Every pregnant woman wants to know if ultrasound is harmful to the fetus. This question does not leave her, because the first instinct is to protect the child from negative influences. In fact, everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.
Is ultrasound harmful to the fetus?
Modern ultrasound machines are the result of the progress of science. The action of ultrasonic waves is much milder than x-rays. The first devices were quite imperfect, so it was not recommended to use them more often than twice during the entire pregnancy. Modern technologies allow ultrasound to be performed at least every day. The absence of the harmful effects of ultrasonic waves has been proven by experts worldwide. However, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of whether ultrasound is harmful to the fetus. Some scientists say that in the process of intrauterine development of the baby, its sensitivity to sound frequencies can change. His hearing organs are only forming, and he is in the water. It is logical that at some stages of the development of the baby, an ultrasound scan can cause him some discomfort. Maybe for an adult in the external environment, such a procedure is imperceptible, but the fetus is not yet adapted and is at some risk. Therefore, it is possible to answer the question of whether ultrasound is harmful to the fetus in this way: if you do it often, it is probably harmful, and if you go through only three or four procedures during pregnancy, then this will not cause serious violations.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the baby is developing normally. This study allows you to identify possible violations in the physical development of the child. Diagnosis of the pathology at an early stage allows you to resort to therapy and treatment of the disease as soon as possible. Of course, it happens that a developing fetus has severe disorders that entail consequences such as lifelong disability. In this case, parents are given the choice: to give birth to a sick, legally incompetent child or to terminate a pregnancy.
Parameters measured by ultrasound
During the study, indicators such as fetal heart rate will be measured, all organs will be examined to monitor their proper development.
1. The fetal heartbeat on ultrasound can determine the presence or absence of a chromosomal pathology. In the early stages, this indicator does not have much significance, but in the second trimester of pregnancy, knowledge of heart rate makes it possible to determine the health of the fetus. If the baby does not feel very comfortable inside the womb, then this will affect the heart rate. There are times when you have to prescribe a premature cesarean section to save the baby's life.
2. The development of the digestive system. Ultrasound of the fetus (20 weeks) allows you to evaluate the development of each organ. It is imperative to know whether the intestines and
digestive organs are developing correctly
. Without this system or with its improper development, the baby may be born unviable.
3. Lungs and respiratory system. At the developmental stage at 20 weeks, the fetal lungs should already go through the first stage of formation. If this organ does not open at birth, then the baby will not be able to breathe. Knowledge of possible developmental disabilities allows you to be prepared for upcoming difficulties. Doctors will know how to behave during childbirth and, without losing any extra seconds, they will deliver the newborn to the incubator or, if necessary, be taken to the operation. This will enable the child to survive.