The result is a picture which is vastly clearer than the blurred image which results from a normal ultra-sound scan. If the foetus is in the right position, the scanner can even capture the face of the unborn child. Medics at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London, where the scanner is under development, say the benefits are two-fold.
Clearer images can help doctors to diagnose and treat abnormalities earlier.
In the case of a hare-lip, a baby could benefit from surgery while still in the womb. According to Prof. Stuart Campbell, of the hospital's assisted conception unit, this can increase parents' sense of responsibility toward the child. It's a much more realistic picture so they feel it's a real baby. Expectant mother Jo Benyon is one of the first to enjoy the benefits of the new scanner. It's just so life-like to see your baby growing inside you.