PREGNANT during a PANDEMIC: When and When Not to have an Ultrasound Scan
Kathy Fray
International Maternity Consultant | Best-Selling Author | Midwife | Integrative Maternity Health thought-leader
Here are the new general recommendations to keep everyone as safe as possible:
· Woman only at all scans - no extra attendees (unless as emotional support during a suspected miscarriage confirmation scan)
· Dating Scans limited to 10 minutes and generally only performed if the First Trimester Downs Syndrome Screen scan is planning to be declined
· First Trimester Downs Syndrome Screen scans ideally taking only around 15 mins
· Second Trimester Anatomy scans ideally taking only 20 mins (including no non-essential anatomical scanning, eg spending longer to achieve better facial images, or confirmation sex with certainty)
· Any follow-ups for partially incomplete Anatomy scans are performed after the lock-down - unless major structures not visualized adequately
· No routine Growth Scans unless medically indicated (eg abnormal womb size growth) - and then only limited to less than 10 minutes to achieve the growth measurement calculations
· No complex Growth Scans (termed BioPhysical Profiles) unless referred by a Specialist - and then limited to half an hour
International Maternity Consultant | Best-Selling Author | Midwife | Integrative Maternity Health thought-leader
4 年Hi Jeanice Barcelo thank you for taking the time to comment. No, I absolutely am not recommending at least 3 ultrasound scans during pregnancy. This article explains the revised guidelines Radiographers are working under during the Pandemic, to reduce the amount of questionably unnecessary scan frequency and length of scans. As a midwife, I absolutely am keen my own clientele have at least ONE scan to enable us to rule-out the unpredictable high-risk birth issues, such as placenta praevia or a fetal abnormality ... particularly for those women wishing to safely home-birth. Some parents additionally wish to have the optional Downs Syndrome scan at around 12-wks. However, if a woman is choosing not to have the Downs screen but she is very unsure about her Gestation, then having a quick early Dating scan can be incredibly beneficial later to ensure at the end of her pregnancy she is not incorrectly recommended a Post-Dates Induction when she is not actually overdue. Re 3rd trimester Growth Scans: I absolutely do not believe these should be done routinely! They should only be performed when medically indicated, from unusually large or small uterine measurements, to estimate fetal weight. I apologize for any confusion. x
Here you are recommending at least three ultrasound scans during pregnancy when in fact, every single ultrasound scan involves exposing the developing baby to radiation that can lead to all manner of developmental issues. How can any professional, in good conscience, recommend this technology during pregnancy? Absolutely astounding. Please learn the facts and stop encouraging parents to endanger their babies: https://www.birthofanewearth.com/1/paperback-release-the-dark-side-of-prenatal-ultrasound/