Well, I've always had rather mixed feelings about obstetrical ultrasounds.
On the one hand, it was when I saw an ultrasound of our (not yet) first born child that I began to really feel like I was going to be a father. It's the the first picture in the baby book.
Nevertheless, the unspoken question asked by an ultrasound or amniocentesis procedure is something like this:
"So, what have you got there? Is it a baby or a lump of tissue?"
I thank Heaven that we've had three easy answers to that.
Not necessarily. If there would be something wrong, it can often be treated in the womb, sometimes just with medications for the mother to take, but also sometimes with literal surgery in the womb. It can also reveal interesting surprises, like my identical twin granddaughters. :) I lost track of how many ultrasounds my daughter had with them.
There were concerns along the way about them, there was a size and proportion difference, and now 17 months after their birth there still is. The "little one" has always been a few weeks "behind" in her large motor skills, but in small motor skills, she way ahead of "big" sissy. Big sissy was anemic at birth, little sis had to stay in the NICU longer. Both seem pretty bright, but the little one is definitely more analytical, big one is somewhat more jolly. I get a big smile from the big one as soon as I arrive (a big change from their really big sister) and a high five from the little one. Big one gives me a goodbye kiss, while the little one waves bye-bye.
Being a grandpa has its rewards. :)