With an ultrasound, reflected sound waves are electronically processed to create an image of your developing baby, similar to the technology used by radar, but at much lower power levels.
Ultrasound can be a valuable tool, helping the trained technician and physician to identify potential health problems or physical defects, allowing them to initiate corrective procedures or be better prepared for complications at the time of birth.
However because no official guidelines or regulations have been established, there are now direct-to-consumer ultrasound services which bypass the physician, simply for the expectant mother or parents to take monthly “snapshots” of their developing child.