In most major cities across the country, commercial sonogram services are opening up, offering to give families a sneak preview of their growing baby. Although these services offer a novel means for creating special memories and an opportunity for bonding with the baby, there are health concerns that need to be considered before undergoing any type of elective procedure during pregnancy.

Sonograms have been used as a diagnostic medical procedure for over four decades and are recognized to be a non-invasive medical procedure. The ultrasound procedure involves high frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images. Though there are no conclusive studies that have shown any effects to the developing fetus from high frequency sound waves, there is concern when this technology is used frequently and for long periods of time.

As a medical procedure, a sonogram must be requested by a physician, performed by a licensed medical practitioner, and supervised by a physician. Whenever an ultrasound is performed there is always the possibility for discovering an anomaly, birth defect or some other complication. This discovery needs to occur under the supervision of the appropriate medical personnel.

Accordingly, the American Pregnancy Association recommends that women obtain their sonogram testing from a licensed and medically trained practitioner.

If you elect to receive a sonogram from a commercial facility, the American Pregnancy Association has established the following safety checklist:

• Have a prenatal exam performed by your primary health care provider, before obtaining a commercial sonogram.
• Inform your primary healthcare provider of your wishes to use a commercial sonography facility and ask for a referral.
• Identify the credentials of the sonographer including: type of training, certification or licensure.
• Confirm that the sonography facility maintains a supervising physician.
• Request sonography education from the facility which fully explains the scope of the sonography service.
• Avoid receiving lengthy scans and visit with your physician regarding repeat ultrasound scans.

Reprinted with permission from American Pregnancy Association.