https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:32:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990734 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:40:14 +0000 LemonLong 1990734@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found out my first had IUGR at a boutique place. They told me my placenta looked very mature and I should follow up with my doctor, if I hadn't done the elective, I don't think we would have caught it and it could have had a very negative outcome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990675 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:18:31 +0000 littlejoy 1990675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990535 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 18:56:39 +0000 Mrs.Pinecone316 1990535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: We went to one "non medically neccessary" u/s for gender. The tech told us that they aren't allowed to tell you anything medical, only show you the images and give you the sex. No measurements, heart rate or anything like that. So that keeps them from being in a situation where they see something abnormal, they just leave that to the OB's.</p> <p>I totally get that there are unneccessary reason's for getting u/s but I am not worried one bit by our choice to have one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990469 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:27:23 +0000 littlejoy 1990469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: Same here (midwives referred me to a center with trained techs, and maternal/fetal specialists). </p> <p>We will likely decline doppler during our next pregnancy. I will likely want to hear the heartbeat initially, but past that, once the fetascope can pick it up, I'd be okay with that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990437 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:01:40 +0000 lilteacherbee 1990437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: Pretty much exactly what you said :) I had one elective and many medically-necessary ultrasounds due to GD and I have a healthy 13 month old. The elective was done at a place with all medically trained sonographers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990425 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:52:12 +0000 meganmp 1990425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: That scared the crap outta me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990374 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:24:58 +0000 Arden 1990374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I understand and support this ruling. I do think that if someone WANTS an ultrasound and their provider doesn't do them, like @Dandelion, then they should be able to pay to have one done at an actual medical imaging center with trained techs. That option should be available for anyone who wants one.</p> <p>My midwife didn't do them herself, but she sent us to a medical center for an anatomy scan at 20 weeks where we paid (or, our insurance paid) like $150 for it, with trained technicians.</p> <p>I actually declined the use of a Doppler during my pregnancy entirely, since I had some concerns about repeated exposure and dopplers are actually stronger than ultrasounds. My midwife typically used a Doppler but honored my choice and used a fetascope once I was far enough along. I didn't get to hear the heartbeat until my second tri, but that was my choice and I was fine with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990355 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:14:08 +0000 Dandelion 1990355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: it's definitely priceless, and something I wouldn't wish to take away from other parents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990352 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:12:38 +0000 littlejoy 1990352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMccarthy: I was going to get this for your stocking!! ;) Of course, I never want to hurt anyones feelings. Seeing my babe in my belly was just amazing!! </p> <p>@Dandelion: I am sure that's such an amazing treasure for you!!! One of my friends had a stillbirth, and shared a beautiful article last week about how photographs and ultrasounds should be embraced. Exactly what you shared ... evidence. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990342 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:03:52 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1990342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: oh! Hahahah yeah. That's a little odd for sure. Sorry for misunderstanding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990341 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:02:22 +0000 Dandelion 1990341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went to a boutique place for S cause the midwife didn't do them. I'm very happy to have that dvd of her, since she ended up stillborn. I have evidence that she lived. I don't think it should be regulated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990332 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:57:00 +0000 littlejoy 1990332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: I didn't even think of that. I can't imagine the place having a staff that's qualified to react in a situation like that. Tragic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990319 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:49:14 +0000 littlejoy 1990319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMccarthy: I loved seeing our baby in the u/s!! It was amazing. I don't think I said anything about other people finding joy in that. </p> <p>Photos and videos are not creepy. We are 2,200 miles away from our family, and we loved being able to share images from our u/s with them. It made us all feel a lot closer.</p> <p>I was talking about creepy gifts ... Like this! It's a 3d ultrasound baby doll. I can see only a few instances where something like this would be non-creepy. </p> <p>And, to your point ... Not enjoying the u/s. Our anatomy scan was very "meh". The tech sucked, but she was qualified, and the doctor came in to say that everything looked great. So while I would have loved extra photos, and a warmer experience, the u/s served it's purpose. It's exactly what the FDA is trying to dissuade: taking peeks at the baby with no medical reason. Without a strong benefit, I just don't see a reason. That's my opinion, and I think it's amazing we live in a country where women can make their own choices about their pregnancies and care options. :) </p> <p>[attach=5603/14/ngspu2.320x320.3D-Ultrasound-Baby-Dolls.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990307 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:43:00 +0000 Kemma 1990307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think part of the issue is that the medical fraternity doesn't know at what point ultrasound etc starts to become harmful and there's no really ethical way of finding that point out (kind of like consuming alcohol during pregnancy maybe?) so advising women to limit exposure to what is medically necessary is the best advice they can give.</p> <p>I'm curious to know what a tech would do if they were to discover an abnormality during an "elective / keepsake" ultrasound and if they are subject to regulations around training and calibration of equipment etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990301 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:40:42 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1990301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've heard that the machines used in boutiques can be higher frequency and the techs can be less skilled. I think the word discourage is good because it doesn't say don't do this or it will harm your baby. It's seems to me it's more of a "we don't regulate non medical systems and there isn't enough data on them for us to know if they are safe" type of stance. By and large I think the FDA are pretty lenient so whilst I wouldn't panic or assume the home Doppler or non medical ultrasounds did a wink of harm I would definitely take it into account going forward and keep it to a minimum until we know more. I don't think choosing to get one here and there is a big deal but people who get a ton or spend hours on them might want to reconsider for future pregnancy. Or they might not and that's okay too.</p> <p> @littlejoy: a lot of People find it very exciting to see their baby moving and smiling or sucking its thumb! Some people can't have SO or family members present during an US in a medical office or they don't feel they have a positive experience during their original US. It's totally fine that you feel differently but try not to hurt the feelings of those who differ opinions with you either. It's very subjective. One persons creepy is another persons joy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990284 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:33:19 +0000 lawbee11 1990284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: The FDA recognizes there is a medical benefit from ultrasounds performed by medical professionals, so I think that's what makes them ok. Also, I think the length of the ultrasounds is a concern. A lot of the elective places do longer ultrasounds and make videos for the parents. Here's an excerpt from the consumer update: </p> <p>"Fetal keepsake videos are controversial because there is no medical benefit gained from exposing the fetus to ultrasound. FDA is aware of several enterprises in the U.S. that are commercializing ultrasonic imaging by making fetal keepsake videos. In some cases, the ultrasound machine may be used for as long as an hour to get a video of the fetus." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990282 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:31:44 +0000 littlejoy 1990282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I would likely question a doctor if it was standard practice to perform 10-12 ultrasounds during a normal pregnancy. To my original response, I think there's a difference between that and someone who needs that many to ensure a healthy pregnancy. In that case, the benefit outweighs any potential risk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990261 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:23:51 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1990261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm curious because many OB offices perform ultrasounds at every appointment. So, monthly at first, then bi-weekly and then weekly. </p> <p>So just because its under an OB, its ok to (as a standard practice) perform 10-12 ultrasounds. But if someone was at a different office that only does a dating and the NT scan but wants an elective "keepsake" ultrasound (total of say 3-4) shouldn't? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990259 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:23:44 +0000 Pirouette 1990259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: um, wow. if anyone ever gave me a gift like that....yea, just wow! I've heard of people going and getting an elective u/s to find out the gender early, but that's just once, and most of the places are (around here anyway) reputable.</p> <p>I realize that's the message they were trying to convey, but i think the statement could have been more clear and direct. and i can see your perspective, but i also just see it as one more "don't do this while pregnant" admonition...as if the laundry list wasn't long enough already! </p> <p>I don't really disagree with you, i just don't know that most pregnant women will get that message out of this statement :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990234 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:13:18 +0000 littlejoy 1990234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pirouette: We don't live where I grew up, but thanks to FB, I see a lot from my hometown. And, it's not "black market", but my HS friends will go get u/s at these places several times. They make creepy-ass gifts with them (like a 3d model from the photo), haha, and it's just totally not needed. These places are not even allowed to operate in the town we live in now.</p> <p>I think it's kind of the opposite of alarmist. They are telling women that u/s should be used under the guidance of a trained medical professional. These are medical devices, and should be treated as such. </p> <p>I appreciate the statement. Like you said, the US treats pregnancy and birth like it's an illness ... I feel like this statement reminds us that with a normal birth, we can trust our doctors/midwives to guide us. It's a reminder to be your own advocate, and pick a care provider that will respect your wishes. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990226 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:07:27 +0000 Pirouette 1990226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>yea, i'm with you on this one (but i also ate and did all those things during pregnancy ;) i had a ton of medically necessary ultrasounds during my pregnancy, and while i realize the FDA is not commenting on those, I'm not entirely sure its statement is clear enough to ensure that everyone will understand exactly what they are condemning and why. Like it may cause pregnant women to resist ultrasounds their doctors deem necessary, etc.</p> <p>This also strikes me as a bit alarmist, but given the U.S.'s pattern of treating pregnant women like they should be placed in a 10 month long bubble, it doesn't exactly surprise me. I've never heard of someone getting a ton of ultrasounds on the black market or anything, but maybe that happens somewhere... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990219 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 15:03:55 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1990219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: the Doppler saved my sanity in such a huge way because I'm the opposite. I would check for a hb anytime I got nevous. Now that I feel her I only do it at visits and I will for sure limit it just in case. I'll bet it's fine though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990209 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 14:59:40 +0000 littlejoy 1990209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMccarthy: From the FDA -- "Similar concerns surround the OTC sale and use of Doppler ultrasound heartbeat monitors. These devices, which are used for listening to the heartbeat of a fetus, are legally marketed as "prescription devices," and should only be used by, or under the supervision of, a health care professional.</p> <p>"When the product is purchased over the counter and used without consultation with a health care professional taking care of the pregnant woman, there is no oversight of how the device is used. Also, there is little or no medical benefit expected from the exposure," Vaezy says. "Furthermore, the number of sessions or the length of a session in scanning a fetus is uncontrolled, and that increases the potential for harm to the fetus and eventually the mother."</p> <p>Personally, I didn't buy a doppler for home, because I didn't want to worry myself in case I couldn't find the hb one day. I just trusted that the baby was growing and healthy, and my midwives would diagnose anything if there was an issue. Such a personal choice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990205 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 14:57:56 +0000 ShootingStar 1990205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Meh, there's absolutely no evidence that anything harmful can or will happen. It's a just in case kind of thing. The tissues get heated slightly? How slightly? And how different is it from the normal body temperature fluctuations? Or, how different from taking a hot shower or having a fever? </p> <p>I had two elective ultrasounds and I also had a few non-elective ones due to GD. I now have a perfectly healthy 13 month old. I know that's just anecdotal, but I do see any more compelling evidence yet in the argument against them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990191 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 14:45:57 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1990191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm curious about the Doppler and what issues that can cause? I used it a lot with my son. With my son I also got a 3D scan but it was done at the hospital and I didn't request it. I'm sure like most things of this nature there is minimal risk but they don't have enough data on the newer boutique equipment to feel comfortable with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990124 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:58:01 +0000 2PeasinaPod 1990124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: "I think there's a big difference between keepsake ultrasounds and ultrasounds that are medically necessary to ensure health of the baby ... In that case, they are performed by medical professionals, under the guidance of a midwife or OB."</p> <p>This! I think they're trying to discourage pregnant women from purchasing their own doppler to find their baby's heartbeat as well as discourage the ultrasound boutiques. I had a good amount of ultrasounds throughout my pregnancy that were all medically necessary due to growth concerns and gestational diabetes. I certainly wouldn't expect the same if I get pregnant again and don't have either of those conditions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990115 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:51:32 +0000 blackbird 1990115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Man, I had a ton with E...and I opted into an elective one with this baby just for my personal peace of mind in the first trimester. The place I went to only hires registered, certified sonographers. So....wasn't concerned about some Jo Bob running the machine. </p> <p>That being said, i think the FDA in general just doesn't seem to like the idea of elective houses because it takes away from the medical purpose of such diagnostic equipment in the first place and can make them seem more casual than they often are. One or even two extra scans doesn't even hit my radar to be a concern--people don't exactly have weekly appointments at elective scans, either, so.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990111 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:47:41 +0000 littlejoy 1990111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's a very valid guideline. </p> <p>From the FDA website: "Although there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, prudent use of these devices by trained health care providers is important," says Shahram Vaezy, Ph.D., an FDA biomedical engineer. "Ultrasound can heat tissues slightly, and in some cases, it can also produce very small bubbles (cavitation) in some tissues."</p> <p>It's a prescription device, as is a doppler. I had 3 ultrasounds (technically, all 3 were elective). Next time, we will only do a dating scan and the anatomy scan. (And, I'm still on the fence about the dating scan.)</p> <p>I do not see the appeal of visiting a stand-alone imaging center for a keepsake ultrasound. Different strokes for different folks. To me, I see it as a medical procedure (refer to the statement from the FDA), and without having an benefit to the developing baby, I'm not willing to take part in that. </p> <p>I think there's a big difference between keepsake ultrasounds and ultrasounds that are medically necessary to ensure health of the baby ... In that case, they are performed by medical professionals, under the guidance of a midwife or OB.</p> <p>ETA: Anyone ever feel the heat of the doppler or u/s wand? It's really freaking hot!! When it hit my uncoated skin a couple times, it felt like laser hair removal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990110 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:47:17 +0000 hilsy85 1990110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Meh I had one at almost every OB appt--most were about 2 minutes, just to c heck the HB and baby's positioning. I wasn't high risk or anything. I would be very disappointed if I wasn't able to have the same with my next baby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fda-discourages-non-medical-ultrasounds#post-1990105 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:44:22 +0000 Greentea 1990105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In my Bradley class they went over the exposure from an ultrasound and doppler and then the monitor when you are hooked up at the hospital- the amount you receive being lowest to highest in that order. So, ultras aren't as extreme of an exposure, but I think they are just saying, "don't go overboard." </p>