Keepsake Ultrasound: Taking Another Look

• Keepsake ultrasound is a hybrid of ultrasound and photography.
• Debate exists between medicine and consumerism for definition of appropriate use of ultrasound technology.
• Medical societies and regulatory agencies review the evidence and issue warning statements for consumers.
• Benefits of keepsake ultrasound are weighed against potential for harm.
• Recommendations for future: incorporate keepsake imaging into diagnostic procedures and increase standards for freestanding facilities.

Ultrasound technology has been used for routine surveillance of pregnancy since the 1970s. Its recent use for personal viewing of the fetus by parents, however, is unique to diagnostic imaging. Consumer demand has led to a profitable market for this service outside the domain of medicine, creating a hybrid of ultrasound imaging and photography. Concern about the possibility of bioeffects due to sound wave properties on the fetus prompted the US Food and Drug Administration and numerous medical societies to issue warnings about risks of casual use of this practice, especially by nonmedical providers. Debate has been ongoing as to who has the authority to determine appropriate use for ultrasound in pregnancy. The conflict continues, intensified by concerns for biological safety, maternal-fetal bonding, patient rights, ethics, and legality. This review describes these aspects of the conflict, as well as current extent of keepsake ultrasound practice in the United States. In addition, it summarizes the official opinion statements of major national and international medical societies related to keepsake ultrasound. This information is relevant to any provider wishing to present accurate but sensitive guidance to women interested in keepsake imaging.