Ultrasound scanning of a pregnant woman

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Ultrasound in pregnancy. Pregnant woman receives an ultrasound scan of her abdomen to monitor fetal development. The operator moves a handheld transducer over the woman's skin, while a two-dimensional image of the fetus (in side view) can be seen on a screen. Ultrasound scanning is a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to detect body tissues of different density. It is often performed about 16-18 weeks into pregnancy, where it can detect gross fetal disorders, and helps to establish fetal size and healthy development and hence the expected delivery date. The technique is painless and safe.

Matt Meadows / Science Source

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