Are Ultrasounds Safe?

From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, obstetrics has utilized ultrasounds. However, every pregnant woman today can now access ultrasounds, and many have them more than once. In fact, more parents demand 3D ultrasound images, and some celebrities even acquire ultrasound equipment for at-home use. Therefore, it is understandable to question whether this prenatal gadget is safe when used so often, especially for non-medical functions. The ultrasound Buckhead specialists provide insights into what ultrasonography entails, its benefits and applications, and the safety of this procedure during pregnancy. Continue reading to learn more.

When Should You Consider An Ultrasound?

Your physician can use a simple ultrasound to validate the pregnancy, estimate the due date, and locate the placenta as early as five and a half weeks into a pregnancy. Around 18 to 20 weeks, or after any of the preceding tests, a woman may require a full ultrasound to check on her baby’s health.

Doctors use ultrasonography with additional prenatal tests like nuchal fold translucency and amniocentesis. Some medical professionals might also suggest an ultrasound to monitor the baby’s growth throughout pregnancy or to determine whether the baby’s lungs are developed enough for birth.

How does ultrasonography function?

Prenatal ultrasounds utilize high-frequency sound waves. The device sends these waves via the mother’s belly and picks up an ‘echo’ once they rebound off the area of the developing baby under study.

Who Performs Ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are performed by either a sonographer (professional ultrasound technician) or your obstetrician. Standard ultrasounds often require a full bladder to remove air pockets between the uterus and bladder. Generally, the ultrasonic transducer uses a water-based gel because water is an excellent sound conductor.

Can Ultrasonography Determine The Baby’s Weight?

Your practitioner will collect several measurements throughout an ultrasound, including:

•       The distance from one side of the skull to the other
•       The head and belly circumference
•       The femur (thigh bone) length

According to these measurements, a computer calculates the estimated weight of the unborn baby.

Nevertheless, remember that these are just projections. Ultrasounds used to estimate birth weight can be off by as much as 10%. Therefore, you should be careful when scheduling a cesarean or induction delivery simply on ultrasound results of a ‘big’ baby.

Are There Any Hazards Associated With Ultrasound?

There is no definitive proof in the past three decades that human exposure to ultrasound at the levels typically utilized is detrimental. Nonetheless, certain animal investigations with ultrasound at increased intensities point to alterations in cell functionality and structure and sometimes even the death of cells. As per these studies, higher-frequency waves somewhat affect the body part or tested tissue.

One of the greatest dangers of ultrasounds is the possibility of discovering something ‘beyond the usual range’ about the baby. In such cases, you should also expect invasive tests like amniocentesis.

Often, these ‘abnormal’ discoveries correct themselves or become normal by the due date. Therefore, ultrasounds might cause unnecessary anxiety to the parents throughout the waiting period.

Ultrasounds are a safe and painless imaging technique. Contrary to X-rays, they do not employ radiation. Rather, sound waves infiltrate bodily tissues and reflect back to the imaging device to create images. There are various forms of ultrasounds and different applications available at Ideal Gynecology, LLC. Fortunately, all ultrasound procedures are fast and involve minimal preparation. Schedule an initial consultation today through mobile or book online to determine if an ultrasound procedure is appropriate for you.