5 misconceptions about ultrasounds during pregnancy cleared!

Read this if you think ultrasounds during pregnancy is not safe for the baby.

Anusha Iyengar | Published: March 23, 2016 6:21 pm

Though sonography is a commonly used by gynaecologists during different stages of pregnancy, there are a lot of misconceptions about it. Dr Bandita Sinha, a senior gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital, shares five such myths and assures you that sonography is entirely safe and, in fact, must be encouraged by the family.

Harmful radiation

Many people believe that sonography emits dangerous radiations that are not safe for the foetus. ‘Sonography is a series of sound waves of various density that is converted into the image you see on the screen of the equipment. Sonography, in fact, helps us detect abnormalities and development of the growing foetus. 3-4 sonographies are mandatory after 12 weeks as the baby’s body is entirely formed by then’, says Dr Sinha.

It is as good as an X-Ray

An X-Ray and Sonography are two different things. Very often, people get confused and decide to chooses between the two to save money. ‘I have had patients telling me that X-Ray and Sonography are the same things. An X-Ray has light waves and ultrasound has sound waves. Ultrasound is more beneficial for the growing foetus than an X-Ray’, advises Dr Sinha.

Sonography can lead to growth retardation

People also think that if you get a lot of sonography done, it will lead to growth retardation of the foetus. In fact, an ultrasound helps you detect abnormalities or growth retardations, if any, and also helps the doctor prescribe the right treatment. Sonography does not harm your foetus at all. Dr Bandita urges all pregnant women to get at least 3-4 ultrasounds depending on the stage of your pregnancy to ensure that your child is completely safe and healthy. It is also necessary to track the foetal growth.

A trans-vaginal ultrasound can lead to miscarriage

A trans-vaginal ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that is done only in the initial stage of your pregnancy when the baby’s body has not been formed entirely and is difficult to detect using a normal ultrasound machine. ‘Once you hear the baby’s heartbeat and detect the baby in the first five weeks, you can then move to an abdominal sonography. You don’t have to be scared of an internal sonography,’ Dr Sinha assures.

It is only done for sex determination

Yes, sonography can determine the gender of your baby. But it is not legal in India and hence, you are not provided with that information. Ultrasound is done for a lot of other reasons mentioned above and not just to reveal the gender of your baby.

Have you heard any other bizarre misconceptions about ultrasounds? Post it in the comments below.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published: March 23, 2016 6:21 pm

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