Is ultrasound unsound? A review of epidemiological studies of human exposure to ultrasound.

We have reviewed the epidemiological studies of human exposure to diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy. Studies have concentrated on possible associations between ultrasound exposure in utero and childhood malignancies, neurological maldevelopment, dyslexia, left-handedness, delayed speech development and low birth weight. It is concluded that no associations between ultrasound exposure in utero and childhood maldevelopment have been proven. There are, however, some issues, such as non-right handedness and low birth weight after frequent Doppler ultrasound exposures, for which no firm conclusions can yet be drawn. These issues need to be tested in future studies.