I hope you never need to have this question answered. But if you’re asking yourself the question: Can a rough ultrasound cause miscarriage – read on.
Now, to set the record straight, I am an ultrasonographer by profession.
I’m British, registered with the Health Professions Council, and studied ultrasound overseas in Australia between 2010-2011, before returning to the UK to complete my Post Grad at City University, London in 2012.
Before that, I worked in X-ray, CT, and a touch of MRI, having trained as a Diagnostic Radiographer at Hertfordshire University between 2004 and 2007.
I rarely speak about my medical experience on this blog because – I don’t need to.
The topics of stress relief, anxiety relief, and burnout in moms (which I share advice on since training as a well-being coach 3 years ago) keep me busy, as do my duties as a stay-at-home mom.
I haven’t worked clinically as a sonographer since my first child was born, which is nearly 4 years ago now, but I can answer this question.
So, let’s look into it further.
Developing Baby
Pregnancy is an exciting time – which is also fraught with anxiety.
Early pregnancy, in particular, is a sensitive time because here in the UK, we’re advised ‘not to spread the happy news’ until the routine 12-week scan is done.
In both my (viable) pregnancies, these 12 weeks draaaaaged by.
We were fortunate to have a healthy pregnancy both times, but I’ve also experienced my share of early miscarriages – several years before we conceived our first child.
The first ultrasound in pregnancy is equally wonderful as it is terrifying if you ask me.
Pregnancy hormones are sky-high and all the parents to be want is to know is is our baby OK?
Health conditions
As a sonographer, before ever being pregnant, I was very conscious of the sensitivity in the early weeks of pregnancy.
The pressure is immense to give good news as quickly as possible.
Essentially, the reason for a 12-week or early pregnancy scan is to check that the pregnancy is developing normally.
First off, we check for a fetal heartbeat (s), and once confirmed, we share the news with the parents.
It’s then a thorough scan of the baby to check fetal structures at this early stage and to ensure everything is progressing as it should.
There is the option for a blood test at the 12-week scan which checks for birth defects and potential chromosomal abnormalities.
Particularly important at this first scan is to check for causes of vaginal spotting (if applicable) as the first trimester of pregnancy is where there’s an increased risk of miscarriage.
This is because the placenta hasn’t fully formed and the ovary(s) are sustaining the pregnancy.
If there’s ever a concern about ectopic pregnancy, this too can be diagnosed at the 12-week scan. However, I would expect this is detected far earlier, normally around 6 – 7 weeks gestation if not before.
Be sure to tell the sonographer if you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or anything else you’re concerned about.
The sonographer is qualified to check all the appropriate structures in your pelvis and if they’re unsure, they’ll be able to get someone else to do it.
It’s worth mentioning if you’re struggling emotionally, as the hospital teams can liaise with other departments and give you support.
Your midwife could also help with this.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Depending on the clarity of the images over the tummy at 12 weeks, the sonographer may offer a transvaginal ultrasound scan (which usually offers a clearer diagnostic image).
An internal scan is often offered in the third trimester to check for placenta previa or placental abruption, and also to check fetal position if images over the tummy are not adequate.
If there is ever concern about pregnancy loss or a missed miscarriage, a transvaginal scan is the gold standard to detect this.
Your healthcare provider (the sonographer or assistant) should be able to answer questions or concerns you have at the time of the scan – so if you’re unsure, please ask them.
Can a rough ultrasound cause miscarriage
Here is where I answer this question based on my knowledge.
And my answer is – it’s extremely unlikely for a rough ultrasound to cause a miscarriage. I’ve never ever heard of it happening in my clinical experience.
I think more important though is knowing this fact. That a rough ultrasound is not required and should not happen.
Never ever, should a sonographer (or whoever is scanning you), be rough with you.
As a patient, you have a right to be seen with dignity and respect. An ultrasound scan shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable.
There are times when slight pressure may be applied to help clear the image (if say some bowel is overlying the ovary) but this is not common practice.
To reassure you; in a normal pregnancy, the uterus is a wonderfully protective organ that is acting like a cushion for the unborn child. I have heard of pregnant women who’ve been in traffic incidents and still carried to healthy full term.
The uterus is made of extremely durable fibres, plus the baby is in an amniotic sac (fluid sac) which adds extra protection.
Mama nature sure knows what she’s doing!
Risk factors
As a sonographer, we are on alert by nature to look for abnormalities (it’s our job!) so don’t be alarmed if we stay quiet during the first few moments of a scan.
We are looking so carefully and with a sharp focus that we often can’t speak right away.
The pelvic exam we do is for your benefit. Being aware of how a pregnancy is progressing is to ensure both the mother and unborn child are safe and well.
Necessary information
An early pregnancy scan is required to ensure the safety of the maternal mother and fetus.
I won’t go into details in this post about complications in pregnancy but please, feel comfortable to ask me anything in the comments section if you have questions or worries.
Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive imaging tool.
It’s used to assess soft tissues and is the least problematic imaging device for patients.
In simple words, ultrasound uses sound waves which are passed into the body and bounced back to the receiver, which converts them onto an image on the computer screen.
If you are pregnant and finding yourself overly worried about something, please contact your healthcare provider. Your midwife would be great or GP as the first port of call.
Also, this blog contains lots of useful well-being resources to help with anxiety, stress, and low mood.
This NHS webpage has useful information on it too.
Here is suggested further reading:
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