Also, every pregnant woman in South America has a three-dimensional ultrasound. I haven't heard about that in the United States. There is no confirmed evidence that ultrasound causes hearing problems or has any adverse affect on the developing fetus. One poorly designed study done a few years ago suggested there was a risk of the babies experiencing hearing loss due to ultrasound, but the way the research was performed made many scientists think the conclusions were incorrect. Since then, no other scientist has been able to find the same results.
Replication is one of the hallmarks of scientific research.
Most of my practice consists of performing ultrasounds, and I believe in the value of well-performed ultrasound in pregnancy. On the other hand, no research has proven that there is a benefit to having monthly ultrasounds either. I also recommend looking for the most experienced team with the best equipment in your area to perform the scan. Many insurance companies now cover one ultrasound in uncomplicated pregnancies. Some insurance companies in our area require that the ultrasound be performed only in places accredited by independent groups such as the American College of Radiology or the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.