image

3-D foetal ultrasound. Coloured three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound scan of the face of a 32 week old foetus. This scan was produced by a 3-D ultrasound system that allows foetal disorders such as harelip and spina bifida to be detected early in pregnancy. Ultrasound images are produced using a transducer which emits high frequency sound waves that are reflected off internal structures. If foetal disorders are detected during pregnancy, it may be possible to carry out corrective surgery while the foetus is still in the uterus. This image was produced using a Kretz ultrasound machine. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/BERNARD BENOIT / KRETZ TECHNIK / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY)