Ultrasound scans have become almost standard for pregnant women. But are they really justified?
For a large number of pregnant women, the scan which shows their unborn baby wriggling its feet and sucking its thumb is one of the most important milestones. But Hylton Meire, an eminent radiologist, has started a debate on whether the scans are really justified. Writing in the journal Ultrasound, Dr Meire argues that not only is there scant scientific evidence to prove that the 20 week scan is worth doing, he also questions the reliability of the standard method of testing for Down’s Syndrome – the nuchal fold measurement – which is taken during the earlier, 12 week scan. But is there value in knowing, in advance, if there is a risk of abnormality for your unborn child? And how can parents be supported through the difficult decisions if a risk is identified?
