Ultrasound Scanning in Pregnancy: Technique

Ultrasound scanning in pregnancy is used to detect the fetus's heartbeat and obtain other information.

A technician applies a gel to a woman's abdomen and scans the abdomen with a handheld device called a transducer. The gel enhances the transmission of sound waves, which are produced by the transducer. The sound waves reflect off internal structures and the fetus, and the pattern of this reflection is displayed on a video monitor.

(Video has no sound.)

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY