Uniqueness and Novelty in Phenomenological Inquiry

What distinguishes phenomenology as a method for human science inquiry? How does human science phenomenology share a common concern with phenomenological philosophy? Is phenomenology always, already innovative? In this article, I explore these questions through the example of antenatal ultrasound, the common medical practice of prenatal imaging to “look through” the pregnant body. An experiential account of antenatal ultrasound offers several potential topics for phenomenological reflection to reveal ultrasound imaging in its sociality, temporality, and diagnostic complexity. And this example shows how insights can ultimately be drawn from an engagement with descriptive experiential material as the ground for phenomenological reflection.