Diagnostic fetal ultrasound creates images of the unborn baby in the womb. It has been around for many years and has shown that it can provide important medical information, such as the size, age and state of health of the baby in the womb. It can aid in the detection of twins and the diagnosis of certain birth defects. The clinical use of fetal ultrasound has grown rapidly and it has an excellent safety record. There have been millions of these examinations over the past few decades with no confirmed health risks for the baby or the mother. This finding is consistent with the majority of scientific studies on the effects of ultrasound. Ultrasonic fetal scanning, from a medical standpoint, generally is considered safe if properly used when information is needed about a pregnancy.

Although this is reassuring, it must be remembered that ultrasound is a form of energy, and even at low levels, laboratory studies have shown it can produce physical effects in tissue, such as jarring vibrations and a rise in temperature. Although there is no direct evidence that these physical effects can harm a fetus, there is some suggestive evidence that there may be a biological effect on the fetus. The fact that these effects may exist means that prenatal ultrasounds cannot be considered completely safe.

The risks of fetal ultrasound depend on the ultrasound levels and duration of exposure. Ultrasound biological effects may result from scanning for a prolonged period or inappropriate use of excessive heat or mechanical settings. The ultrasound levels can be displayed on the monitor, and this lets the qualified operator assess the potential for damaging the fetus. Risks can be minimized by keeping the ultrasound level and exposure time as low as possible without losing the information needed for diagnosis.

Therefore, only appropriately trained and qualified medical professionals (either licensed physicians or registered sonographers) who have received specialized training in fetal imaging perform their fetal ultrasound scans. These professionals follow strict safety guidelines and have been trained to recognize medically important conditions and use techniques to avoid ultrasound exposure beyond what is considered medically justifiable for the fetus.

Expectant women and their families need to know that the long-term effects of repeated ultrasound exposures on the fetus are not fully known. In light of all that remains unknown, having a prenatal ultrasound for non-medical reasons is not recommended. When fetal ultrasound is done for a keepsake video, no medical information is provided to justify exposing the baby to ultrasound.

Accordingly, the Radiation Safety Unit (RSU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour recommends that expecting mothers only expose their fetus to ultrasound for approved medical purposes that have been referred by a duly qualified medical practitioner.

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