These devices should only be used by trained health care providers when medically necessary. While ultrasound is generally considered to be safe with very low risks, the risks may increase with unnecessary prolonged exposure to ultrasound energy, or when untrained users operate the device.Įxpectant mothers should also be aware of concerns with purchasing over-the-counter fetal heartbeat monitoring systems (also called doptones). Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound is 3D ultrasound in motion. In fetal ultrasound, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound allows the visualization of some facial features and possibly other parts such as fingers and toes of the fetus. Ultrasound examinations provide parents with a valuable opportunity to view and hear the heartbeat of the fetus, bond with the unborn baby, and capture images to share with family and friends. Routine examinations are performed to assess and monitor the health status of the fetus and mother. Ultrasound is the most widely used medical imaging method for viewing the fetus during pregnancy.

Because ultrasound is not based on ionizing radiation, it is particularly useful for women of child-bearing age when CT or other imaging methods would otherwise result in exposure to radiation. Information for Patients including Expectant Mothersįor all medical imaging procedures, the FDA recommends that patients talk to their health care provider to understand the reason for the examination, the medical information that will be obtained, the potential risks, and how the results will be used to manage the medical condition or pregnancy. Keepsake images or videos are reasonable if they are produced during a medically-indicated exam, and if no additional exposure is required.

Furthermore, the use of ultrasound solely for non-medical purposes such as obtaining fetal ‘keepsake’ videos has been discouraged. Because of the particular concern for effects on the fetus, organizations such as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine have advocated prudent use of ultrasound imaging in pregnancy. The long-term consequences of these effects are still unknown.

In some cases, it can also produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues (cavitation). Ultrasound waves can heat the tissues slightly. It is based on non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the same risks as X-rays or other types of imaging systems that use ionizing radiation.Īlthough ultrasound imaging is generally considered safe when used prudently by appropriately trained health care providers, ultrasound energy has the potential to produce biological effects on the body. Ultrasound imaging has been used for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record. Ultrasound-guided needle placement (in blood vessels or other tissues of interest).Ophthalmic ultrasound (to visualize ocular structures.Ultrasound-guided biopsies (to collect a sample of tissue).Fetal ultrasound (to view the fetus in pregnancy).Doppler ultrasound (to visualize blood flow through a blood vessel, organs, or other structures).Doppler fetal heart rate monitors (to listen to the fetal heart beat).Breast ultrasound (to visualize breast tissue).Bone sonometry (to assess bone fragility).Abdominal ultrasound (to visualize abdominal tissues and organs).Common ultrasound imaging procedures include: Ultrasound imaging is a medical tool that can help a physician evaluate, diagnose and treat medical conditions. The strength (amplitude) of the sound signal and the time it takes for the wave to travel through the body provide the information necessary to produce an image. The ultrasound image is produced based on the reflection of the waves off of the body structures. Picture of a transducer (probe) used during an ultrasound exam.

Abdominal sonogram