The mainstay of modern obstetric diagnosis is the ultrasound scan (or sonography). Similar to radar, real-time scanners employ very-high-frequency pulsed sound waves (3.5-7 mHz, or 3.5-7 million cycles per second)
Ultrasound scans can predict Down’s syndrome. A nuchal scan measures the depth of the dark fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck at 10-13 weeks of pregnancy. If the space is thicker than usual, your baby may be at risk of Down’s.
Yet another study confirms that routine ultrasound examination of normal women is of no benefit and the technique should be restricted to high-risk pregnancies.
Ultrasound scanning of pregnant women may cause their children to have delayed speech development, according to a Canadian study. ...
The prenatal miracle of ultrasound has taken another knock in one of the largest studies to be conducted on its efficacy. ...
Prenatal ultrasound scans thought to be the safest of imaging techniques may be powerful enough to affect the brain in utero, researchers surmise. ...
For the few people in any doubt, the risks of smoking carry on into later life and quitting smoking will help you to live longer no matter when you give up. ...
Women believe that they can ensure the well being of their babies by having ultrasound scans and that the earlier any problems are detected, the better. But, increasing evidence now shows that ear ...
Antenatal ultrasound is widely used to detect major fetal abnormalities such as anencephaly. However, a recent editorial (BMJ,1997; 314: 918) questions its use in detecting less straightforward pr ...
The biggest risk you may face of having a deformed or retarded child could be when taking the prenatal diagnostic tests themselves. ... ...