Ultrasounds linked to birth defects?

Question

So - I've read a few alarming articles now about Ultrasounds causing birth defects and increasing the rate of autism. Is there anyone here who might know more about ultrasounds and how they work than I do and can give some reasonable/thoughtful input? I've had three ultrasounds so far and I know most all women here in the states have multiple but it just concerns me that this science is just now being revealed. Had I known there was any possible link at all - I'd have stayed far, far away. Thoughts??

Answer

My oldest is autistic and I only had 2 ultrasounds when I was pregnant with him. It seems like with autism they're grasping at straws and anything and everything is being linked to it. My current pregnancy I've had 7 ultrasounds and thus far my fat little baby boy is doing beautifully with no physical defects...if he turns out autistic I won't blame the ultrasounds. In my honest opinion I believe there has to be a genetic factor. My father in law and brother in law are autistic and high functioning just like my little boy.

Answer

If they were linked to birth defects don't you think there would be a lot more baby's born with birth defects?
I don't believe this for a second!

Answer

There's been some evidence of a correlation between more ultrasounds and an increased likelihood of the baby having some issues. From what I've seen you really can't take the leap between correlation and causation though - the reason why some women get more ultrasounds is because they are high risk or a defect of some kind is observed on an early scan which then requires further scans to monitor. I think it's much more likely that the reason for the additional scans is the cause of the increased risk of problems and not the scan itself.  Claiming that the scan causes problems is like claiming an x-ray causes broken bones.

Answer

I would just Google your question. I did my research and hope to only have one ultrasound at 20 weeks. I'm just not convinced it is safe. It's more of a risk/benefit analysis. While you're at it you should look up the potential risks of prenatal vitamins, make-up, hand sanitizers and soap, lotion, air conditioning, the list goes on. You can't possibly do everything safe for your baby all the time, but the more informed you are about these things the better decisions you can make for yourself. Look up actual research articles and use critical thinking. Good luck! There's so much contradicting information just do what you feel is right but make an informed decision!

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I don't believe this for a second. They wouldn't do these if they were that dangerous. Plus ultrasounds can catch important issues with you or baby. So I think they are necessary

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My baby was high risk, had 10+ ultrasounds and he is MONTHS ahead on all his development.

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There are so many should or shouldn't do...and it would drive one nuts.
As one reader suggested to google...I would advice against Google. Cause it'll confuses one more.
As far as I have been explained by my several doctors it doesn't do any harm.
But what they all avoid is using a dobbler early on as that warms up tissue. I have a dobbler at home and listened to the heartbeat at 16 weeks...and indeed felt that my belly was warming up when I used it so stopped.
The first time my clinic actually let me hear the heartbeat was at 20 weeks.

I would think if ultrasounds caused birth defects more than half the population would have birth defects.

Answer

I'd stay away from Google while pregnant. You could have a stomach flu and Google would convince you that you're dying from a rare, inoperable disease. If ultrasounds were linked to autism I'm sure many more babies would come out with it.  I say don't worry yourself & just enjoy the ultrasound & seeing/hearing your little one.

Answer

We were hoping for one ultrasound but so far have had 2 and I will be refusing all others. They just haven't been tested thoroughly. I don't nessecarily think they are linked to autism but the number of children with autism is definitely on the rise so you have to wonder about certain things that have also increased in the last 30 years.

Answer

Ultrasounds haven't been tested on fetal development since prior to 1992 and the technology has dramatically improved since that time. As there is no known risks on babies in the womb, there are some effects the ultrasound can have:
'The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, warning last December against scans purveyed as keepsakes by some nonmedical businesses, said: “Ultrasound can heat tissues slightly, and in some cases, it can also produce very small bubbles (cavitation) in some tissues,” adding that “the long-term effects of tissue heating and cavitation are not known.”'

http://www.wsj.com/articles/pregnant-women-get-more-ultrasounds-without-clear-medical-need-1437141219

This is a huge reason most doctors only order 1-3 ultrasounds in the case of a healthy non-complicated pregnancy.

Ultrasounds linked to birth defects?

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