A recent study conducted by researchers from Yale University revealed that ultrasound, which is mostly used to scan fetus in the womb, can cause abnormalities in the brain. The researchers arrived at this conclusion after monitoring the effects of prolonged and frequent ultrasound scans in the development of a mouse fetus. They said that ultrasound interfered with the neural migration process (movement of the neurons) at the late stage of embryonic brain development. After exposure to ultrasound, a significant number of neurons did not move to their proper positions.

Says Dr. Pasko Rakic, one of the researchers, “Proper migration of neurons during development is essential for normal development of the cerebral cortex and its function.” Hence, scientists are now debating over the safety of using ultrasound in pregnant women. At present, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has already warned against use ultrasound imaging for non-medical purposes such as taking souvenir photos and videos of the unborn baby.