What type of ultrasound is used during pregnancy to assess fetal development?

Obstetric ultrasound is specifically designed for evaluating fetal development during pregnancy. This type of ultrasound focuses on key aspects such as gestational age, fetal anatomy, amniotic fluid levels, and placental position. It allows healthcare providers to monitor the growth of the fetus and identify any potential complications that may arise during the course of the pregnancy.

While abdominal ultrasound can be used during pregnancy, it is not exclusively focused on obstetric assessment; it can also examine abdominal organs. Transvaginal ultrasound is oriented toward early pregnancy evaluation and sometimes assesses pelvic conditions, rather than routine fetal development throughout the pregnancy. Cardiac ultrasound is aimed at examining the heart, and does not pertain to fetal monitoring. Thus, the term "obstetric ultrasound" encompasses the most comprehensive and specialized approach for monitoring fetal growth and development during pregnancy.