From Embryo to Birth - Fetal Baby Development in Pictures, Sonograms, Video Clips

MAIN Health Pregnancy Pictures & Photo Galleries

Ultrasound or sonogram images (much like sonar devices that enable submarines to "see" underwater) were developed in the late 1950's as the ultimate in hi-tech.

For the first time, doctors were able to diagnose potential problems using non-invasive radio waves that were safely beamed to a chosen target inside the body.

To say that ultrasound revolutionized prenatal care might have been an understatement - as doctors were suddenly able to either view a healthy growing fetus or provide an early diagnose of a known complication.

Today, the use of real-time scanners and 3D technology have taken ultrasound to an entirely new level, allowing expectant parents their first "movies" of an unborn child. More importantly, it gives doctors a clearer picture of normal fetal age, size and growth.

Ultrasound monitors progress and creates a timeline for growth stages,
determining sex around the 5th month. Above, two sonograms showing
the fetus at 8 weeks and, at right, 27 weeks.

More fetal development picture galleries around the Web:

Around the Web, take a virtual tour of human development with examples of the wonders of ultrasound technology - in photo galleries, video presentations and fascinating guides to how it all works - plus related information on normal fetal growth from conception to birth ...

Pregnancy.org - Fetal Development - Complete images including clickable thumbnail photos and 3D scans from week 1 through 40, with detailed information at each stage of baby development in the womb, related links to additional photo resources.

In the Womb : Multiples - Much-heralded TV documentary following the development of twins, triplets and quads using 4D scans. Includes facts & information on single egg multiples with related photos & video clips, from National Geographic Channel.

Obstetric Ultrasounds - An extensive guide to the topic including its history and development, clinical applications and how it's performed, a discussion on safety concerns and current controversies, with more on transvaginal scans, doppler ultrasound, 3D and 4D scanning techniques, related photos, picture gallery, video clips.

Future Babies Photo Gallery - Vivid 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound scan images of fetuses at various stages in development.

Fetal Development - What Does My Baby Look Like? - Images illustrating fetal growth from the first to the ninth month, including an interactive due date calculator, with more on prenatal exercise & nutrition, FAQ, and related information.

Multi-Dimensional Human Embryo Development - Fascinating images from the embryo's earliest stages with clickable thumbnail photos and related QuickTime animations.

Ultrasounds - Sonograms of fetuses at four, seven, nine and ten weeks with related downloadable videos.