But he isn't using the machine to do diagnostic work. Presumably there will be a "real" ultrasound taken by the ob/gyn at the appropriate time.
Also, if it is not medically necessary, the use of ultrasound raises unnecessary physical risk to the fetus."
Say what??? I don't ever recall being issued that bit of disclosure or even the need to execute an informed consent document. I believe the general public's understanding is that ultrasound technology is perfectly safe and that there are no harmful effects. Has this doc in his haste to condemn Cruise inadvertently let slip something?
Ironic that there's such a kerfluffle over this from some doctors when 4,000 fetuses a day are dismembered by other doctors.
I think the jury is still out on safety of repeated use of ultrasounds. I'm pregnant now and the pregnancy discussion forum I participate in has posters with various views and various advice from doctors on this. My own doctor told me they only schedule 2 ultrasounds during the pregnancy unless there are complications. She said she was just being prudent because there are conflicting opinions.
After two kids in which I was with my wife for all of the ultrasounds, they never mentioned any thing about possible harm to the baby. No forms to sign. Nothing.
In fact, my wife had about triple the amount of ultrasounds done during each pregnancy due to complications.
The fetus is being bombarded with soundwaves. It is unknown what the harmful effects can be. And with him purchasing the equipment using it whenever he has a whim, maybe we will all find out what those side effects are when their child is born.
I had to have ultrasounds, ONE for each pregnancy. I didnot go out and purchase one to do sonograms of my unborn child for entertainment purposes.
Next thing we are going to hear is that their sonogram is available on the internet. These two are just silly and have too much money to play with...
Having been involved in the design of medical ultrasound devices (and tested them on myself) there is a real fear of cavitation due to long-term exposure to ultrasound. Cavitation is similar to what a microwave can do - excite water molucules that can make cells burst. It is frequency dependent but there is some research into using ultrasound cavitation to enhace transdermal (e.g. drug patches or creams) drug delivery. I shuddered when I first heard this story - the seller of the device could be in big trouble.
"believe the general public's understanding is that ultrasound technology is perfectly safe and that there are no harmful effects. Has this doc in his haste to condemn Cruise inadvertently let slip something?"
This is public knowledge. The doctors told us as well.
As I understand it, the concern is over people who use the devices to make movies, and expose the baby to ultra sound for 30-40 minutes at a time.
It's the differnece between hearing a loud noise and going to a rock concert.