4. Every Heartbeat

Ultrasound scans are an amazing window into a previously utterly mysterious world. Having one can bring a whirlwind of emotions, but they also provide a lot of important information for midwives, doctors and parents.

After going for her own 12 week scan, India speaks to Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal Foetal Medicine and Vice President at The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, as well as historian and medical writer Randi Hutter Epstein, about the role ultrasounds play in care.

But is there a side to them we are perhaps not exploring? Research midwife Dr Nancy Stone shares her findings on how multiple scans can impact the connection between a mother and the foetus.

Presented by India Rakusen. Producer: Georgia Arundell. Series producer: Ellie Sans. Executive producer: Suzy Grant. Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts. Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon. Mix and Mastering by Charlie Brandon-King.

A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds