In our case, having an ultrasound was invaluable with Jacob. They were able to catch fairly early on that he wasn't growing at the rate he should and that there was not as much amniotic fluid as there should be. Since they caught it early, they were able to do something about it. If they hadn't done the ulrasound, we wouldn't have known to do anything different, which could have caused him to have developmental issues.

In our case I'm glad we had it done, and would do it again.

I totally agree. And from what I read while looking into reasons for having an ultrasound it talked about low amniotic fluid. And from what I've read and experienced (when going with my wife to the midwife or doctor) it is the external measuring of the uterus that tips the doctor off that there is likely low level of fluid. Then the ultrasound is used to do further research, and to determine the optimal time for giving birth.

I guess one thing that I would really love to know is: are there any treatable medical conditions that can only be detected with ultrasound?

well, you do not need to do an ultrasound to check on the baby, you can use other methods and when the doctor suspects there is something wrong with the baby is when they use ultrasounds to confirm or double check. Talk to your doctor about the other options. I remember asking my doctor about that and she told me there are other ways on checking on the baby but I did not pursue

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Lucy

http://maternitymotherhood.net