Monitoring an unborn baby

An ultrasound scan is a routine procedure for pregnant women. It produces an image of the unborn baby inside the womb, and displays it on a monitor.

Most women are offered at least two ultrasound scans during pregnancy:

• the first scan (at around eight to 14 weeks) can help to determine when the baby is due, and
• the second scan (usually between 18 and 20 weeks) checks for structural abnormalities, particularly in the baby's head or spine.

For more information, see Pregnancy planner: ultrasound scans.

Detecting heart problems

An ultrasound scan can be used to examine the size, shape and movement of your heart. For example, it can check that the structures of your heart, such as the valves and heart chambers, are working properly and your blood is flowing normally. This type of ultrasound scan is called an echocardiogram.

Echocardiograms can also be used to diagnose heart problems in babies, even before they are born. This is called foetal echocardiography, and it is carried out during routine antenatal examinations.

For more information, see Diagnosing congenital heart disease.

Examining other parts of your body

Ultrasound can help diagnose problems in your:

• liver,
• gallbladder,
• pancreas,
• thyroid gland,
• lymph nodes,
• ovaries,
• testes,
• kidneys,
• bladder,
• breasts,
• blood vessels,
• joints, ligaments and tendons,
• skin,
• eyes, and
• the brain and spine in newborns.

It can detect gallstones, tumours, fluid-filled cysts and any narrowing or swelling of blood vessels.

Surgical procedures

Ultrasound can be used to guide doctors during surgical procedures, such as biopsies (where a tissue sample is taken for analysis), to make sure they are working in the right area.