The FDA and several respected medical organizations agree.
“Although there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, prudent use of these devices by trained health care providers is important,” Shahram Vaezy, an FDA biomedical engineer, stated in an agency advisory. “Ultrasound can heat tissues slightly, and in some cases, it can also produce very small bubbles (cavitation) in some tissues.”
Despite the FDA warning, You has noticed an uptick in keepsake ultrasounds. She said she’s not sure women are aware of the advisories, and those who are might think, “if a doctor can do them, why would it be unsafe in a mall or in a stand-alone facility where the pure focus is entertainment?”
Expectant parents use images from keepsake ultrasounds on key chains, jewelry, shower invitations and wall hangings, and also to create sculptures. Owners of the ultrasound centers also sell teddy bears stuffed with a sound box that plays the baby’s heartbeat, which is recorded during the ultrasound session.
“We’re all about the memories here,” said Lori Dunkman, owner of The Belly Factory in south suburban Frankfort. Dunkman said she’s a certified sonographer and opened her facility after working in a hospital. She also said she hires only people who are certified to perform ultrasounds.