What is a common diagnostic use of ultrasound?

Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy is a well-established and common diagnostic use of ultrasound. This imaging technique utilizes sound waves to create real-time images of the developing fetus within the womb, allowing healthcare providers to assess growth, identify potential complications, and monitor the overall health of both the mother and fetus. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, safe, and effective method for observing various stages of fetal development, making it an essential tool in obstetric care.

While other options mention important medical assessments, they are not typically performed with ultrasound. For instance, evaluating bone density usually requires techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and detailed imaging of soft tissues in the brain is primarily done using MRI. Detecting cardiac arrhythmias involves electrocardiography (ECG) rather than ultrasound. Thus, the focus on fetal monitoring underscores the unique and critical role that ultrasound plays in prenatal care.