If you think you might be pregnant, you may hear that an ultrasound is one of the next steps in confirming key details. For many women, especially when a pregnancy is unexpected, understanding what this scan actually does and why it matters can help.
At Woman to Woman Health Center, you can receive a lab-quality pregnancy test at no cost in a confidential medical setting. If your test is positive, you may qualify for an ultrasound performed by our trained team. Schedule your appointment today to get the answers you need.
What Happens During an Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to create pictures of structures inside the body. A small handheld device called a transducer sends sound waves into the body, and those waves bounce back to produce images on a monitor. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound technology does not use radiation.
During early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound may sometimes be recommended because it can capture clearer images when the pregnancy is still very small. With this type of ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into the vagina.
In other cases, an abdominal ultrasound is used. During an abdominal scan, a gel is applied to the abdomen, and the transducer is moved across the skin to produce images of the uterus.
At Woman to Woman Health Center, ultrasounds are performed by a trained PA or nurse sonographer who is experienced in capturing accurate images and explaining the process along the way.
Why Ultrasounds Are Important in Early Pregnancy
A pregnancy test confirms the presence of the hormone hCG, but it cannot show what is happening inside the uterus. An ultrasound provides important medical information that a test alone cannot.
This scan can confirm where the pregnancy is located, helping rule out conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical care.
It can also estimate how far along the pregnancy is and determine whether it appears to be developing. These details are needed to determine your options and whether follow-up care is needed. For example, as miscarriages occur in as many as 26% of all pregnancies, and if your pregnancy has ended, you need medical attention to prevent complications.
These details are important for understanding your health and exploring your next steps. Our RDMS sonographer can perform diagnostic scans to detect certain pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy.
Our team will explain the images, answer your questions, and help you understand what the scan means for your health.
Care at No Cost
At Woman to Woman Health Center, initial pregnancy services are offered at no cost and in a confidential medical environment. You can begin with a lab-quality pregnancy test, and if your result is positive, you may qualify for an ultrasound.
You deserve access to accurate information and compassionate care. Schedule your confidential appointment today because you’re worth it.