Are Ultrasounds Safe for Unborn Babies?

Ultrasounds during pregnancy can be very useful when they are medically necessary. However, I decided not to have a routine ultrasound when I was pregnant with my daughter, because I was concerned about the possible long-term effects. There is no conclusive information suggesting that ultrasounds are dangerous, but concerned mothers may want to avoid this routine intervention unless a doctor or midwife determines that the potential benefits are worth the risks.

Are routine ultrasounds safe for unborn babies? The jury is still out. Here are some of the issues to consider.

Possible Autism Link

No one knows why rates of autism appear to be increasing-- or if they even are increasing. However, in 2006, the magazine "Midwifery Today" suggested that unnecessary ultrasounds could contribute to changes in brain structure associated with autism. While the link has not been proven, some parents want to err on the side of caution and avoid it.

Slowed Growth

Newborn babies who are exposed to ultrasound are slightly smaller than their same-age counterparts. Fortunately, babies with delayed growth because of ultrasound catch up to their peers quickly, and there is no evidence of any long-term harm from this slight delay.

Neurological Damage

Studies in rats, mice, cats and guinea pigs have demonstrated-- albeit inconclusively-- that ultrasounds can cause neurological damage to fetuses. However, these studies involved much more ultrasound exposure than a typical human fetus. These findings have not been demonstrated in humans, but many prenatal health care providers feel that the risk is significant enough to warrant further investigation.

Overall Safety of Ultrasounds

There is not enough solid evidence to prove the benefits or risks of routine ultrasounds, so the choice ultimately lies with the parents. Ultrasounds to predict gender or take souvenir photos are medically unnecessary but may provide parents with intangible or emotional benefits. In some cases, a doctor or midwife may prescribe an ultrasound to diagnose a complication or verify a baby's safety or wellbeing.

Consult your prenatal health care provider about the safety of having an ultrasound during pregnancy.