3D/4D prenatal ultrasound raises potential bioeffects concerns

A researcher from the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University in China has found that dynamic 3D ultrasound scanning can induce abnormal morphological changes and apoptosis in the brains of fetal mice.

Although ultrasound scanner manufacturers claim that their products are safe for fetal examinations, scanning time greatly increases when 3D and 4D prenatal exams are performed, said presenter Dr. Jianhui Li.

Li sought to study the bioeffects of diagnostic dynamic 3D ultrasound on cerebral cells of fetal mice in late pregnancy. In a study involving 30 pregnant mice, Li found abnormal morphological changes of neurons and apoptosis in the cerebrum of fetal mice who had received more than 10 minutes of scanning.