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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
08:04
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Fetal ultrasound: mechanical effects
Melvin E Stratmeyer1, James F Greenleaf, Diane Dalecki
1Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration, 9200 Corporate Blvd, HFZ-120, Rockville, MD 20850 USA. melvin.stratmeyer@fda.hhs.gov
Summary
Diagnostic ultrasound, while generally safe, may pose risks to fetal development. Further research is needed to understand the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on pregnant women and their fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Ultrasound bio-effects
- Medical physics
- Developmental toxicology
Background:
- Mechanical effects of ultrasound, including nonthermal mechanisms, can cause tissue damage.
- Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) promotes bone and soft tissue healing in humans and animals.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse developmental effects of ultrasound on fetuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of ultrasound bio-effects, particularly nonthermal mechanisms.
- To evaluate the safety of diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy.
- To identify knowledge gaps regarding fetal exposure to ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and epidemiologic studies on ultrasound bio-effects.
- Analysis of acoustic output levels from diagnostic ultrasound devices.
- Comparison of current safety limits with historical data.
Main Results:
- Nonthermal mechanisms of ultrasound can induce tissue damage at high acoustic outputs.
- LIPUS demonstrates therapeutic benefits for tissue repair and regeneration.
- Existing human studies do not confirm a causal link between diagnostic ultrasound and fetal harm, but data is limited to older devices and lower intensities.
- Current US obstetric ultrasound intensity limits are significantly higher than those used in past studies.
Conclusions:
- While current evidence does not establish a causal relationship between diagnostic ultrasound and adverse fetal effects, existing studies have limitations.
- The potential for adverse developmental effects from current diagnostic ultrasound technology, especially LIPUS, warrants further investigation.
- More research is needed to establish safety thresholds for fetal exposure to diagnostic ultrasound.
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