An ultrasound is a device that can allow you to see how your baby is developing. The nurse will hold a hand held device that is connected to the ultrasound machine and move this around on your abdomen. A jelly type substance is put on before to allow the hand held device to move around without dragging the skin. Prior to having the ultrasound you will have to drink a large amount of water. This pushes the bladder up and therefore pushes the uterus up so it is more visible.

**This procedure is generally done once or twice during pregnancy.**

An ultrasound is the machine that allows you to watch your baby in a "real-time" mode. You can see how the baby is moving during the ultrasound.

A sonogram is the picture taken during the ultrasound. The sonogram is a "still-shot" of the fetus.