Pregnancy ultrasound is an important examination for every pregnant woman. However, there is an assumption that repeated ultrasound can harm the condition of the fetus in the womb. To answer pregnant women's concerns, let's look at the facts in the following article.
Every pregnant woman is advised to perform an ultrasound scan regularly during pregnancy. This examination is usually carried out in conjunction with an obstetrical examination and aims to estimate gestational age and monitor the condition and growth of the fetus.
Even though it has great benefits, some pregnant women are still worried or hesitant to undergo a pregnancy ultrasound because it is considered to have side effects for the fetus.
Facts about the Risks of Ultrasound Scan on the Fetus
Ultrasound is performed using a device that emits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer. Through this tool, doctors can monitor the condition of the fetus, amniotic sac, placenta, and disorders that may occur during pregnancy. Ultrasound examination is also performed to determine the sex of the fetus.
However, some pregnant women are reluctant to undergo an ultrasound examination because they are worried about side effects for the fetus, such as causing the fetus to be born with low weight, experiencing growth and development problems, and suffering from dyslexia.
In fact, to date, there is no evidence to suggest that ultrasound can harm the fetus or make the fetus experience these effects. Babies born to mothers who underwent ultrasound once or even multiple times did not appear to have significant differences in conditions.
Ultrasound examination does produce a hot temperature. However, the heat generated is very small, which is less than 1o Celsius. This effect has no impact on the fetus because it is protected by the amniotic fluid in the uterus.
Benefits of Ultrasound Scans for Pregnant Women and Fetus
The benefits of ultrasound examination to date have been judged to far outweigh the risks. Therefore, pregnant women are still recommended to perform routine ultrasound examinations.
If needed, the doctor may recommend pregnant women to have more frequent ultrasounds. This examination is usually recommended for pregnant women who have the following conditions:
- Pregnant with twins
- Over 35 years old
- Complications in pregnancy, eg preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
- Problems with the fetus, such as large fetal size, stunted fetal growth, or congenital abnormalities
- History of health problems in previous pregnancies, such as miscarriage or fetal death in the womb
- The position of the fetus is breech or transverse
- Problematic placenta, eg placenta previa
- The amount of amniotic fluid is too much or too little
now, now pregnant women know that ultrasound is not proven to harm the fetus. Therefore, do not worry anymore when you want to undergo an ultrasound examination during pregnancy. If you need additional information about the risks and benefits of ultrasound during pregnancy, you can consult a doctor.
