An internal ultrasound, also known as a transvaginal ultrasound, does not cause a miscarriage. This diagnostic imaging procedure is a common and safe tool used during pregnancy. Medical professionals widely utilize transvaginal ultrasounds to gather important information about a developing pregnancy.
What a Transvaginal Ultrasound Entails
A transvaginal ultrasound involves the insertion of a small, lubricated probe into the vagina. This probe emits sound waves that travel into the body, bouncing off internal structures like the uterus and developing embryo or fetus. The reflected sound waves are captured and converted into images on a monitor. In early pregnancy, this procedure is routinely performed to confirm pregnancy presence, determine its location, check for a fetal heartbeat, and accurately date the pregnancy. It provides detailed views often clearer than those obtained with an abdominal ultrasound in the initial weeks.
Factors Contributing to Miscarriage
Miscarriages, particularly those occurring in the first trimester, are most often attributed to chromosomal abnormalities. These occur when the embryo receives an incorrect number of chromosomes. Such genetic errors are typically random events and are not influenced by external factors or medical procedures. Other factors can contribute to miscarriage, though less commonly. These include certain uterine abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, certain infections, and uncontrolled chronic medical conditions. Lifestyle factors like heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or illicit drug use are also known contributors. Most early miscarriages result from developmental problems that are beyond anyone’s control and are not caused by routine medical examinations like ultrasounds.
The Safety Record of Ultrasounds
Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to create images, distinguishing it from imaging methods that use ionizing radiation, such as X-rays. Unlike X-rays, sound waves do not produce radiation, which is a reason for ultrasound’s safety profile in pregnancy. The sound waves generate images by reflecting off tissues and are not known to cause tissue damage or adverse effects.
Decades of extensive research and clinical experience have consistently demonstrated the safety of diagnostic ultrasound for both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. Studies have found no evidence of harm, including no association with birth defects, childhood cancer, or developmental problems. Medical organizations worldwide endorse the safe use of ultrasound during pregnancy.
Leading professional bodies, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), support the use of diagnostic ultrasound in pregnancy. These organizations issue guidelines based on scientific evidence, confirming that the benefits of obtaining clinical information from ultrasound outweigh any theoretical risks. These guidelines emphasize performing ultrasounds only when medically indicated and using the lowest possible ultrasonic energy settings.