Ultrasound began way back in the 1800’s, which is something many people don’t realise. However it wasn’t incorporated into pregnancy care and gynaecology until 1958. 3D ultrasound was developed in Tokyo in the 1980’s, with the first 3D images of a baby seen in 1986. In the 1990’s, 4D ultrasound, being able to see the images in three dimensions, but in real time was possible.
Traditional and 3D ultrasound have revolutionised pregnancy care in recent generations. Our grandmothers and possibly mothers received very different care to that of today. Being able to detect problems while the baby is in the uterus and improve the outcome for mother and baby is amazing. It is also an exciting opportunity to see your baby in the womb.
From all this wonderful technology it is not surprising that myths or ‘old wives tales’ still exist. Hopefully this will aim to put those to rest.
Ultrasounds are bad for the baby
There is no evidence that ultrasounds are harmful to the baby. There are some risks from increased heat but all trained sonographers abide by safety rules which limit time and maintain the lowest power settings needed to obtain the necessary information.
Ultrasounds use radiation
This is NOT true. X-rays use radiation, ultrasound does not. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves which bounce back towards the transducer (probe). The computer in the ultrasound machine then builds up a picture which is visible on the screen.
You should not have an ultrasound in the first trimester
This myth likely comes from the myth above about radiation, and is not true. There is no evidence that an early ultrasound scan has an adverse effect on the baby. Many hospitals use early ultrasound to check the baby’s viability if a woman has pain or bleeding. Couples who have had a previous pregnancy loss often book a private scan to make sure their baby is viable and this can be a great comfort.
3D ultrasounds use stronger sound waves than 2D ultrasounds
The same frequency is used in both scans. The 3D image is made by the computer building lots of layers of the 2D images.
You can be 100% accurate of the baby’s gender with ultrasound
Current statistics report the accuracy of an ultrasound determining the baby’s gender is 97%. It is offered after 16/40 and is more accurate at 17-18/40. The accuracy can be reduced due to the baby’s position in the womb or if the baby has his/her legs crossed underneath their bottom. An increased BMI can also reduce image quality.
Ultrasounds are not invasive
This is true if the scan is performed abdominally. This is more common from 8-10 weeks of pregnancy and requires a full bladder. However if a pregnancy is earlier, it is very tiny and low in the pelvis, so a transvaginal or internal scan may be recommended. This is completely safe for both mother and baby. The probe is inserted gently into the lower part of the vagina and is not painful. Much clearer views of a tiny baby can be seen this way.
Hopefully discussing these myths has helped to ease any concerns you may have, and enable you to relax and enjoy your ultrasound scan experience.