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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.

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.

Fetal Development - Photos of embryo and fetus development during first, second and third trimesters with informative captions, related video, links to further resources.

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 3D ultrasound scan images of fetuses at various stages in development.

Smart Moms - Month by Month - Informative text and medical illustrations tell the story of gestational development from the first to the ninth month with additional facts on effects of fetal growth on the mother and advice on common discomforts during pregnancy.

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.

also see -> Baby's First Year | Baby Names | C-Sections

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Pregnancy Stages | Postpartum Depression