Fetal Ultrasounds on the Rise — Often Without Medical Indication

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD

U.S. women underwent an average of 5 fetal ultrasounds per delivery in 2014 — up 92% since 2004 — according to a Wall Street Journal report. Medical groups recommend just one to two ultrasounds in low-risk pregnancies.

Among the reasons cited for the increase: clinicians' fear that they will miss something, patients' desire to see and bond with their growing baby, and possible financial motives.

While many clinicians believe that ultrasounds are safe because there's no cancer-causing radiation, most safety studies were performed on equipment made before 1992. Today's equipment emits much stronger acoustic waves than older versions. In addition, animal studies have suggested ill effects from ultrasound exposure, such as neurologic abnormalities and hyperactive behavior. And there's always the concern that too many ultrasounds can lead to false-positives.

One ultrasound scientist told the Journal: "The public needs to be made aware that if you're pregnant ... you don't need to have an ultrasound at every doctor's visit."