Fetal heart movement can be seen as early as the eighth week of pregnancy. Subsequent scans should be done if fetal heart movement is not seen on the ultrasound. The technician will detect any heart malfunctions of the fetus and warn the physician of upcoming problems. The advantages of the ultrasound are numerous. Ultrasound scanners have modernized pregnancy and enable mothers to meet their unborn babies.
Physicians can now determine the gestational age of a fetus.
Without ultrasound the physician would have to estimate the age. Furthermore, the ultrasound can be used to determine the health of the fetus. Ultrasound can greatly enhance treatment of a pregnant woman and her baby. Radiographic Positions and Radiologic Procedures, Sixth edition. The C.V. Mosby Co. Bernstine, Richard L., and Horace F. Thompson.