Ultrasounds are a form of imaging that create pictures of the body by using sound waves. The waves are usually sent from a device, called a transducer, and then bounce back, forming an image of areas inside the body.

Doctors mainly use ultrasounds to examine pregnant women, foetuses and embryos inside their mother’s womb. In emergency cases where surgery is needed urgently but the patient is not able to give their consent or is unconscious, ultrasound is used to get a clearer view of what needs to happen inside the body before any intervention can take place.