Autism and Ultrasounds

[ommom]

I wonder;  Has anyone ever considered the connection between autism and ultrasounds done on the fetus during pregnancy?
It seems the rate of increase in autistic children times with the beginning of using ultrasounds during pregnancy...
Something maybe to consider???

[pepsi2850]

I have thought the same thing for years!! In the 70s we didnt have ultrasounds like they do today.  The rise of Autism has grown so much in the last 25 or so years!!!  I read an article about doing ultrasounds on pregnant mice, the young were affected in the brain waves...

[troisboyz]

A related discussion, ultrasounds and autism link? was started.

[William H Ahearn, Ph.D., BCBA]

There have been no investigations looking at a possible connection between autism and ultrasounds because it is highly improbable that there is any relation.  While it is true that sonograms have become a more common technique, however, these are very useful and safe tests.  One application of ultrasonography is to assess development during pregnancy.  According to the National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus medical dictionary:

Some physicians order an ultrasound when an abnormality is suspected, while others advocate screening ultrasounds. You should consult your health care provider to determine the most appropriate scanning schedule for you.

Scans may be performed in the first trimester to:

Confirm a normal pregnancy
Assess the baby's age
Rule out abnormalities, such as ectopic pregnancies or potential for miscarriage
Assess the baby's heart
See if there are multiple pregnancies
Identify abnormalities of the placenta, uterus, and other pelvic structures
Scans may also be obtained in the second and third trimesters to:

Assess the baby's age, growth, position, and sometimes gender
Identify any developmental problems
Rule out multiple pregnancies
Evaluate the placenta, amniotic fluid, and remaining structures of the pelvis
Some centers are now performing a scan at around 13-14 weeks of pregnancy to look for risks for Down Syndrome (which causes mental retardation) or other developmental abnormalities in the fetus.

The total number of scans will vary depending on whether a previous scan or blood tests have detected abnormalities that require follow-up assessment.

There are no known risks to the mother or the developing child.  For more information go to:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003778.htm