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How Does an Ultrasound Work?
An ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to create a picture of what’s happening inside your body. If you’re pregnant, an ultrasound can determine critical details about your pregnancy that are essential to know for your health. It’s important to take this step of pregnancy confirmation to safeguard your health and confirm your pregnancy options.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound During Pregnancy?
Getting an ultrasound during pregnancy helps keep you safe. An ultrasound can reveal the following information about your pregnancy:
- Location. Typically, a pregnancy attaches and grows inside the uterus. However, sometimes this occurs outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it’s a life-threatening condition that needs medical treatment. An ultrasound can determine if this is occurring, which is fundamental for keeping you safe.
- Gestational Age. A nurse will take measurements during the ultrasound that can help reveal the age of your pregnancy. This is important to know as you consider your pregnancy options.
- Viability. Roughly 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound will look for signs of viability, such as a heartbeat, to ensure you haven’t had a miscarriage.
What Should I Expect During an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds can be done in two ways: abdominally or transvaginally. If your pregnancy is young, a transvaginal ultrasound offers more detailed, accurate results. This type of ultrasound requires the transducer (the wand-like part of the ultrasound machine) to be inserted gently into the vagina. During an abdominal ultrasound scan, the transducer is moved along your lower belly.
During both types of scans, you can see your uterus and pregnancy on a screen. The nurse will explain what they’re looking for as they move the transducer around, and you can ask questions.
Where Can I Get a No-Cost Ultrasound?
Our initial pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds are provided at no cost and are completely confidential. All exams are performed by nurses trained in limited ultrasound and are read by a licensed physician. We at The Front Royal Pregnancy Center do not perform gender-determination ultrasounds.
We want our clients to have the best experience possible, which is why we take the time to meet with a woman first to discuss her expectations, eligibility, and concerns before scheduling an ultrasound.
Contact us to schedule your first appointment. If you receive a positive pregnancy test and medical consultation, our staff can schedule an initial pregnancy confirmation ultrasound appointment with our nurse.