How does an ultrasound machine work during an exam?
An ultrasound machine works on the same principles used to detect submarines at sea during wartime. For on this please go to What is ultrasound? During an examination, the transducer emits waves that bounce off the target and the reflected echos are sent back to the transducer and into the computer. The computer analyzes the depth and frequencies of the echos and produces the ultrasound images. More on How it works 
Sound passes easily through fluid and soft tissue, not as easily through organs.Varying degrees of echos reflect back from them. Most of the sound waves bounce back from bones. During pregnancy,3D ultrasound can determine size and shape of the fetus to monitor a baby's development, which is soft tissue. Concerned about safety? Please take a look at
ultrasound safety
Ultrasound is a non invasive, painless, low cost imaging that does not use radiation. That is why it is used during pregnancy. ultrasound was first used in the 1950's and they have been a common practice in medicine ever since, with no known side effects. 3D and 4D ultrasound can show the function of and organ and blood flow. It does not, however work well through air, so the transducer is coated with a gel and is in contact with the skin over the target organ or fetus. Ultrasound can not be used to examine lungs or bones. Other methods are used. Lungs are filled with air and the density of bone only shows up as a white silhouette. How do you prepare for an examination?
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