While ultrasound is generally considered to be a completely safe and non-invasive internal examination technique, it is not without some reason for concern.
Ultrasound waves are known to affect living tissues in at least two ways. First is a very slight increase in temperature in the area being scanned (about 1 degree celcius) This is considered to be insignificant in light of the fact that pregnancy tends to increase overall body heat by up to 2.5 degrees in any case.
The second potentially harmful effect is that it can cause minute pockets of gas that exist within body tissue to vibrate and collapse, and the degree to which this occurs in human tissue, and its significance is still unknown.
There have been some studies which have linked the use of ultrasound to premature ovulation, miscarriage, preterm labour and low birth weight. However, the majority of studies have shown ultrasound is not hazardous and there are no harmful side effects to mother or baby. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation, as X-ray tests do.
While the final decision is up to the parents, as long as caregivers are not recommending over frequent or overlong ultrasound scans, the safety of ultrasounds should not really be a concerning issue for prenatal examinations.
Ultrasound waves are known to affect living tissues in at least two ways. First is a very slight increase in temperature in the area being scanned (about 1 degree celcius) This is considered to be insignificant in light of the fact that pregnancy tends to increase overall body heat by up to 2.5 degrees in any case.
The second potentially harmful effect is that it can cause minute pockets of gas that exist within body tissue to vibrate and collapse, and the degree to which this occurs in human tissue, and its significance is still unknown.
There have been some studies which have linked the use of ultrasound to premature ovulation, miscarriage, preterm labour and low birth weight. However, the majority of studies have shown ultrasound is not hazardous and there are no harmful side effects to mother or baby. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation, as X-ray tests do.
While the final decision is up to the parents, as long as caregivers are not recommending over frequent or overlong ultrasound scans, the safety of ultrasounds should not really be a concerning issue for prenatal examinations.