The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.

Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

What's an Ultrasound?

Article Translations: (Spanish)

Ultrasound

Say: UL-truh-sound

Ultrasound, or ultrasonography, is one way doctors can take a look inside the body. Unlike with X-rays, sound waves are bounced off the kidneys, the heart, or other places a doctor needs to check out. Most women who are going to have a baby will have an ultrasound. Ask your mother if she has an ultrasound picture of you before you were born. Aw, you were so cute!

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2025 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com