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ultrasound not as safe as commonly thought - Opinions on this article?

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by Penguin, Feb 22, 2012.

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  1. Penguin Moderatorgator

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    Penguin, Feb 22, 2012
    #1

  2. iolaus Education Moderator

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    I agree that we don't know yet how safe it is
    iolaus, Feb 22, 2012
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  3. Wozza Moderator

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    I've heard of the fact that ultrasound is thought to carry some risks...i don't like the idea of more scans than usual and paying for extra sexing scans.

    I did a search of the MIDIRS database and found a study by the British institute of radiology,

    (abstract) Chapters in this report include: exposure conditions in diagnostic ultrasound; biological effects reported following exposure to diagnostic ultrasound, human epidemiological data, review of statements by national and international bodies on the safety of diagnostic ultrasound. The conclusions reached by this working party are that present studies have failed to show that the use of ultrasound is hazardous, but that research should continue for bioeffects. Research on follow-up of children born to mothers who had ultrasound in pregnancy is also recommended. (RKG)

    And this one

    (abstract) We have reviewed the epidemiological studies of human exposure to diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy. Studies have concentrated on possible associations between ultrasound exposure in utero and childhood malignancies, neurological maldevelopment, dyslexia, left-handedness, delayed speech development and low birth weight. It is concluded that no associations between ultrasound exposure in utero and childhood maldevelopment have been proven. There are, however, some issues, such as non-right handedness and low birth weight after frequent Doppler ultrasound exposures, for which no firm conclusions can yet be drawn. These issues need to be tested in future studies. (Author)

    Salvesen KA|Eik-Nes SH

    Personally I wouldn't want more scans than two, I wouldn't pay for sexing scans.

    I have no idea about articles being accurate either, he's an acupuncturist!? But he's not being too sensationalist.
    Wozza, Feb 22, 2012
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  4. Penguin Moderatorgator

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    Oh yeh totally agree about that!

    I mean bits like


    Penguin, Feb 22, 2012
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  5. Wozza Moderator

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    He hasn't referenced any of the studies?
    Wozza, Feb 22, 2012
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  6. Satsumagirl Active Member

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    If you click on the hyperlink they link to the references of pubmed.
    Satsumagirl, Feb 22, 2012
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  7. Wozza Moderator

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    Ah thanks satsuma girl. Silly me.
    Wozza, Feb 22, 2012
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  8. mummyofkld Member

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    This is very interesting I had frequent ultrasounds as was identical twin preg and both my boys have severe speech delay I do wonder if there is a link .....
    mummyofkld, Feb 22, 2012
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  9. Acathla Active Member

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    It's worrying (except for the left-handed thing), I had 7 scans with DD (none private, all for diagnostic reasons) and next week will be my 5th with this baby x
    Acathla, Feb 22, 2012
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  10. Stickhead Member

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    It's one of those things where I feel that we just don't know the full picture yet. Scans obviously have huge benefits but there are (even if they are tiny) always going to be potential risks - and where do you draw that line?

    Many parents are desperate for more scans and I think this links onto a bigger issue of increased anxiety around pregnancy and birth and parenting (which you could then link on to lack of continuity of care, the way our society is structured etc etc) and we've seen a huge rise in recent years of scans for 'pleasure' done privately haven't we. I remember being really shocked when I heard that private scan companies were offering women 'keepsake' scans at their stalls at the Baby Show. But now? Well the NHS Trust here is offering 'fun' scans you can pay for as an add on service - in 3d. I must admit I was pretty shocked when I found the leaflet on the antenatal clinic desk. Don't get me wrong I can TOTALLY understand why some women have these done - I'm not critisicing them per se - but it doesn't sit right with me. But then maybe this is the way it's going? An increase in 'private' add on services you pay for? (Until you find you're even paying for stuff like your lunch - a bit like flying with Ryanair?). Sorry - I'll get off my soap box now ;) - just feeling a bit worried about the NHS bill at the moment!
    Stickhead, Feb 22, 2012
    #10
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