Yeah, Donna, I've avoided bringing up that topic here because the research is so incomplete but there is enough out there to make me feel very confident in avoiding early scans. There was one study done with mice where babies exposed to ultrasound in utero had brain changes that mimic those of human kids with autism. There was another study in China where there were significant cellular changes noted in babies exposed to ultrasound... but of course, how high are these doses, etc? I am not sure. There are so many questions, and the bottom line is it hasn't been proven 100% safe, so I have to question it. I remember in the documentary series "more business of being born" they were interviewing a midwife on "The Farm" (Ina May's community in Tennessee), and she said of all the babies born there there were zero diagnosed cases of Autism. ZERO. And they don't do ultrasounds or dopplers... so I mean, I have to wonder. Of course there are so many other variables to consider and that is pure "anecdata" but it does make me seriously question the safety.
I will do the 20-week anatomy scan because I believe it's vitally important (I've known of babies who needed surgery either in utero or immediately after birth, and only knew about it because they saw it on the ultrasound), but will ask that they go as quickly as possible and not linger to look/take pictures etc.
I also will want to listen for a heartbeat at 12ish weeks, even if only for a few seconds.
It's tough, because we also don't know the impact of extreme worry/anxiety on our unborn babies, so how can we weigh the benefit of peace of mind against the risk of ultrasound, or the benefit of avoiding ultrasound against the lack of confirmation and so therefore potentially more anxiety and worry? It's tough to make the call. For me, if I don't feel it's absolutely necessary, I won't do it. If it's just for "reassurance", or because it's fun to see the baby, then to me it's not worth the potential risk.
Of course, that presents the challenge for me to let go and trust that my body is doing everything right and the baby is ok. So that's my own personal goal at the moment. Yesterday, I met with a midwife who's been practicing for over 40 years. For the first big chunk of her career there were no dopplers, no ultrasounds. And I said, have you seen a significant increase in positive birth outcomes since the introduction of these technologies? And she said the only thing she'd seen increase was maternal anxiety. So that tells me a lot.
I will do the 20-week anatomy scan because I believe it's vitally important (I've known of babies who needed surgery either in utero or immediately after birth, and only knew about it because they saw it on the ultrasound), but will ask that they go as quickly as possible and not linger to look/take pictures etc.
I also will want to listen for a heartbeat at 12ish weeks, even if only for a few seconds.
It's tough, because we also don't know the impact of extreme worry/anxiety on our unborn babies, so how can we weigh the benefit of peace of mind against the risk of ultrasound, or the benefit of avoiding ultrasound against the lack of confirmation and so therefore potentially more anxiety and worry? It's tough to make the call. For me, if I don't feel it's absolutely necessary, I won't do it. If it's just for "reassurance", or because it's fun to see the baby, then to me it's not worth the potential risk.
Of course, that presents the challenge for me to let go and trust that my body is doing everything right and the baby is ok. So that's my own personal goal at the moment. Yesterday, I met with a midwife who's been practicing for over 40 years. For the first big chunk of her career there were no dopplers, no ultrasounds. And I said, have you seen a significant increase in positive birth outcomes since the introduction of these technologies? And she said the only thing she'd seen increase was maternal anxiety. So that tells me a lot.
I got my 
on Tuesday. After popping into the hospital on Friday, so far I'm due 14th Feb. But this could change on scan day. I have a reassurance scan booked this month 
estimated due date 18th feb
That is awful. Take care of yourself, hope to see you back in this section soon.
