Let's talk about ultrasounds

[wendy46121]

I originally posted this in my newest Due date group, and decided I want to post it as a journal too so that others can see it if they want. :)

So I wanted to tell you ladies about ultrasounds, and why they are potentially dangerous, and why I will not be getting any during the pregnancy, and I implore you to do the same (unless there is a medically necessary reason, of course).  [this ALSO applies to using a doppler... and actually even more so since the doppler is just concentrated U/S waves... 1 min on the doppler = 30 minutes on an u/s machine]

First, what is an ultrasound? How does it work?

Ultrasound imaging is a common diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic images (sonograms) of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Prenatal ultrasound examinations are performed by trained professionals, such as sonographers, radiologists, and obstetricians. The procedure involves using a transducer, which sends a stream of high-frequency sound waves into the body and detects their echoes as they bounce off internal structures. The sound waves are then converted to electric impulses, which are processed to form an image displayed on a computer monitor. It is from these images that videos and portraits are made.

Obstetricians use ultrasound at a very low power level to check the size, location, number, and age of fetuses, the presence of some types of birth defects, fetal movement, breathing, and heartbeat. When ultrasound is used by a qualified clinician to check for this kind of medical information, the FDA says the medical benefit far outweighs any risk.

What I had underlined is what the major concerns I have about ultrasounds.  You may think that "well it's JUST sound, how much damage can it do?" Well the answer to that question is, a lot.  It actually KILLS cells.  Ultrasounds are actually being tested now to be used as BIRTH CONTROL because it kills sperm cells.  If it kills sperm cells, it's it also possible that it kills other kinds of cells?  Like newly forming blastocyst or embryo cells?  If even ONE cell of a forming blastocyst or embryo are damaged it will lead to disasterous results, and likely miscarriage.  Have you ever known someone to go into an OBs office and baby was "looking good!"  only to miscarry a few hours or days later?  I have.  I have known this to happen to several people.  

One anecdotal story I have is a friend of mine got pregnant and went in immediately.  She had a U/S at 5 weeks, and the OB says "Wow you're carrying twins!"  Great.  The OB sends her to a high risk OB who wants to do WEEKLY U/S on her.  She agrees!  Hey why not?  (mind you there is NO reason for her.. she isnt high risk at all.. just carrying twins, which is NOT high risk, and she never would have known if she didnt get an early U/S anyways.) First week U/S both babies are fine.  Second week U/S one of the babies was  gone (vanishing twin).  By her 9th week ultrasound (4th one this pregnancy) the other baby had died as well.  I completely 100% believe that while miscarriages DO happen in pregnancies... she would have had a far greater chance of carrying these babies if her OB didnt subject them to such frequent U/S.  This is DEFINITELY not any kind of proof that U/S hurt her babies, or anything like that.  Just a story I recently helped a friend get through, and although she may have miscarried anyways... ALL THOSE U/S were UNNECESSARY!!!!

Ultrasounds are supposed to be used as diagnostic tools, only when something is NOT normal, in order to try to find out what is going on.  In this day and age people are getting SO MANY. 

Why are some babies getting cancer before they are one year old?  Why have the levels of ADD, ADHD, Autism, depression, mood disorders, and countless other things risen in the past 10-20 years? Sure there are probably a lot of potential answers to this question. 

But what if the answer is that a babies brain was exposed to ultrasound during a critical period of development, and the machine damaged it on the cellular level?

Of course there are countless babies who survived ultrasound and doppler exposure.  But then again, how do we know if someone really WAS affected by it or not?  If they are born and survive and are seemingly healthy, I guess thats one way to think of it.  But we really have no way of knowing how it is going to affect them the future.  

I have a few links here that can probably say what my long winded speech did not :P  

A friend of mine who says it nicely

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/pultra.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/130084/the_dangers_of_ultrasounds.html  (this is a good one!!)

http://www.naturalhealthherbal.com/natural-health/if-ultrasound-destroys-sperm-why-is-it-safe-for-a-fetus.html

PLEASE, I implore you to research and really follow your INSTINCT before allowing your baby to be exposed to this.  Ultrasounds and dopplers alike.  You may think "its JUST sound" and "my doctor would never do anything if it would hurt me or the baby" 

But just remember... X-rays are JUST light, and doctors used to do them ALL THE TIME to pregnant women... now we know better. We KNOW they hurt, we KNOW they kill.  How long before we "know" the truth about ultrasound.??

[ToddlerBrain82]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 10:29 AM

Voted up. Wendy!

[NinjaMomma]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 10:55 AM

<3

[NoahsMomma418]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Wonderful! We aren't getting an U/S with this baby at all. =)

[myfirstbaby84]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 2:01 PM

I honestly am shocked to hear this news but am very thankfull that you have shared! I might not get another U/S until I think it's needed... It's just very confusing now a days because my sister was born with Spina-Bifida and my Dr. is saying that she wants to get more looks at the baby to make sure we can prevent any problems arising. As far as I know, Folic Acid is just what I need...not more U/S!!! what do you think?

[Alexsmom04]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 2:57 PM

I voted this popular. More people need to see this information.

[SarahFire82]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 4:13 PM

I can't speak for anyone else but towards the end of my pregnancy I had an ultrasound every week. The doctor was worried about low amniotic fluid level around the baby so she checked it every time I came in. My baby turned out fine and is now a very healthy and happy almost 5 yr old.

[wendy46121]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 4:15 PM

Thank you!

Well if you want to be tested for defects, like spina bifida, a doctor can actually do a blood test that looks for high levels of AFP in your blood.  That *can* be indicitive of a defect (like downs and SB) but it also has a possibility of giving you a high number with nothing being wrong.  If SB is something I was concerned with I would probably go with the blood test first, and if it showed anything *could* be wrong, I would consent to a short U/S at the end of the 2nd trimester. 

Because really thats what U/S ARE for is to help diagnose if there is a problem.  Using one for medical reasons like that is definitely something that outweighs the risks.  Plus they would only need to do *one* u/s in order to know if something was wrong, then plan accordingly :) 

But thats *only* if I felt it was necessary.  I am a firm believe that if something is wrong during pregnancy, your maternal instincts will tell you.  You might just feel off or just be overly concerned, or you could have full blown alarms in your head.  Our instincts rarely steer us wrong.  If something deep inside told me that something was wrong and I should be seen and get a u/s then I would do it.  

(Original Poster)

[wendy46121]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 4:17 PM

Oh yea myfirstbaby84 - folic acid is said to help against nueral tube defects so definitely do that!!  Eating healthy foods and making sure you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals in your diet help with a LOT of ailments :)

 

(Original Poster)

[mom23boys679]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM

My first pg I got chicken pox (for the first time in my life) and while it's rare to pass the placenta the outcome is pretty fatal (google image congenital varicella if you don't believe me)...so I had a ton of ultrasounds with my now 4 y/o son. He's now a healthy, happy 4 year old (although at this moment he fell asleep in his room from having a major meltdown/tantrum over chocolate he couldn't have, lol). I was eternally greatful for the ultrasounds and the genetic counseling but I can truly see where too many is just too much. I also worry about the overly demanding patients/moms to be that get pushy for them, as much as I question the doctors who want them frequently.

[wendy46121]

Jul. 6, 2010 at 5:09 PM

Exactly mom23, when used for actual medical purposes, they are very helpful.  When overused so you can get  *pretty pictures* of the baby before its born and *must see the gender*  and other frivolous things, it IS just too much!! 

(Original Poster)