Is Pregnancy Ultrasound Risky?
No one knows the long-term effects of ultrasound use. Many practitioners feel that the technology is perfectly safe since studies of babies and their mothers have not determined any effects. Other practitioners are not so convinced of ultrasound safety and feel that judicious use is advised.
It should be remembered that x-rays were in use for 50 years before the public became aware of detrimental effects. DES and thalidomide alsso were deemed safe and were later found to be the cause of cancer, sterility and anomalies.Possibly the greatest risk of overuse of ultrasound technology is that if an ultrasound raises a question of fetal well-being, invasive and high risk procedures and technologies may be instituted which do have clear risks to the mother or her baby.
STUDIES
Non-diagnostic ultrasound has demonstrated b8iological effects such as cell heating or thermal effects and cavitational activities using plants and animals. These experiments have had various outcomes and are difficult to equate with human outcomes. Also, diagnostic ultrasound uses far lower intensities. The current epidemiologic data finds no adverse outcomes from ultrasound use. Many researchers believe that the benefits of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks. Human studies have not documented negative outcomes except for one study which shoed increased fetal activity for the majority of exposed babies when scanned with the Doppler.
OVERUSE OF TECHNOLOGY
Some consumer groups have questioned the need for ultrasound equipment in doctor offices. They claim that in order to pay for the equipment, physicians will order unnecessary ultrasounds. Not only does this increase the exposure of unnecessary technology, but it also raises the total cost of care and may lead to additional unnecessary and costly interventions. They claim that in order to pay for the equipment, physicians will order unnecessary ultrasounds. Not only does this increase the exposure of unnecessary technology, but it also raises the total cost of care and may lead to additional unnecessary and costly interventions.
About the Author
Yvonne Lapp Cryns has degrees in nursing and law. She is the co-founder of Nursing Programs http://Online.com – Nursing Programs Online, http://Go-Law-School.com – Go-Law-School Yvonne also produced a video about midwives: http://www.compleatmother.com/video2.htm
Pregnancy Ultrasound
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3-D foetal ultrasound Photo Mugs Foetal ultrasound. Three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound scan of the face of a human foetus. The image was produced by a third generation 3-D ultrasound scanner called Voluson 730. 3-D scanning enables physiological disorders such as harelip and spina bifida to be diagnosed before birth. Once detected, it may be possible to perform corrective surgery while the foetus is still in the uterus. Ultrasoun… |
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3-D foetal ultrasound Photo Mugs Foetal ultrasound. 3-D ultrasound scan of the face and forearm of a healthy human foetus. This foetus is estimated to be around 31 weeks old, which is midway through the third trimester (last three months) of pregnancy. 3-D scanning enables physiological disorders such as harelip and spina bifida to be diagnosed before birth. If detected, it may be possible to perform corrective surgery while the … |
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3-D foetal ultrasound Photo Mugs Foetal ultrasound. Three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound scan of a human foetus. Its head is at right. In front of its face it the foetus hand and foot. The image was produced by a third generation 3-D ultrasound scanner called Voluson 730. 3-D scanning enables physiological disorders such as harelip and spina bifida to be diagnosed before birth. Once detected, it may be possible to perform correctiv… |
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UltraSound – Music for the Unborn Child $5.89 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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Healthy Pregnancy Through Ultrasound [VHS] $19.99 … |
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Obstetric Ultrasound in Primary Care: An Example of Technology Transfer (NCME Video 696) Diagnostic obstetric ultrasound is an invaluable tool in the evaluation of pregnancy. Dr. Rodney believes this technology should be readily available to the obstetrics-capable primary care physician. In this program, benefits of obstetric ultrasound to the patient are outlined, physician training and competency issues discussed, and techniques demonstrated…. |
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4d Ultrasound Scan – 60W x 44H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $95.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Smiling Pregnant Couple with Ultrasound Scan – 24H x 24W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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4d Ultrasound Scan – 24W x 16H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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National Geographic – In the Womb $8.00 Through the use of state-of-the-art imaging technology known as “4-D ultrasound,” this National Geographic program takes you into the secret world of a human fetus inside the womb as never before. Follow the development of the embryo from its origin as a single-cell organism to the first beating of the heart, the awakening of the senses, and the opening of the eyes. AKA: “Life Before Birth.” 89 mi… |
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