Story: Pregnancy, birth and baby care

Ultrasound scan (1st of 2)

Ultrasound scan

Ultrasound scans are routinely used to check foetal development. In the early 21st century most pregnant women had only one scan, unless there were medical reasons for having more. High-frequency soundwaves were used to produce an image of the foetus. Having a scan was an exciting moment for parents – it visually confirmed the pregnancy. However, if the scan showed foetal abnormalities it was also a critical moment.

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Broadway Radiology

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Pregnancy, birth and baby care - Pregnancy and antenatal care', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/26153/ultrasound-scan (accessed 28 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 24 Oct 2018