HealthWatch: Ultrasounds Don ’ t Cause Autism; Kids Benefit From Activity Before School

BOSTON (CBS) – There has been some concern that prenatal ultrasounds could increase the risk of autism in children but a new study suggests otherwise. Researchers at Boston Medical Center looked at more than 400 kids born at the hospital and found that the mothers of those with autism had no more prenatal ultrasounds and no greater duration of ultrasound exposure than moms of kids without autism. In fact, the kids with autism had on average less ultrasound exposure during the 1st and 2nd trimesters than the other children. The study did raise one question. Does the depth of the ultrasound scan make a difference? The researchers found that the kids with autism had scans that on average went a little bit deeper than kids without autism, less than a centimeter more, but the authors say there is not enough evidence at this point to conclude that ultrasound depth makes any difference and that more research should be done. At this point, parents should not be concerned that a prenatal ultrasound is going to put their fetus at risk for autism. That said, don’t get an ultrasound just for fun like at those keepsake centers where you can pay to get a detailed ultrasound images of your fetus.  Prenatal ultrasounds should be considered a medical procedure and should only be done with the advice of a doctor. Physical Activity Before School Benefits Children Doing physical activity before school has big benefits for children. Researchers at mass general tracked more than 700 eleme...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local Autism Dr. Mallika Marshall Local TV Ultrasound Source Type: news