While some research are saying ultrasounds affects the body negatively, there’s still no adequate evidence to show that scans are harmful, that is, if used according to the guidelines. As long as the person carrying out the scans (sonographer) follow all the right guidelines, then you and your baby are safe. Which means you need to know the right procedure your sonographer should follow.
Meanwhile, ultrasound will not affect your baby as studies have found no link between ultrasound and birth weight, childhood cancers, dyslexia or hearing.
Almost all women have a scan during pregnancy which means we can’t find one woman to make a comparison, this is enough to reassure us.
During ultrasound, the equipment generates a small amount of heat, about 1.o to 1.5C which absorbed by the part of the body being scanned and this much heat is considered safe for both baby and you. Although if the temperature of the body tissue being scanned rises by 4C, it can be harmful.
The most common type of scanning is used to get 2D pictures of your baby. It uses a low intensity of ultrasound spread over a large area, which causes the heating is minimal. Also, the fluid around your baby and any movement she may make will make sure the heat is not concentrated in one place.
The 3D and 4D scans are equally safe because the power intensity is the same as it is for 2D scanning.
What about other types of scan?
The other types of scans that exist are Doppler and colour scans and they work by concentrating a beam a beam of sound in a small area, this may generate more heat because it would have to be held in the same place for a long time to raise the temperature.
Although some studies have found that it can cause significant heating especially to the baby’s developing brain. But dopplers are usually used to look at blood flow and since blood is constantly moving, the heat produced is distributed evenly.
Doppler scans is used to check whether the placenta is working as it should, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your baby. So a Doppler scan is a good way to tell how your baby is doing.
When used by professionals, hand-held Doppler machines and cardiotocographs (CTGs), which are used to listen to your baby’s heartbeat, use ultrasound. But intensities are low and when used by trained professionals, they are considered safe.
How does the sonographer monitor the heat?
Sonographers will try to minimise the length of each session where possible, even though most ultrasound machines have a very low thermal index, this is an extra safety precaution. The ultrasound examinations in pregnancy should be completed within 40 minutes, and this is considered to be safe.
But Doppler and colour scans have a slightly higher thermal index, even though it’s still safe in small doses, scans should be completed in the minimum time as much as possible. All the sonographer has to do is to identify the vessel that requires a Doppler by studying it in black and white and then adding colour, this will minimize the amount of time you will be exposed to heat.
Here’s how to ensure it’s performed safely
Scans should be performed by trained proffesionals who can perform them safely only. Low levels of ultrasound should be used and it should be performed as quickly as possible.
- Doppler, particularly with a vaginal probe, should not be used in the early weeks of your pregnancy when baby is yet developing.
- Bone heats up much quickly and your baby’s bones start forming at about 12 weeks and as she grows they become harder. Towards the end of your pregnancy, your baby’s skull is a particularly sensitive area.
- The probe should be moved around and not be held still for a long time.
- The scan should be very brief if you have a fever.
If used according to guidelines, scans can’t cause any harm.
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