Health experts say that too many harmful and unnecessary preventive examinations are performed during pregnancy. Some people believe that ultrasound can be harmful to the baby.
Harm of ultrasound during pregnancy
In the European Union, from January 1, 2019, a new Decree on radiation protection entered into force. It includes, among other things, the use of ultrasound during pregnancy.
From the end of 2020, it will be forbidden to use ultrasound for non-medical purposes.
There are still no results suggesting that ultrasound during pregnancy creates any kind of load on the fetus. Current studies have shown that the theoretical increase in body temperature of a pregnant woman caused by ultrasound can be considered a potential danger.
The use of Doppler ultrasound is the cause of known growth disorders.
Ultrasound can increase the temperature in the mother’s body and damage the baby’s tissue.
In most cases, only vessels outside the fetus are examined - the maternal uterine arteries or the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. Only in the case of specific issues can fetal vessels be examined directly in the liver or lungs.
And only in very few exceptional cases - with a clear indication - the fetal brain is examined. It will also take into account the above principles regarding the duration of the study.
Is there a connection between ultrasound and autism?
The connection between the use of ultrasound and subsequent autism is based solely on observational studies. In recent years, the incidence of autism has increased to about the same extent as the number of ultrasound examinations.
Several other research groups disagree with this thesis. They indicate that the number of radiation communications has also increased over the same time period. Current data do not suggest that the use of ultrasound during pregnancy can cause cellular changes or damage to cells in the fetus.
Why do many scientists reject criticism of ultrasound?
Laboratory studies have shown that ultrasound generates gas bubbles only when blood is enriched with contrast agents. However, contrast media are not used in ultrasound during pregnancy. Therefore, this potential risk can be excluded.
Thanks to numerous studies, DEGUM categorically rejects the current criticism of 3D ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. Scientists propose to conduct additional tests to "put an end" to this issue.
According to current recommendations on maternity, every woman in Russia can have three funded ultrasounds during pregnancy.
Further studies are shown to identify abnormalities or existing health risks. To exclude, as far as possible, early childhood malformations, it is also possible to conduct diagnostic examinations at your own expense.
To undergo or not to undergo ultrasound examinations?
Two ultrasound examinations will not harm the fetus, according to experts. Early organ diagnosis between 11 and 13 weeks is required for all mothers. Ultrasound is also recommended at the 20th week of pregnancy.
The vast majority of malformations in children can be detected or largely eliminated using 2 examinations.
Further ultrasound procedures are meaningless and pose a significant risk to the fetus or mother. Excessive examinations have no additional diagnostic value.
Before carrying out any diagnostic procedures, it is recommended that you consult a qualified specialist. Self-diagnosis is categorically not recommended, since some examinations are dangerous for the child.
If the doctor advises a large number of unnecessary studies, it is recommended to change the specialist. The unjustified appointment of an ultrasound imposes a risk on the fetus and increases financial costs.
