By: Daniela
Non-medical Fetal ultrasounds are being opposed by many radiologists and pregnancy specialists due to the nature of its uses. Expecting parents are told to avoid non medical fetal ultrasounds to prevent the risk of being told wrong medical information about their child; a serious problem for many specialists and many more arise with the frequent uses of non-medical fetal ultrasounds.
A randomized trial on pregnant woman in the United states viewed the different effects of frequent and repetitive fetal ultrasounds as compared to that of a fetus that was not frequently viewed. Findings surprisingly showed that those who were exposed to ultrasound technology had a significant restricted intra-uterine growth rate as compared to the fetuses that were not viewed as often. Therefore the energies that the ultrasound gives off may be detrimental to the fetuses growth; a great concern for many specialists.
Both health Canada and the U.S food and drug administration advise pregnant women to avoid the use of ultrasounds unless it is used by a specialist in a medical clinic. Not only can it affect the growth of the fetus but also can give false reassurance to expecting parents. A situation that eventually can become disastrous.
