What is Ultrasound and is it safe?

An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body.

A small device called an ultrasound probe is used, which gives off high-frequency sound waves.

You can't hear these sound waves, but when they bounce off different parts of the body, they create "echoes" that are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image.

This image is displayed on a monitor while the scan is carried out.

So its not radiation?

No absolutely not. 

Are they safe?

There’s no evidence that scans are harmful, if used according to the guidelines. Ultrasound scans have been used in pregnancy for decades.

The person carrying out the scans (sonographer) will follow all the right guidelines to ensure that you and your baby are safe.

Every scan machine has a thermal index displayed on the screen. This gives a rough guide to the amount of heat that might be produced after long exposure.

Most ultrasound machines have a very low thermal index. The machines also have different settings for different stages of pregnancy, with the early pregnancy setting having the lowest thermal index.

So ultrasound scans pose very little risk. Nonetheless, sonographers will try to minimise the length of each session where possible, as an extra safety precaution.

The majority of ultrasound examinations in pregnancy should be completed within about 30 minutes, which is considered to be safe, we however only scan for 20 minutes or less.

There is lots of information on line regarding the safety of ultrasounds and Meet The Baby encourage you to research yourself if you would like too.