Ask just about any parent, and they'll agree that one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy was baby's first ultrasound. This is often when many soon-to-be parents will start to feel a real connection with their baby. It is vital for patients to be knowledgeable and prepared when getting ready to have their first ultrasound so this article will be discussing questions that many people have about the safety of ultrasound scans.
First, it's important to remember that ultrasounds are not just for pregnant women, but can be used for a variety of other reasons as well. Though pregnancy is the most common reason for an ultrasound, other reasons include unusual or post-menopausal bleeding and pelvic masses. There are many concerns that deserve to be addressed when it comes to ultrasounds.
How do ultrasounds work?
Ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to interface with tissue in the area of your body being tested. The sound waves bounce off of tissues of different densities and reflect back to the probe what the sound waves "see." You'll notice that the image from the ultrasound will be in black, white and shades of gray depending on the intensity of the reflection.
Who is allowed to perform ultrasounds?
Ultrasounds are always administered by either doctors or ultrasound technicians, both of which are fully trained on all necessary equipment and know how to properly administer an ultrasound.
Where on the body are ultrasounds usually done?
Generally, scans are performed on the uterus, the abdomen, the urinary tract, the thyroid, the breast and the heart (more commonly known as echocardiography).
Will having an ultrasound effect the baby?
Anything you do during a pregnancy will affect your baby in some way, even minutely. A small amount of heat is generated during ultrasounds, less than one degree centigrade. This heat is absorbed and dissipated in the placenta and will have almost no effect on your baby.
Is there such a thing as too many ultrasounds?
A recent study from the University of Western Australia shows that children that were exposed to as many as five ultrasounds during pregnancy had no long lasting physical or developmental effects that followed them into childhood. Ultrasounds have virtually no effect on the patient being tested.
The most important thing to remember is to never be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about what is being done to your body or the body of your baby, the better prepared you will be.
For further information on pregnancy, health and well being, visit Ultrasound Direct who provide private ultrasound scans across a number of clinics throughout the UK.
Maria is a health expert and has a lot of experience in the health industry. She believes that people should take care of their bodies in order to live a full and long life.