Is Ultrasound Dangerous To Fetus

Is Ultrasound Dangerous To Fetus ?

The invention of ultrasound has served as a boon to expectant parents. Since its discovery in 1957, doctors have made use of this technology during pregnancy to confirm the fetal viability, evaluate the gestational age, screen for physical abnormalities and genetic defects.

It is recommended to get an ultrasound performed every 20 weeks during the 9 months of gestation to ensure the sound growth of the fetus.

During pregnancy, an ultrasound can be performed in two ways. A transabdominal ultrasound is one in which a hand device called transducer is moved on the pregnant woman’s abdomen. This method is painless and is conducted on a full bladder. The transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a probe into the vagina. This requires the bladder to be empty and may cause slight discomfort. This form of scanning allows a closer view of the cervix and lower uterus.

Whatever may be its form, the operating technology of sound waves penetrating the body remains the same and so do the related risks. However, the frequency of the ultrasound beam can vary. A high frequency wave cannot penetrate very deep but produces clarity. The phenomenon is visa versa with low frequency beams. In order to visualize the long term effects of repeated ultrasound exposure, one needs to comprehend that all the energy that penetrates the body tissues is not reflected back. Some of it gets absorbed by the tissues. This can cause heating up of cells, which contributes to the Thermal effect. It can also make trapped gas bubble up, which is known as cavitation. This is termed as a Mechanical effect.

Experiments carried out on animals in laboratories have shown these two effects can damage internal organs. Thus, making it vital for doctors to check for two numbers displayed on the screen of a modern ultrasound device -- the thermal index and the mechanical index. These indices indicate the potency of vibrations that might influence the body. Therefore, doctors try to keep these indices below a certain threshold to tone down the risk of heat and cavitation.

Sonographers have used the technique of ultrasound for over 30 years now. Experiments conducted have shown an increase in left-handedness amongst those exposed to prenatal ultrasound demonstrating neurological effects. In light of the fact, that the benefits of this procedure are far beyond any identified risks, obstetric ultrasound continues to remain important.

There is an ongoing research to analyze the long-term consequences of the thermal and mechanical effects of the ultrasound. However, one cannot refute the fact that ultrasound does involve the infiltration of energy into the body tissues, so it is unquestionably advisable to undergo the technique at the hands of a trained professional and also bound the number, duration and intensity of the imaging sessions.

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Is Ultrasound Dangerous To Fetus