Obesity Can Affect Ultrasound Scan Results

According to researchers from the University of Texas, if a pregnant woman suffers from obesity, the results of fetal ultrasound examinations may be impaired. In the first place, it elevates the risk of overlooking major fetal abnormalities.


 After researchers had examined over 12 000 ultrasound scan reports, they concluded that the ability to identify abnormalities decreased as mothers’ body mass index (BMI) rose. While there is 1 errored report per 250 examinations among women with normal BMI, with obese women, the rate jumps to 1 bad report per 100 examinations, scientists say. This could strongly motivate moms to lose weight before pregnancy.