Private scan ‘could harm unborn baby’

EXPECTING Baby bump PRIVATE clinics offering souvenir baby scans could be putting unborn children at risk, it is claimed.

Such companies are said to be offering the service before the recommended 10-week period.

The effect on babies of “4D scans”, which use a more powerful ultrasound than regular machines, is also unconfirmed.

And untrained operators are giving out unqualified diagnostic advice and getting the baby’s gender wrong, according to Care Quality Commission inspection reports.

Simon Mann, of Public Health England, said: “Parents must decide for themselves if they wish to have souvenir scans and balance the benefits against unconfirmed risk to the unborn child.”