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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

are ultrasounds safe in pregnancy?

8 replies

kalo12 · 13/02/2011 21:45

hi, have had 5 u/s already at 18 weeks because been very worried due to 3 previous mcs. now just read that too many u/s could be harmful.
anyone know anything?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Wigeon · 13/02/2011 21:47

I use Babycentre for reference for this kind of question because all the advice is properly scientifically checked and research, rather than based on anecdotes from individual mums or anything unhelpful like that.

on ultrasound safety here www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/scans/safety/

Wigeon · 13/02/2011 21:48

Sorry, don't know what happened there, link here.

kalo12 · 13/02/2011 21:53

thanks that was reassuring. although i do like personal anecdotes aswell. I think they are just as valid as there is no hidden agenda as there sometimes can be with big science companies

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Penelope1980 · 14/02/2011 05:49

There can be hidden agendas with personal anecdotes too though, for example many people will believe that something external to themselves has caused a problem as it's easier and more convenient than blaming themselves.

Bucharest · 14/02/2011 06:37

Here in Italy we have them at least monthly.
They're done by gynaecologists who I presume have weighed the risks of doing them.
(sorry, I know that's anecdotal too, but at least it's anecdotal for a whole nation!)

SnapFrakkleAndPop · 14/02/2011 06:38

I think as with everything u/s should be used with caution and kept to a minimum so I would ask at every stage whether a u/s is really necessary or whether the same info can be obtained the via a different method.

There's a fine line between the benefits (which are clear) and any potential risks, and only you can decide where that line lies. I've refused a u/s to check baby's position (at 28 weeks) and requested that a MW with a lot more experience come and prod me to see whether the position could be determined. It could, which personally I judged less risky than a u/s, even allowing for potential error. I wouldn't necessarily make the same call at a 36 week check because a u/s gives additional information but by their own admission they were planning on scanning me purely for foetal orientation and not because they had concerns about the placenta, the cord, whether there was sufficient room or anything else - just because baby wasn't obviously head down, which isn't a reliable inducator at that stage anyway. They were right, it wasn't head down, and it's probably better to be aware of that than not but a u/s wasn't necessary.

As with everything a healthy aversion to risk is a good thing so you're not being paranoid. Too much, especially prolonged exposure, could, in theory, be harmful. But noone is going to subject a pregnant woman to that level of risk to find out, which means that in all likelihood you're fine :)

I'd had 5 as well by that point - 2 early and 3 attempts at a NT measurement and I'm up to 8 with definitely 1, probably 2 to go.

Annabel7 · 14/02/2011 07:25

I've never seen anything that's shown evidence of harm from ultrasound. I was pregnant with DC2 in the middle east and they scan each month. I guess you have to weigh up the risk in your mind - perceived risk of US v benefit of them keeping a close eye on the baby. I'd think, particularly if you're on the NHS, that they wouldn't spend the time and money scanning you unless they thought it was worth it...

jasmine51 · 14/02/2011 08:43

I think Lesley Regan is doing a study to show that babies who are scanned more often have a greater survival rate...and not just because problems are picked up. I dont have any details but I think it was mentioned in her book and is also mentioned in another PG book I have.

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