Parents are being warned to consider the possible risks when collecting keepsake baby scans of their child in the womb.

Experts claim there are concerns about the growing practice of 'boutique' scanning of unborn babies.

But parents should not hesitate to have scans to check the baby's health, concludes the Health Protection Agency. Such scans are justifiable and safe, says its independent advisory group which assessed the evidence for any possible ill-effects.

The report comes as mothers-to-be are routinely offered 2D ultrasound pictures, or even moving images of the foetus on a CD-ROM or DVD. In advanced 3D scans, ultrasound echoes are digitally enhanced so they create a life-like picture of the unborn baby while 4D shows the foetus moving in real time.

The latest report found there was 'no suggestion' that diagnostic ultrasound affects mortality of babies during pregnancy or soon after birth.

There was also no evidence that childhood cancer risk is affected by such scanning or that the practice is hazardous. But further research is needed to determine whether there are any long-term adverse effects.

However, there has been concern about the possible dangers posed by 'non-essential' scanning carried out for souvenir scans where the ultrasound energy lasts longer in order to get a clear shot of the baby's head.

Some studies have linked scans to higher rates of left-handedness in boys.

The advisory group says the evidence surrounding commercial ultrasound use is too patchy to make a judgment.

Professor Anthony Swerdlow, chairman of the advisory group, said 'Ultrasound has been widely used in medical practice for 50 years, and there is no established evidence of specific hazards from diagnostic exposures.

'However, 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.'

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