The Dangers of Ultrasounds

The American Medical Association has warned that ultrasounds on pregnant women can be risky. Yet, the use of frivolous ultrasound exams has only been rising. Most pregnant women take great care to deliver a healthy and normal child. They avoid cigarettes and alcohol, consume a healthy diet apart from taking the prescribed vitamins and mineral supplements.

Yet they do not know of the harm caused by the ultrasounds done by the doctors whom they trust for the delivery of a healthy child. These women must become aware of the potential dangers caused by ultrasounds so that they can prevent harm to their unborn babies.

The fetus cannot regulate its own body temperature. Cellular and neurological damage can be caused by ultrasounds that can heat up the amniotic fluid protecting the baby. Pregnant women are advised against taking hot water baths for the same purpose. They also have to seek instant medical attention if they get very high fevers. Ultrasounds increase the temperature of the amniotic fluid and can also result in fetal brain damage as was witnessed during experimentation conducted on mammals such as pregnant rats. If the ultrasound session takes a long time, the amniotic fluid can become very hot and lead to even more harm.

The high frequency sound waves of ultrasounds are another reason to worry. Ultrasounds cause loud noise inside the womb which can be harmful for the tiny developing ears and cells. The ultrasound exams done to check the baby’s sex are also dangerous because it involves longer time.

Frequent ultrasound exams on pregnant women can be prevented through the use of other novel medical techniques. For instance through the fundal height measurement you can know about the growth of your fetus. Fundal height measurement can avoid potential risk to your baby.  Most midwives also use this technique which can be learnt and done by you at home. This prevents the unnecessary sound and radiations and can help you know about fetal health without the use of complex machinery.

Pregnant women do everything in their capacity to ensure that they deliver a healthy and normal child. They must also say a strict “No” to unnecessary ultrasounds to prevent harm to their fetus.