Common Concerns About Prenatal Ultrasound: What You Need to Know
- Cheyenne Williamson
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you’re pregnant, chances are you’ve already had at least one ultrasound—or you’ve got one coming up soon. Ultrasounds can be pretty amazing (getting that first glimpse of your little one is seriously magical), but they can also raise a few questions.
While working on my new book about informed consent in pregnancy and birth, I’ve been diving into the research on all kinds of prenatal procedures—including ultrasounds. I kept coming across some common concerns, and I thought it would be helpful to share what I’ve learned so far.
Let’s chat about some of the most common worries people have about prenatal ultrasounds and what the evidence actually says.
1. Thermal Effects (Heating)
CONCERN: Ultrasound waves can slightly heat tissues, which sounds a little alarming—no one wants to accidentally “cook” their baby!
FACT: Don’t worry! While it’s true that diagnostic ultrasounds can cause a tiny increase in tissue temperature, studies haven’t shown any harmful effects on fetal development when used correctly. The amount of heat generated is super minimal, and healthcare providers are trained to keep energy levels safe. (Source: NIH, AIUM)
TAKEAWAY: When performed by trained professionals and used only when medically necessary, prenatal ultrasounds are considered safe.
2. Mechanical Effects (Cavitation)
CONCERN: Some people worry that ultrasound waves might create tiny gas bubbles in tissues (a process called “cavitation”), which could potentially cause damage.
FACT: While cavitation sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, it’s really unlikely to happen with prenatal ultrasounds. The energy levels needed to cause cavitation are way higher than what’s used during pregnancy scans. Medical ultrasounds are designed to operate at low-energy settings to avoid this risk entirely. (Source: NIH)
TAKEAWAY: The safety standards for prenatal ultrasounds make cavitation pretty much impossible. You’re in the clear!
3. Fetal Sensory Exposure
CONCERN: There’s a worry that the fetus might “hear” the ultrasound waves or feel uncomfortable from any slight heating during the scan.
FACT: While it’s true that ultrasound waves can cause a tiny bit of heat, there’s no evidence that it’s enough to make the baby uncomfortable. Sometimes, babies might move during the scan, but that’s typically just normal baby wiggles—not a sign of distress. (Source: NIH, GLOWM)
TAKEAWAY: No need to stress! There’s no solid evidence that the minimal heating or sensory exposure from ultrasound harms the baby.
4. Long-Term Developmental Effects
CONCERN: Some people worry that prenatal ultrasounds might cause long-term developmental or behavioral issues, like cognitive delays or differences such as non-right-handedness.
FACT: The research just doesn’t back this up. Multiple large studies have looked into this, and none have shown significant harmful long-term effects from medically indicated prenatal ultrasounds. There was one minor finding about a slight increase in left-handedness (especially in boys), but it’s not consistently proven or considered a big deal. (Source: AIUM, Wiley Online Library)
TAKEAWAY: Ultrasounds used for medical reasons haven’t been linked to developmental issues. Your little one’s future skills (like whether they’re a lefty or a righty) probably aren’t affected by a quick scan.
5. Overuse and Unnecessary Exposure
CONCERN: Some parents worry about having too many ultrasounds or using them for non-medical reasons (like keepsake videos).
FACT: While diagnostic ultrasounds are considered safe, experts recommend using them only when medically necessary. Your routine prenatal scans are important and beneficial, but scheduling extra “just because” or for keepsake videos isn’t recommended. It’s all about balancing the benefits with the principle of “as little as necessary.” (Source: AIUM)
TAKEAWAY: Stick with medically indicated ultrasounds and chat with your provider if you have concerns about frequency.
The Bottom Line: Stay Curious and Informed
It’s totally normal to have questions and concerns about ultrasounds—especially when it comes to your baby’s safety. The good news? When used responsibly, prenatal ultrasounds are a safe and valuable tool. If you’re ever unsure or want to know more, don’t hesitate to ask your provider.
I’m continuing to dig into topics like this as I work on my new book about informed consent in pregnancy and birth. My goal is to help parents feel empowered by understanding the facts, making informed choices, and feeling good about their care.
Got questions or thoughts on ultrasounds? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear your perspective.
Additional Sources for Further Reading
Safety Assurance in Obstetrical Ultrasound
An overview of safety considerations in obstetrical ultrasound.
Prenatal Exposure to Ultrasound Waves: Is There a Risk?
An exploration of potential risks associated with prenatal ultrasound exposure.
FDA Guidelines on Keepsake Ultrasounds
Why non-medical ultrasounds are not recommended.
World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations on Ultrasound Safety
Guidance on safe ultrasound practices during pregnancy.
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