maternity
Obstetric Ultrasound
産科超音波検査 (sanka chōonpa kensa)
Obstetric ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the fetus, placenta, and uterus during pregnancy. In Japan, ultrasound is routinely performed at nearly every prenatal checkup, making it one of the highest-frequency uses of pregnancy ultrasound worldwide. Images are typically printed and given to parents as keepsakes. Ultrasound monitors fetal growth, position, heartbeat, and amniotic fluid levels, and costs are covered under the prenatal checkup voucher program.
Unlike many countries where ultrasound is performed only a few times during pregnancy, Japanese clinics often conduct ultrasound at every visit, which is standard practice rather than exceptional care.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Obstetric Ultrasound |
| Japanese (日本語) | 産科超音波検査 |
| Chinese (中文) | 产科超声波检查 |
| Korean (한국어) | 산부인과 초음파 |
| Portuguese | Ultrassom obstétrico |
| Spanish | Ecografía obstétrica |
| Filipino | Ultrasound sa pagbubuntis |
| Thai | อัลตราซาวด์สูติกรรม |
| Vietnamese | Siêu âm sản khoa |
| Romanization | sanka chōonpa kensa |
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Read the guide →Last reviewed: September 2026