A sonogram, also known as an ultrasound, is a computerized picture taken by bouncing sound waves off organs and other interior body parts. A wand called a transducer is glided along the outside of the body over a centralized area or organ. As it glides, it introduces sound waves into the body. These sound waves bounce off the intended area and back into the transducer, which feeds the information into a computer. The picture then appears on a special computer screen. The sonogram is most often used to monitor a pregnancy.

Because the sonogram uses sound waves and not radiation, it's completely safe. In addition, asonogram can offer details X-rays can't. It's painless and in just about every case, the person receiving the sonogram will not be inconvenienced or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. Even more important, the sonogram is safe for the unborn child. Thanks to a sonogram, doctors can discover a tubal pregnancy early and take the proper measures to ensure the mother's safety.

A sonogram can also detect a multiple pregnancy, giving the doctor as well as the parents enough time to prepare. Birth defects can now be discovered early. Thanks to the sonogram, parents can even learn the gender of their unborn child months before the baby is due! Many parents appreciate knowing their baby's gender ahead of time so they can get the baby's room ready or shop for gender-appropriate clothes and toys.