A new study says that ultrasound exams in low-risk pregnancies have shot up immensely in the last ten years. This is probably happening due to the fact that physicians want to shield themselves from lawsuits and parents enjoy watching the fetus.

A review which is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, based on a review of 1.4 million pregnancies. It was found that 37% women were getting ultrasound done three or more times during their second and third trimester.

The recommended number of ultrasound is only two times during the entire duration of a non-complicated, low-risk single pregnancy.

Dr. John You, assistant professor of medicine at McMaster University and a scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Studies said that the sharp increase in the number of such cases is not due to health factors.

The expectancy of a healthy and perfect baby by both parents-to-be and doctors, leads to an overdose of ultrasounds.

He also says that apart from reassuring the healthy growth of the fetus, the ultrasounds are also done for the entertainment for the parents-to-be.

He added, “Although the benefits of prenatal ultrasonography in high-risk pregnancies may be clearer, the value of repeat ultrasonography in low-risk patients is not.”