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Are Ultrasounds Safe?
Ultrasound scans have been used in pregnancy for a very long time now. There are no harmful effects of an ultrasound scan when used properly by trained professionals. Ultrasound technicians and doctors are well-trained for this. Research has found no link between ultrasound and birth weight, childhood cancers, dyslexia, or problems with eyesight or hearing.
How Does An Ultrasound Affect My Baby?
The way an Ultrasound scan works is that it sends sound waves through the womb (uterus), which bounce off the baby’s body.
The machine then listens to the echoes from the baby’s body and converts them into an image on the screen. This allows the sonographer to view your baby’s position and movements.
Also read: How To Dress For Your Pregnancy Scans?
Why Does The Ultrasound Probe Feel Warm During The Scan?
The gel may feel cold at first as the technician applies it to the probe. However, as the scan progresses, the probe gets warmer because the equipment generates a small amount of heat, which is absorbed by the part of the body that’s being scanned.
Antenatal scans use low-intensity scan waves to get 2D pictures of your baby. These low-intensity waves are spread over a large area, causing only minimal heating. Moreover, the amniotic fluid around the baby absorbs all this low heat.
The most common type of scanning is used to get 2D pictures of your baby. This uses a low-intensity ultrasound spread over a large area, which causes very minimal heating. The amniotic fluid and your baby’s movements help dissipate the heat. This may help to reassure you further. For 3D scans, the machine combines all the 2D images and creates 3D pictures.
Some hospitals have a 4D ultrasound, which provides video or moving images. These use higher power than 2D scans, so doctors may advise against them in early pregnancy.
Why Do I Seem To Be Having Extra Scans Compared To Other Pregnant Women?
Extra scans are advised in the following cases:
– Had complications in a previous pregnancy
– have diabetes
– have high blood pressure
– have a BMI of over 35
– are expecting twins or more
Also read: Are Mobile Phones and Laptops Safe to Use During Pregnancy
I Want A Souvenir Scan. What Should I Do?
Please do not schedule private scans to get a souvenir copy of your baby. It is best to ask your sonographer for a copy while doing routine scans.
Are Doppler Scans Safe?
Doppler scans are not recommended in the first 10 weeks because they work by concentrating a beam of sound in a small area. This leads to more heat generation. Even then, the probe must be held in one place for a longer time at one point. Doppler scans are used to see the flow of blood, which is constantly moving. This helps to dissipate any heat.
If your doctor has advised a Doppler scan, it could mean that she wants to check whether the placenta is working as it should, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
Conclusion
Ultrasound scans are a safe and crucial tool for checking the health and growth of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Ultrasound scans have been shown to be very safe when used as advised. The advantages of regular scans are more significant than any potential harm. Expectant women can rely on ultrasound to give important information about their pregnancy and ensure the best health of their babies. You should check with your doctor about any questions you might have about your scan.
Morph wishes you a happy and safe pregnancy.
Shop all Morph essentials, including Maternity leggings , for an extra 10% off using code "SAFESCANS"
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