Heat during 21 week ultrasound scan?!

[TanyaT3600]

Hi all,

First time mum here. Had an ultrasound done by my Doctor yesterday to follow-up my 20 week ultrasound 4 days ago (which was normal). My Doctor has just gotten a new ultrasound machine, and the gel that she uses is not warmed.

It was very strange because as soon as the probe was on me I felt heat. This continued throughout the exam. I mentioned this to her but she did not seem to think it was an issue. Has anyone experienced this before? I am scared that I have done permanent damage to baby, and wish that I had gotten up and left.

I'm sure it's fine op

I would speak to your midwife about the extreme anxiety you appear to be feeling. Babies are quite safe and durable.

That's weird. I had always had cold gel until my private scan where he used heated gel. It was much less of a shock and a more pleasant experience. Are you thinking you may have had some sort of reaction?

Why did you have a second scan?
Maybe ask someone about your anxiety.
Sure your baby is fine.

She repeated the ultrasound to check the heartbeat and baby's position. I don't think it was necessary and wish I declined it. Feel like a terrible mom already.

I wonder if the probe was left on all day causing it to heat up, or if the wrong settings were used. So many studies out there that talk about ultrasound heat damaging baby's tissues. Hopefully this does all just boil down to anxiety though.

@Tanya Why do you feel like a terrible mum? You followed the doctor’s/ Technician’s advice and went for a second scan. That was the best thing you could do as a mother.

@BelulahBlanca thank you so much. I just feel so much pressure to protect my LO and not sure I did the best job of that. Will try to have faith and not fear the worst!

You're absolutely fine OP. Try not to worry.

Why would you fear the worst? I don't understand. You followed advice and I don't know of a single reliable study that states ultrasound damages baby?

I have mcda twins and have scans every two weeks. Just relax and get perspective. No anomalies were found I assume? That's all that matters

Thank you so much everyone!! Really appreciate the reassurance, feeling much more positive :)

I haven't seen any reliable studies that talk about ultrasound damage to babies' tissues.

How is your baby now after 3 years? I had the same issue and i worry so much😢

if she had a problem she would update here i think.

I had the exact same issue and was so worried I called the scan place, they checked the machine and confirmed it was working correctly. God knows why it felt hot.

DC is now 9, no problems.

Oh dear 🤣
They warm the gel up these days. You & baby are fine.