Is ultrasound safe?
A. Tests have shown that there is no evidence ultrasound imaging causes any ill-effects to the mother or baby. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has examined the increasing demand from patients for ultrasound examinations for bonding and reassurance purposes. It recommends that only registered medical professionals with specialised training in foetal imaging perform all foetal ultrasound scans. The AIUM states Sharing images with patients is unlikely to have a detrimental medico-legal impact. We encourage sharing images with patients, as appropriate, when obstetric ultrasound examinations are performed. Medi-Scan personnel are all registered with the Health Professions Council as Radiographers and have post-graduate qualifications in general and obstetric ultrasound. For more information log onto: www.aium.
This is probably the most important question to ask. Ultrasound has been used safely in obstetrics since the 1950s. There have been no confirmed adverse biological effects to mothers or their babies caused by exposure from ultrasound instruments. However, it is critical that an experienced,certified sonographer does your 3D scan and that you feel comfortable with the knowledge and expertise of the clinic that’s providing the service. Q: What is the difference between 3D & 4D images compare to the 2D? A: The 2D (2 dimensional) image is the flat black and white picture that looks like an outline or skeletal image of your baby that you get at your diagnostic ultrasound. The 3D (3 dimensional) image will look more realistic, like a detail photograph of your baby. The 4D (4 dimensional) uses the 3D technology to view your baby in “live motion” like a video. Q: Can I bring my family? A: Yes. You can bringup to 3 other persons with you to your session. For 3D/4D Ultrasound sessions only. Q: D
Ultrasound has been in routine use for over thirty-five years. While no detrimental effects from the responsible use of ultrasound have been definitively proven, the FDA and American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) openly discourage the use of ultrasound unless medically necessary. For more information on ultrasound please visit www.ob-ultrasound.net, a website by Dr. Joseph Woo for a complete history of the development and use of ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Also visit www.ob-ultrasound.net/studies.html for information regarding the most recent studies on ultrasound.
Obstetric ultrasound has been extensively studied and found to be safe for the baby. While no fetal harm has been found, current recommendations are to limit the use of ultrasound to that which is medically useful or necessary. In our office this includes a quick ultrasound at most visits in the first 20 weeks to confirm viability and establish gender, a detailed ultrasound at 20-22 weeks to assess the baby’s anatomy in detail, and only any medically necessary ultrasounds later in pregnancy. Because they are not medically useful, some people have criticized 4-D ultrasounds, which are commonly done at 28-32 weeks to get a picture of the baby. Since there is no evidence of harm, we are happy to recommend a 4-D ultrasound for you.
Ultrasound has been in use for over 35 years and no harmful effects have ever been shown from its responsible use. The perfect example is a pregnancy which has been the result of invitro-fertilization. These woman have a diagnostic ultrasound every week for the first several months of the pregnancy with no harmful results. Being a reputable and responsible 3D ultrasound center, we limit our scanning times to those much less than a typical 2D diagnostic scan. Though our session times are thirty to forty minutes, the actual time scanning in 3D is very limited. Because the ultrasound machine saves the live footage which is acquired in 4D, the bulk of the session is spent looking back through the saved footage, frame-by-frame, and taking the still 3D images. While no detrimental effects have been proven from responsible use of ultrasound, the FDA and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine discourage the use of ultrasound unless medically necessary.
