Ultrasound in obstetrics: a review of safety.
The data available to data suggest that diagnostic US has no adverse effect on embryogenesis or fetal growth. However, although B and M mode are safe during the first trimester, color, pulsed or power Doppler should be performed with caution. The US effects are mainly due to cavitation. However, this Mechanism has been determined mainly in animal models. Thermal effect, which was thought to be hazardous, probably does not influence fetal development.
Hershkovitz
Reli
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel. elih@bgu,ail.bgu.ac.il
Sheiner
Eyal
E
Mazor
Moshe
M
D000818:Animals; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods