Fetal ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother’s uterus, or womb. During a fetal ultrasound, various parts of the baby, such as the heart, head, and spine, are identified and measured. The testing may be performed either through the mother’s abdomen (transabdominal) or vaginal canal (transvaginal). Fetal ultrasound provides a safe way to evaluate the health of an unborn baby. Ultrasound uses an electronic device called a transducer to send and receive sound waves. When the transducer is moved over the abdomen, the ultrasonic sound waves then move through the skin, muscle, bone, and fluids at different speeds. The sound waves bounce off the fetus like an echo, returning to the transducer. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and converts them into an electronic picture. A clear gel is placed between the transducer and the skin to allow for the best sound conduction and smooth movement of the transducer.