The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned those in charge of nurse manager jobs to tell parents-to-be, to think twice about memento pictures of their baby scans. Although the agency have said ultrasound scans used for diagnostic purposes are not harmful to unborn babies, it wants parents to consider if they are really necessary.

The Independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR), which advises the HPA on ultrasound issues, has reviewed the latest scientific evidence and concluded that more research into the long-term effects of ultrasound on unborn babies should be carried out and looked into more closely.

The group said that there isn't enough evidence available to suggest that diagnostic ultrasound affects the mortality of the foetus during pregnancy or soon after birth, nor did it suggest any effect on childhood cancer risk. However, it has been alleged that there could be possible effects on the developing nervous system.

AGNIR chair Anthony Swerdlow said: “In the light of the widespread use of ultrasound in medical practice, its increasing commercial use for 'souvenir' foetal imaging and the unconfirmed indications of possible neurological effects on the foetus, there is a need for further research on whether there are any long-term adverse effects of diagnostic ultrasound."

The Health Protection Agency said prospective parents should still go for scans for medical purposes, but should consider uncertainties when deciding to have an ultrasound solely for keepsake images.