For the Health of Your Baby, Stay Away From Unnecessary Ultrasounds

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For the Health of Your Baby, Stay Away From Unnecessary Ultrasounds

 

 

 

UltrasoundsA study has shown that the frequent use of ultrasound

causes brain abnormalities in the developing fetuses of mice.

 

A small but significant number of neurons in the embryonic mouse brain

do not migrate to the correct positions in the cerebral cortex if

ultrasound is used often and for prolonged periods.

 

Neurons must move to a position that determines their connectivity and

function after they form. Improper migration can lead to abnormal

cortical function.

 

More than 300 fetal mice were injected with special markers to track

their neural development.

 

Ultrasound exposure caused a number of neurons to remain scattered in

inappropriate cortical layers. The dispersion of the neurons increased

as the duration of exposure to ultrasound waves increased.

Further research will be done on primates in order to help determine

whether or not this will also be a problem for human fetuses.

 

USA Today August 7, 2006

 

ABC News August 8, 2006

 

EurekAlert August 7, 2006

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Ultrasound scans, which were introduced in the 1960s, have long been

regarded as a safe means of checking on the health of unborn children.

 

The scanners use high-frequency sound ionizing radiation, which

carries a significant risk of causing cancer. Between the 1960s and

today, the number of pregnant women having scans in western Europe has

increased from a handful to virtually all of them.

 

But the time for routine ultrasound examinations is, or at least

should be, over. Seven years ago, I ran warnings of this on the site

about the cellular damage ultrasound scans can do to your body and

unborn infant based on just a 15-minute scan of mice.

 

This new study is even more concerning, especially since there is

already evidence that ultrasounds can also cause brain damage in human

infants. Fetuses exposed to ultrasound face a higher risk of

conditions ranging from learning difficulties to epilepsy.

 

The moral of the study, no surprise, is to avoid all unnecessary

ultrasounds and give a great deal of thought about having one at all,

should the need ever arise.

 

It would be my strong recommendation to find a health care

professional who will assist you in the delivery of your child without

exposing them to the dangers of ultrasounds. Doulas and midwives are

excellent resources that can help you to deliver healthy children

without the potential dangers of traditional obstetric care.

 

 

 

Related Articles:

 

Parents Ignoring FDA Warnings on Prenatal Ultrasounds

 

Natural Birthing Options

 

4-D Ultrasounds Are Risky Entertainment