can all these ultrasounds harm the baby?
2007-12-20 09:09:36 · 21 answers · asked by stella 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Yes it is normal for the doctor to do an ultrasound every few days. The doctor wants to make sure that everything is ok with the baby. When I was pregnant my doctor sent me to do an ultrasound every other day also to check the fluid and to see if my placenta had moved. I don't think that ultrasounds can harm the baby. I would ask the doctor if ultrasounds can harm the baby. Also ask the doctor why he/she keeps sending you to get an ultrasound.
2007-12-20 09:18:01 · answer #1 · answered by sddq_nn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in school right now for ultrasound. There are no known harmful side effects on the baby from an ultrasound. However, sometimes the baby can hear the ultrasound, from the sound waves passing through the amniotic fluid. The sound can be pretty loud, but this only happens if the waves are directed toward the baby's ear. It still isn't harmful though.
I'm surprised though that your doctor didn't want to tell you why you need to have your amniotic fluid checked with an ultrasound. Your doctor wouldn't order this if he/she felt that your amniotic fluid was normal. You should ask why you need these ultrasounds. However, ask your doctor, not the ultrasound technician, because it might be information that the ultrasound technician is not allowed to give.
2007-12-20 09:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by greenlemonade05 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your doctor is following the basic standard of care, although many healthcare providers do not begin testing until after 41 weeks.
Amniotic Fluid volume decreases after 40 weeks, and if it reaches a really low level, it can cause fetal distress because there is not enough of it to cushion the baby during contractions. Usually if the level is below 5, they will want to induce your labor.
There is no evidence that ultrasound causes harm to a fetus, and for that reason most people assume that it does not. Most likely, if it were dangerous, we would know by now.
However, there is also absolutely NO real proof that ultrasound is safe, and you are smart to question it's routine use. Who knows what could turn up 20 years from now?
If you are concerned, ask your doctor if you could have ONLY nonstress tests (where they hook you up to the monitor for 30 minutes to watch the fetal heart rate pattern) until you are past 41 weeks, and then an ultrasound to check the fluid if you have not delivered. This is a reasonable, safe protocol that many practices follow.
2007-12-20 09:32:15 · answer #3 · answered by who me? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
40 weeks pregnant and dr. sending me for an ultrasound every few days to check amniotic fluid. Is this normal?
can all these ultrasounds harm the baby?
2015-08-18 23:07:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctor is concerned some about either low or high amniotic fluid. S/he will likely recommend induction earlier than otherwise.
I do not believe that ultrasounds are harmless, although no harm has been specifically identified at this time. A lot of doctors agree and they do as few as possible. Ask your doctor how all these ultrasounds are forming his opinion. What is the goal? If it is concerning, can we induce now instead of repeated ultrasounds? You are not postdates at 40 weeks, so what's up?
2007-12-20 09:13:36 · answer #5 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just had a baby 4 months ago and I was overdue the reason why they check for amniotic fluid is because if there is not enough fluid they would have to induce you immediately. If the baby has enough fluid they will wait for about another week or so to induce you. Basically they are just checking to see if the baby is in distress. My baby is just fine the ultrasounds did not affect her. They are not harmful. Good luck and Congrats.
2007-12-20 09:18:47 · answer #6 · answered by nikkisingle&lonely 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will not harm your baby and it is a normal precaution to take.
Basically since your baby is already 'full term' they are checking your fluid levels for two things...
1) The actual amount of fluid. If the fluid seems to be dwindling they will likely induce to avoid any potential problems.
2) Meconium...or your babies first poop. There is a chance your baby may poop now and if that happens the fluid would look cloudy on an ultrasound. If that were to happen you would be induced or have a c-section as that poses a big risk of bacterial infection to both you and the baby.
By ordering the ultrasounds your doctor is being cautious and intelligent about yours and your baby's health.
--- Also I wanted to add that they are probably keeping close tabs on baby's size and growth rate.
2007-12-20 09:15:07 · answer #7 · answered by Beth S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, ultrasounds have never been known to harm the fetus. It's just sound waves.
You may have a large amount of amniotic fluid. It is normal for a doc to want daily US to make sure it's not harming the baby.
2007-12-20 09:11:55 · answer #8 · answered by Malina 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they will not harm the baby, if they did then we would not be going to ultrasounds when pregnant. I have had a total of 18 ultrasounds. I go twice a week for a biophysical ultrasound and then once a month for a regular ultrasound.... My baby is perfectly fine. It's okay you're baby will be fine.
2007-12-20 09:15:34 · answer #9 · answered by mrs.russell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
40 Week Ultrasound
2016-10-30 23:09:03 · answer #10 · answered by vides 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋