Ultrasound scans 'used too often'

Maternity ultrasound scans are being misused, at huge costs to the health system and emotionally torn expectant mothers.

Members of the Health Funding Authority's ultrasound review committee found that too many women had ultrasounds - often on questionable grounds - and many did not understand the consequences.

"What is actually an invasive procedure, not without risk, has become socialised ... Now the first thing someone says when you are pregnant is, 'When are you going for your scan?' " said College of Midwives president Sandy Grey.

Ultrasounds were originally used to check suspected foetal abnormalities, but were now commonplace.

Often done to confirm pregnancies and reassure parents about their baby's development, they now cost taxpayers an estimated $12 million a year.

On average, two scans are done for every pregnancy. Women aged over 45 average five scans for each pregnancy.

The committee has recommended developing national guidelines on ultrasound referrals and producing a booklet for parents about the procedure and its implications.

It found that ultrasound rates were rising slowly but there were too many errors in the data to give a clear picture.

Ms Grey expressed concern yesterday that mothers-to-be had become conditioned to having ultrasound scans.

But they were not getting enough information to give informed consent - they often did not understand that a clear scan was no guarantee of a healthy baby, or that if their scan showed abnormalities they would need to consider abortion, she said.

Ultrasounds should not be used to confirm pregnancies and conception dates, which could be worked out based on menstrual cycles.

Ms Grey said the money being spent on unnecessary ultrasounds - which cost the authority $79.60 each - could be better used on other health services.

- NZPA