ינהאַלט
Ultrasound must remain “medical”
In recent years, private radiology practices have developed, specializing inultrasound “show”. Target ? The future parents very curious and ready to pay the price to discover, before the hour, the pretty face of their offspring! You come out of there with Baby’s photo album and / or DVD. Count between 100 and 200 € per session, not reimbursed, that goes without saying. Please note: most of the time, the person handling the probe is not a doctor! It cannot, in any case, make a diagnosis on the health of the fetus.
This practice has led health professionals to appeal to the public authorities. In January 2012, the government seized, on the one hand, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) on the issue of potential health risk et, d’autre part, the High Authority for Health (HAS) on two aspects: the definition of ultrasound as a medical act and its compatibility with observed commercial practices.
Verdict : « א "מעדיציניש" אַלטראַסאַונד מוזן זיין דורכגעקאָכט פֿאַר די ציל פון דיאַגנאָסיס, זיפּונג אָדער נאָכגיין-אַרויף and exclusively practiced by רופאים צו מידווייווז “, Recalls, first of all, the HAS. “The principle of ultrasound without a medical reason is contrary to the codes of ethics of doctors and midwives”, adds the High Authority.
3D Echoes: what is the risk for Baby?
The proliferation of ultrasounds also raises questions about the risks for the baby. Many parents are tempted to experience the magical moment of3 ד אַלטראַסאַונד. And we understand them: it offers a very moving vision of the child growing up inside. The crucial question remains: is this “surplus” of ultrasound dangerous for the fetus?
Already in 2005, Afssaps * advised parents against 3D ultrasounds, for non-medical use. The reason ? No one knows the real risks to the fetus… “Classic 2D echoes have no effect on the baby’s health, but the ultrasounds sent during the 3D echoes are denser and are aimed more at the face. As a precaution, it is better not to use it as a classic exam“, Explains Dr Marie-Thérèse Verdys, obstetrician-gynecologist. This principle was recently reaffirmed by the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). It recalls “the need to limit the duration of exposure during ultrasounds, due to the absence of data confirming or denying a risk linked to exposure to ultrasound during a fetal ultrasound ”. This is why new studies will be carried out to assess all the risks associated with the practice of fetal ultrasounds.
“Show” ultrasounds: parents on the front line
The multiplication of these אַלטראַסאַונדס can also have negative consequences for parents. In its recent report, the High Authority for Health warns against ” psychoaffective risks for the mother and the entourage that the delivery of these images could generate, in the absence of competent support ”. Insofar as the person performing this examination is not a doctor and can in no case give medical information, the mother-to-be may worry unnecessarily. Hence the importance of making parents aware of good practices.
* French Agency for the Safety of Health Products