4-D Ultrasounds Are Risky Entertainment

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http://www.mercola.com/2004/jul/14/ultrasound_risk.htm

 

4-D Ultrasounds Are Risky Entertainment

 

A growing number of ultrasound boutiques with catchy

names such as " A Peek in the Pod " and " Womb With a

View " are sending more expecting moms flocking to get

a glimpse of their unborn children. These

high-definition ultrasounds that show detailed

features of body parts such as eyebrows, noses, lips

and ears come at a steep price of a few hundred

dollars for a 90-minute session.

 

Safety Concerns

 

* Based on animal studies, certain levels of

ultrasound could result in damaging growing bones

* The vibration and heat generated from

ultrasounds could drastically harm the fetus if not

implemented correctly

* Absence of certified medical personnel at

certain ultrasound boutiques

 

Ultrasound boutique owners proposed enforcing further

regulation as the answer to concerns regarding the

safety issues, rather than closing down the facilities

altogether. On the contrary, opponents stressed that

medical necessity should be a prerequisite as a part

of risk assessment before performing these

ultrasounds.

 

ABC News July 1, 2004

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

A growing number of officials worry these elective

ultrasound exams, some of which are even done in

shopping malls, are potentially dangerous. Even the

FDA has warned about these prenatal ultrasounds. Even

back in 2001 I posted an article linking prenatal

ultrasounds to brain damage in babies, and it is hard

to imagine why anyone would want to risk this severe

side effect for " entertainment " purposes.

 

These ultrasounds are not a required part of prenatal

care and are solely for the purpose of making profits.

 

Unfortunately, the moms-to-be who get caught up in

these kinds of marketing ploys are putting their

unborn children's health at risk. There are enough

existing health risks associated with pregnancy and

visiting one of these ultrasound boutiques is an

unnecessary and voluntary risk you don't want to add

to your list.

 

If you are concerned about prenatal care and want to

do all you can for the health of your unborn or young

infant, here are my top suggestions:

 

* Get your essential omega-3 fats by taking cod

liver oil or fish oil

* Breastfeed your child

* If you're unable to breast feed use raw milk to

make a healthy infant formula

* Avoid soy infant formula

* Exercise gently during pregnancy (and after)

 

Related Articles:

 

Ultrasound Scans: Cause for Concern

 

How to Avoid Having a Premature Delivery

 

Premature Birth Prevention

 

Learn Why Having a Baby Naturally is Best

 

Baby’s Bone Health is Related to Milk Mom Drank

While Pregnan

 

Vigorous Exercise May Lower Risk of Premature

Birth