Ultrasounds and Autism?

[stacyteresao]

I just watched More Business of Being Born, and they talked about the possible link between ultrasounds and Autism. They said the ultrasound waves change the size of the cells, so there needs to be more research about the effects. I've had three ultrasounds all within weeks 4 and 5. They were ruling out an ectopic pregnancy. I'm now 8 1/2 weeks along and doing great. I'm worried about the effects of those ultrasounds. Any input?

[maybay]

I honestly think the numbers have gone up due to the fact that more people are educated about Autism. Also more, and better testing are being used to better diagnose children. I wonder if it has to do with bpa in plastic. Also the high amounts if pollution in the enviroment. There are so many studies trying to find links between everything from over weight moms and increase in Autism to the fathers age at conception. I doubt any one will really know the real answer.

[stacyteresao]

Sarah765, thank you. I think, just to be safe, i am going to avoid anymore ultrasounds. It's just not worth the risk to me. Like you said, we just don't know what they do to our bodies. Ina May (famous midwife) says she has never seen a single birth with autism. Now whether that's due to them not using the ultrasound or not using any drugs in the birthing process, it says a lot. I think the more natural you can go, the better.

[Sarah765]

It is something i am concerned about.  I only do the 20 week scan for that reason. Anniebrooke, there are way more children with autism then ever before, its up to 1 in 80, 1 in 50 for boys.  I remember seeing the numbers when I was pregnant with my son in 2009 and it was 1 in 250.  10 years ago it was 1 in 1000.  They are doing so many more ultrasounds then ever before, and earlier too.  I wont say it causes autism, but it could have some effect.  My husbands aunt actually has done research studies on ultrasounds, they can be particularly bad early on in pregnancy because it raises the babies body tempurture, early on a baby can not regulate their own tempurature, so basically it ends up like a fever, which can cause brain damage in anyone if its high enough.  My point is that we have no idea what these things do to our bodies, and what is really safe.  It wasnt long ago that they used x rays saying it was safe.  Of course not every baby will have reactions, but I think it is possible that it does cause issues for some.  Stacy, I wouldnt let it worry you too much, many people have multiple ultrasounds with no issues, but I do believe its something we need to be careful with.

[stacyteresao]

Thanks for the input, guys. I really appreciate it.

[sharichajewski]

I wouldnt believe it. I had complications with my first son and was sent for an ultrasound every week after 28 weeks and he doesnt have autism.  they are always trying to find a common link between autism. I wouldnt worry about it and just try to enjoy your pregnancy.

[cristina3065]

There have been SO MANY speculations about what exactly causes autism. No one knows what causes it. My 13yr old son has autism, diagnosed at the age of 2 and with him I had 2 ultrasounds my entire pregnancy so this is definitely no true! They say vaccinations cause autism, lack of folic acid during pregnancy, clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord, and on and on and on....they have no idea what causes autism so I would pay no attention to the show you saw. I am a proud mommy to a child with autism and the only thing that I am concerned about is that the likely hood of having a second child with autism after already having one goes up by like 50% so we shall see! Also, boys are twice as likely to develop autism than girls although this is debatable because they are questioning whether girls are less likely to get diagnosed because of the severity of their symptoms. So, long story short don't concern yourself with these type of shows. Just educate yourself on the symptoms and be aware of your child's development. He/she will be just fine!! :)

[AnnieBrooke]

I agree that more kids would have autism if there were a strong connection, since not only do women have lots of medically called-for ultrasounds, there are also places where people go for elective ultrasounds just to get a look at their baby.  Also, autism was around before ultrasounds were invented.  Not diagnosed as often, and nobody is sure if that is why it seems to be on the rise now, but I just haven't heard serious claims that the problem is ultrasounds.

I think it's always good to be a little dubious and careful about new things, and ultrasounds are relatively new, medically speaking.  But I don't think I'd watch one television show and get frightened.

[cindy82]

Don't believe everything you watch. They try to blame everything on something. If that was the case there would be way more children with it. I have known people to get 10 + u/s and baby be perfect