have a link to harms of U/S??? please share

[_jenn]

well i just wrote that i was opting for an u/s, but wondering now the potential harm. does someone have a link to a research site on this???

[Desdamona]

I just remember reading that the ultrasound waves can alter growing fetal cells... Don't remember where I read it but it was enough fr me not to have any U/S before 20 wks, when our peanuts are doing the most growing.

I went to gentlebirth.org and found these links. Maybe it'll be able to answer your question more thouroughly --
List of Links

http://www.changesurfer.com/Hlth/EFM.html
Efficacy and safety of intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring: an update.

http://www.childbirth.org/articles/efmref.html
Fetal Monitoring FAQ

http://www.childbirth.org/articles/efmfaq.html
Routine Electronic Monitoring Of Fetuses Is

http://www.childbirth.org/articles/efm1.html
On the safety of prenatal ultrasound

http://www.alternamoms.com/ultrasound.html
Risks of Ultrasound Screening

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews1n31.htm
Shadow of a Doubt
safety of ultrasound scans

http://www.newscientist.com/ns/19990612/newstory12.html
Ultrasound
Report on US from Internat'l. Chiropractic Pediatric Assoc.

http://www.compleatmother.com/ultrasound_danger.htm
Ultrasound: Weighing the Propaganda Against the Facts

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/ultrasound.htm
What happens when you alter settings on your diagnostic ultrasound machine?

Safety considerations for ultrasound>http://www.efsumb.org/tutpap1.htm

[slightly crunchy]

I believe the harms are all theoretical, at this point. The research that supports potential harm is in animals and cell cultures.

There have been long term (20 years out) studies showing no harmful effects from fetal ultrasounds. But still, I worry. :(

Now off to read some of those great links--thanks, Desdemona!

[peace_lily_mama]

Here's a http://www.geocities.com/total_mommy/ultrasound.html (site) that has a pretty fair summary of the way I feel about it. I also think most studies are goiNG to be pretty theoretical, (and who bases an opinion on one or two studies, anyway?) Just the fact that the fetuses usually jump away from the thing makes me wonder. ANd does anyone know what its like to hear that. I know ears may not actually be formed and working properly at the point most women get u/s, but I read that it was supposed to be as loud as a lawnmower or something. ??? anyone???
There are also two links at the end of the article.

[_jenn]

wow guys!! thanks! desdamona...you'll have me reading for days ;) much appreciated.