Hi. I would like to understand any scientific (i.e. causal and proven
through research) links between babies exposed to ultrasound through
standard scanning procedures and any medical disorders or physical
anomalies post natal. 3 or 4 medical journal articles would be ideal.
Many thanks, Matt.

Hi,

There is no documented evidence that ultrasound causes any physical
defects. There have been various studies on animals and tissues that
the "prolonged use of ultrasound especially with high power output"
can cause tissue damage. Most of these experiments have used
ultrasound at power outputs higher than what is used in medical
ultrasound examinations. Studies done where follow up of babies
exposed to ultrasound and matched controls who have not undergone
ultrasound over a period of many years after birth have not shown any
difference between the two groups.

Ultrasound can cause local increase in temparature and an effect
called "cavitation". The effect of these changes at medically used
power outputs is considered negligible and no study has conclusively
proved that ultrasound can cause physical defects or other
abnormalities.

However, all organisations responsible for monitoring the safe use of
ultrasound recommend that "it should be used with caution at the
lowest power output to get a good image" as a matter of abundant
caution. Further, unnecessary use of doppler should be avoided as the
power output in doppler examinations is higher than in routine scans.

British medical ultrasound society:

http://www.bmus.org/safety_of_ultrasoundNF.htm#state

good site ? has discussed in brief regarding effects of ultrasound:

http://www.centrus.com.br/DiplomaFMF/SeriesFMF/doppler/capitulos-html/chapter_02.htm

http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1983/7/83.07.06.x.html

There have been isolated studies which have reported : growth
restriction, delayed speech, dyslexia, and non-right-handedness
associated with ultrasound exposure, however, these have not been
confirmed by large studies. In view of this, WHO has recommended that
"while there is no evidence of deleterious effects due to ultrasound
exposure, its use should be practiced with outputs being ALARA (as low
as reasonably achievable)".

Further studies are needed. This has been highlighted in the article:

http://www.epidem.com/pt/re/epidemiology/abstract.00001648-200205001-00004.htm;jsessionid=Ds246juB6LxLxkZ0nuTs8q1GlibAJvJRJC942JsLQjM88qW1bATi!479655535!-949856144!9001!-1

Hope this has been helpful.

Hello,

I concur with SSS, except that  I prefer the more conservative
phrasing of "the longterm effects of prenatal ultrasound have yet been
determined."  A discussion of the "cavitation" subject mentioned by
SSS can be found at:

National Institutes of Health. Publication #84-667, Diagnostic
Ultrasound Imaging in Pregnancy, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, NIH 1984

Another very  nice article supported by a nice battery of footnotes is
Limited sonography in collaborative midwifery practice
Journal of Midwifery & Womenâ??s Health, Volume 45, Issue 6,
November-December 2000, Pages 508-516
Cydney Afriat Menihan
	 
And finally, I could not access this article, but the title was seductive.  

[A Norwegian consensus on ultrasound scanning. Do not screen pregnant
women but provide them with information]
Lakartidningen. 1995 May 10;92(19):2017-8
Waldenstrom U.

Good luck!