Ultrasound FAQs

There is probably a good chance that you have seen or heard of a woman getting an ultrasound performed during her pregnancy. The grainy black and white image on the screen shows how the fetus is developing and helps ensure that everything is going according to plan. But how much do you really know about that small machine? There are more uses for ultrasounds other than getting a first glimpse at a baby while he or she is still in the womb. From the animal kingdom down to a damaged muscle, ultrasounds are used on a daily basis. If you are not that familiar with how these high frequency waves are produced and used then this article is definitely for you.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is the use of high frequency sound waves to make images. The user sends out a very high pitched sound wave that most human ears do not have the ability to hear. The image continues out until it reaches an object or mass. Once it has reached it, it is reflected back to the user. In the case of machines and sonograms, the waves are interpreted by the machine and then formed into an image which you can then see.

Are humans the only ones to use ultrasound?

Humans would not have the ultrasound machine or sonogram machine if it were not for animals. Many animals are gifted with the use of sonar abilities. Take for example the bat. The bat has very poor eye sight and so uses echo location to map where it is at and where its food source is. The same thing goes for whales and dolphins. Some animals also use sonar waves as a means of protection. They can broadcast waves out that confuse their predators. It is through human observation of the animal kingdom that the use of sonar even came to be. The medical field actually

What types of ultrasound is available for pregnant women?

The first ultrasound or sonogram machines used only gave the pregnant mother a very vague shape. It was pretty hard for the average person to be able to make out any features or shapes at all. All you could see were grainy black and white images on a small screen and then on a print out the sonogram technician gave you. Today the sonogram equipment has changed so much that you can get a 3-D view of your unborn child. You can clearly see facial features and even see it moving in the womb. This advancement in technology has bled over into the public sector with many companies springing up that offer 3-D sonograms to pregnant mothers and their partners just so that they can get pictures or video of the child without having to go through an insurance company or doctor's office.

Has ultrasound been used as a weapon?

Sound is a very effective weapon so it goes without saying that the military has researched weapons that direct high ultrasound waves at enemy targets. There have been past weapons used. It has been proven that high sound waves, such as those used in ultrasounds or sonograms, can be heard by teenagers. Some cities are using machines to prevent loitering where there have been issues with vandalism or violence. The thought is that the sound waves will be uncomfortable to the teens and yet not be heard by adults. It would discourage teens from hanging around and possible getting into trouble. The problem is that it would also affect small children and the parents would not even notice because it has been proven that as you age, you lose the ability to hear higher waves of sound.

More about ultrasound

Pregnancy Books

Several books on pregnancy are available that allow you to record your experiences during your pregnancy. Some women want to journal the experience for each of their pregnancies; adding sonogram pictures, weights and measurements so that they can later recall the events and share them with their child and family.

Pregnancy Concerns

The biggest concern by far during pregnancy is vaginal bleeding. Are you spotting or actively bleeding? If you are actively bleeding with accompanying pain, then call your doctor immediately.