It’s a fact that ultrasounds provide doctors with important information regarding the condition of an unborn child. As the images get sharper — and even 3D – many expectant women are getting noncompulsory “keepsake” ultrasounds. And while those images may be precious mementos, according to OB-GYN Montgomery County Dr. Rania Ibrahim, the FDA is waving cautionary flags about the ultrasounds.
While these services use what is essentially the same machine as an OB-GYN, more exposure and multiple visits are what troubles the FDA. While ultrasounds are typically considered to be safe, they are also known to raise the temperature of any exposed tissue, and can even create small bubbles.
According the FDA, the long-term effects of tissue heating and cavitation (small bubbles) are not known at this time. Therefore, your OB-GYN Montgomery County advises that ultrasound scans should be performed only when there is a medical need.
Ultrasound machines are not meant for over-the-counter sale or use, and the FDA strongly discourages using them for creating keepsake images and videos.
Still, the appeal of 3-D ultrasounds is obvious as it provides expectant mothers a picture of their unborn child that is a far cry from the original black-and-white, hazy pictures produced by 2-D versions.
All of a sudden, expectant moms can see the features and clarity of the baby’s face. But your OB-GYN Montgomery County warns that this type of ultrasound can provide patients with a false sense of security, wrongly assuming that it confirms that everything is fine with their pregnancy.
Alternately, a woman may go for a vanity ultrasound that detects something that is not normal and there isn’t an OB-GYN available who can explain the abnormality.
It is important to note that – when used properly, under a doctor’s care – ultrasounds are not dangerous and are a vital tool used in prenatal care.
If you are in need of expert OB-GYN care in Montgomery County – or would like more information regarding ultrasounds – call the office of Dr. Rania Ibrahim to day to schedule a confidential consultation.