Health Tip: Avoid Needless Ultrasounds of Fetus

(HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned against taking a picture of a developing fetus merely as a keepsake.

These images can show facial features, hair and even the developing baby''s sex.

But the FDA says while ultrasounds are generally safe, they can affect developing tissues and may cause a rise in fetal temperature.

Also, prenatal images being marketed for non-medical reasons are often done by less-experienced personnel and may expose a fetus to a longer period of imaging than one performed by a medical technician.

The FDA recommends that women limit ultrasounds to those done for medical reasons only.

-- Deborah DiSesa Hirsch

Last Updated: Feb. 16, 2006