A discussion of the merits of 4D scanning.
You may have heard the debate about 4D scanning. The FDA have warned that it should not be used as a routine, and especially not in pregnancy.
Ultrasound scanning was originally developed for warfare purposes and had nothing to do with obstetrics. It was later employed to see the foetus in the womb, with little research at that time that it was safe to use on pregnant women. Some studies suggested that ultrasound can heat up body tissues, which may cause cellular changes in the woman and her baby.
The affect of these cellular changes is unknown. Some studies have shown that they resulted in a high proportion of left handed babies. Others have linked them to learning disabilities and ADHD. While the FDA refute these claims, they also admit that they don't have proof that ultrasound scanning is 100% safe or effective, and with the new 4D scanning, caution should definitely be advised.
Despite reservations over the practice, I would say I am personally in favour of 4D scanning. It may help women have children, whom otherwise might not have done. In the case of pregnancy, it could counter the appalling false negative rate of the scans. Many women are told their babies are disabled, only to find on the child's birth that nothing is wrong. Some women even choose to terminate their pregnancies.
4D scanning would put an end to this problem.
One woman I read about actually had a termination because her baby had club foot, a mild and totally treatable condition. If 4D scanning is used, the woman can see her baby as a real baby and not just a grainy black and white image. She can see the face of her child. I don't think anyone could terminate after that.
