On December 16th, the FDA issued a consumer update to “Avoid Fetal “Keepsake” Images, Heartbeat Monitors,” causing concern about the risks of ultrasounds on the fetus.
The statement reports:
“Although there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, prudent use of these devices by trained health care providers is important,” and that “Ultrasound can heat tissues slightly, and in some cases, it can also produce very small bubbles (cavitation) in some tissues.” – Shahram Vaezy, Ph.D., an FDA biomedical engineer.
The FDA concludes that “The long-term effects of tissue heating and cavitation are not known. Therefore, ultrasound scans should be done only when there is a medical need, based on a prescription, and performed by appropriately-trained operators.”
After carefully weighing both sides of the conflicting research on ultrasounds over the years, Chris Kresser, M.S., L.Ac and globally recognized leader in functional and integrative medicine came to the following recommendations from his personal experience:
“I recommend minimizing exposure to ultrasound during pregnancy in the following three ways:
- Using ultrasound only when medically indicated, i.e. only when a problem is suspected, rather than as a routine screening to determine the sex of the baby or check on its development.
- Minimize total exposure time (by choosing a skilled and knowledgeable operator).
- Minimize exposure intensity (i.e. avoiding Doppler during the first trimester especially).”
Whether you decide regular ultrasounds are right for your family or not, it’s important to stay informed and current so you can carefully weigh the research.
References:
- http://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-iib-ultrasound-not-as-safe-as-commonly-thought
- http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095508.htm