RCOG recommend no scans before 10 weeks

The RCOG have released a Scientific Impact Paper regarding the use of scans before 10 weeks (the embryonic period).  Though the paper highlights that there is no evidence that early scans cause any damage they recommend what they describe as a “precautionary approach” i.e. that as this period is an extremely vulnerable time for the embryo’s development scans should only be used when clinically indicated.  The paper reviews various different scan methods (B-mode, colour and pulse wave Doppler and 3D and 4D ultrasound scans) concluding that colour and pulse wave Doppler scans should not be used at all during this period and that other forms should not be used for “souvenir purposes”.

Scientific Impact Paper can be found here

Read the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ article here