Ultrasounds are some of the most commonly performed medical procedures, and they have significantly revolutionized the modern pregnancy experience. Not only can soon-to-be parents discover the sex of their baby, but medical professionals can diagnose certain issues inside the womb long before the baby is born. This simple procedure has saved countless lives and brought joy to so many couples.
Before you get an ultrasound, however, it’s important to know the facts. Like any popular medical procedure, not everything people say about ultrasounds is accurate. Here are just a few of the most common myths about ultrasounds.
Ultrasounds use radiation technology.
This myth has arisen because many people get ultrasounds confused with x-rays, which do use radiation. Ultrasounds, on the other hand, use technology relating to sound waves. These waves are emitted at high frequencies beyond the human hearing range. These waves are used to compose a visual of several components of your inner structures, i.e., your uterus and the baby.
Ultrasound results are available immediately.
While this may be true in some cases, such as determining the sex of the baby, it’s not an absolute. Many times, your ultrasound will be performed by an imaging technician, while the results will be reviewed by other medical professionals. And if there are many more results from other patients that need to be analyzed by your OBGYN’s office, it may take some time before they get to yours. Just be patient and know that you’re in the best of hands with your holistic health professionals.
Ultrasounds are 100% accurate.
Again, this isn’t quite true. Ultrasound technology has grown immensely since its development, but the most recent statistics say that ultrasound accuracy is about 97% when it comes to determining the sex of a baby. The accuracy is usually dependent on the baby’s position within the uterus at the time of the test, as sometimes, the view can be obscured. In addition, ultrasounds still require human analysis, and it’s impossible to remove 100% of human error from the world. That being said, you can and should listen to your doctor’s interpretation of the images.
Ultrasounds are dangerous/unsafe for the patient/baby.
Finally, this myth is a bit ridiculous — ultrasounds are designed to improve the health of the patient and baby, and when performed properly, they pose virtually zero risk to either. If you have any concerns whatsoever about the safety of the procedure, simply discuss them with your OBGYN.
By the age of 40, only two in five women who wish to have a baby will be able to do so. Understanding the truth behind these myths about ultrasounds can help you make the most informed decisions for your holistic health needs. For more information about womens health care such as breast health screening services and ultrasounds, contact WomanCare.
