Expecting moms look forward to the OB-GYN visits when a pregnancy ultrasound is going to be performed. A pregnancy ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through the abdomen. A device called a transducer is used to look at the inside of the abdomen.

With a pregnancy ultrasound, the echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of your baby. While expecting moms and dads often like to use them to determine the gender of the baby, the pregnancy ultrasound is often performed around week 20 of the pregnancy to check for problems. Potential birth defects, uterine attachment and gestational age can all be seen with an ultrasound.

Pregnancy ultrasounds are safe and will not hurt mom or baby. However, it is not recommended that moms get non-medical ultrasounds so as not to create unnecessary risks to her growing baby.