Is it true that pregnancy ultrasound is dangerous for the fetus?

Ultrasound, or pregnancy ultrasound, is an important examination that every pregnant woman must undergo. However, there is an opinion that repeated ultrasounds can harm the condition of the fetus in the womb. To overcome the concerns of pregnant women, let's look at the reality in the following article.

Get to know what a pregnancy ultrasound is.

All pregnant women are advised to have regular ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. This examination is often carried out at the same time as a gynecological examination and is intended to estimate gestational age and monitor the condition, growth, and development of the fetus.

So, what is a pregnancy ultrasound? Ultrasonography (USG) is a procedure that involves taking pictures of certain parts of the body using high-frequency sound waves. Apart from monitoring fetal development, ultrasound is often used as a supporting examination to diagnose disease. The results can guide doctors in choosing the right care and treatment.

What is the Purpose of Pregnancy Ultrasound?

Pregnancy ultrasound is aimed at detecting the following conditions:

Monitoring fetal heart rate using Doppler ultrasound
Monitor fetal development in pregnant women.
collection of body tissue samples using biopsy techniques.
Obtain images of the uterus and ovaries.

 

 

Benefits of Pregnancy Ultrasounds:

During a prenatal check-up in the first trimester of pregnancy (less than 12 weeks),

Confirming or declaring pregnancy
Check the fetal heart rate.
Determine the gestational age and estimated time of birth.
checking for potential multiple pregnancies.
Check the condition of the placenta, uterus, ovaries, and cervix.
Identify abnormalities in the fetus.
Diagnose the risk of ectopic pregnancy, meaning the pregnancy occurs outside the uterus.

During pregnancy checks in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and beyond

From the second trimester onward, ultrasound can provide the following benefits:

measuring the uterine fundus (upper part of the uterus).
determining the sex of the fetus.
Monitor fetal position and development.
Confirm the presence of multiple pregnancies.
confirmation of intrauterine death (the fetus dies in the womb).
Monitor amniotic fluid levels and ensure that the fetus is getting enough oxygen for its growth and development.
identifying genetic abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome.
Check for congenital abnormalities or the risk of birth defects, as well as structural abnormalities (such as blood flow problems) and problems with the uterus (such as tumors during pregnancy).
Identify abnormalities in the placenta, such as placenta previa (a condition where the placenta attaches to the bottom of the uterus, thus blocking the birth canal) and placental abruption ( a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the fetus is born).

Facts About the Risks of Using Pregnancy Ultrasound

The truth about the risks of ultrasound to the fetus is as follows:

Ultrasound is performed using a device that emits high-frequency sound waves called a transducer. By using this tool, doctors can monitor the condition of the fetus, amniotic sac, placenta, and any abnormalities that may occur during pregnancy. Ultrasound is also performed to determine the sex of the fetus.

However, some pregnant women are hesitant to have an ultrasound examination because they are worried that it will have a negative impact on the fetus, such as low birth weight, growth and development disorders, or dyslexia.

In fact, to date, there is no evidence that ultrasound can harm the fetus or cause similar effects on the fetus. Babies born to mothers who had one or even several ultrasounds apparently did not have significant differences in condition.

high-temperature ultrasonic testing. However, the heat released is very low, less than 1°C. This effect has no impact on the fetus because it is protected by amniotic fluid in the uterus. So is it true that pregnancy ultrasound is dangerous for the fetus? The answer is no, because that expression is just a myth.

Well, pregnant women now know that ultrasound has not been proven to harm the fetus. So, don't worry anymore when you want to have an ultrasound during pregnancy. If pregnant women need further information regarding the risks and benefits of ultrasound during pregnancy, please consult a doctor.