes and are difficult to equate with human outcomes.

Also, diagnostic ultrasound uses far lower intensities. The current epidemiologic data finds no adverse outcomes from ultrasound use. Many researchers believe that the benefits of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks. Human studies have not documented negative outcomes except for one study which shoed increased fetal activity for the majority of exposed babies when scanned with the Doppler.

OVERUSE OF TECHNOLOGY
Some consumer groups have questioned the need for ultrasound equipment in doctor offices. They claim that in order to pay for the equipment, physicians will order unnecessary ultrasounds.

Please also check out my other guide on pregnancy nausea and ovulation predictor

Pregnancy Ultrasound

pregnancy ultrasounds

Pregnancy Ultrasound

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