What is ultrasound and is it dangerous for the fetus?
Last reviewed: 25.06.2018
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Ultrasound - ultrasound.
Unlike the X-ray study, where ionizing radiation is used for diagnostics, sound waves are used in ultrasonic research. Their frequency is beyond the threshold of perception, so they are not audible, but because of this they can be reflected from internal organs and return back to the sensor, from where they were sent. In the sensor they are transformed and displayed on the monitor as an image. The principle of ultrasound diagnostics is similar to the hunting of bats that, without seeing a butterfly in the dark, use the ultrasonic waves to "see" its shadow.
The tissues of the woman's and fetus's body have different density and are at different distances from the sensor, so the reflected sound waves look different, forming a picture quite understandable for an experienced uziist.
Usually, ultrasound is performed three times during pregnancy
And up to the 10th week of pregnancy, it is not recommended to conduct it, since it is during this period that the main organs of a future child are laid. And like any other physical phenomenon, ultrasound has certain properties and can somehow affect the fetus. Despite the fact that a large number of studies have been conducted that showed that ultrasound is safe for the fetus, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that ultrasound be administered no more than four times during pregnancy. The study of the influence of ultrasound on the fetus continues, and there are data that confirm the need for cautious attitude to ultrasound.
However, it is still necessary to conduct it. The first study is to ensure that pregnancy develops in the uterus, and not in the tube or ovary. The second study helps to determine where and how the placenta is located, how the fetus develops, whether its development corresponds to the period of pregnancy, whether it is frozen, whether the fetus has gross congenital malformations, whether you have twins, etc. The third study is control the second (the parameters of the fetus are studied). During it, it is usually possible to establish the sex of the unborn child. Especially experienced and talented Uzzists can use the sensor to "bring" the child's face to the screen of the monitor and make the future dad happy (if he is present in the office) with the words: "Yes, he is the poured out dad !!!"