On the one hand, on the other hand: Statistical fallacies in laterality research

Epidemiological prenatal ultrasound studies

Epidemiological studies have indicated no association between diagnostic ultrasound exposure during pregnancy and childhood malignancies. Diagnostic ultrasound imaging does not seem to influence birth weight, whereas frequent Doppler ultrasound was associated with reduced birth weight in one study. Most experts do not believe that ultrasound exposure during pregnancy is associated with reduced birth weight. There are no confirmed statistically significant associations between ultrasound and dyslexia and neurological development during childhood. However, two randomised controlled trials and two cohort studies have been unable to rule out a possible association between ultrasound and left-handedness among males.

EFSUMB: safety tutorial: epidemiology of diagnostic ultrasound exposure during pregnancy-European committee for medical ultrasound safety (ECMUS)

The present paper summarizes some of the epidemiological studies of in utero ultrasound exposure and subsequent childhood development. Emphasis is placed on birth weight, childhood malignancies, neurological development, handedness and speech development. The epidemiological evidence does not indicate any association between diagnostic ultrasound exposure during pregnancy and reduced birth weight, childhood malignancies or neurological development. However, a statistically significant association between ultrasound and left-handedness among males has been found in three studies. Thus, there is still need for more research.

Ultrasound during pregnancy and birthweight, childhood malignancies and neurological development

The present paper summarizes some of the epidemiological studies of in utero ultrasound exposure and subsequent childhood development. Emphasis is placed on birthweight, childhood malignancies and neurological development. A meta-analysis, including neurological outcomes such as handedness, speech development, motor development, hearing and vision, is presented. The epidemiological evidence does not indicate any association between diagnostic ultrasound exposure during pregnancy and reduced birthweight, childhood malignancies or neurological maldevelopment. The possible association between ultrasound and nonrighthandedness among boys needs further evaluation.