What to Expect: Your Consultation and Ultrasound at the Front Royal Pregnancy Center

By Olivia McDonough

Pregnancy can be difficult, especially the first time. Here at the FRPC, we are dedicated to making sure our clients are safe, comfortable, and provided with the best care available. For women who have not received care from us before (and for those of you who have not made a decision yet), we have created an outline of the typical ultrasound appointment for you so you can feel more comfortable, relaxed, and satisfied with your visit. We want you to know what you can expect!

While we offer many services (check out our list here), this article will focus on our limited ultrasound, which we provide for free to eligible clients. (See FAQs at the bottom of this article).

Purpose: The ultrasounds provided at the FRPC determine:

• Location of pregnancy. (If the pregnancy is not in the uterus, it can present serious medical complications for the woman.)
• Gestational Age (How far along you are).
• Confirmation of fetal heartbeat. (Pregnancy viability).

**Note: The FRPC does not perform gender-reveal ultrasounds, nor do we diagnose or treat any medical condition. 

Once you decide our ultrasound service is for you, the following will outline the necessary steps to get the care you need. Just call us, fill out an online form, or stop in to make an appointment and get started!

Step 1: Pregnancy Confirmation and Ultrasound Consultation. (Walk-ins accepted)

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. This step can either be scheduled via phone or online form, or you can come in during business hours to get started. 

At your consultation, you will:

• Perform initial intake paperwork. (Please bring photo ID.)
• Take a pregnancy test. (A necessary step to confirm medical reason for ultrasound.)
• Discuss medical history to confirm eligibility. The nurse or counselor will ask a few questions to determine medical eligibility for ultrasound with us. 
• Discuss any questions, feelings, or concerns you may have about the outcome of your pregnancy. 
• Determine a date and schedule your ultrasound!

Step 2: Ultrasound (Appointment necessary)

Our highly trained nurse performs hundreds of ultrasounds a year, and is excellent at what she does. She will begin your ultrasound by locating your pregnancy, and will take some pictures and measurements of your baby. (This will allow our board certified OB/GYN, who reads the scans, to provide gestational age and due date for you.) Then, she will find and measure the fetal heartbeat (to determine viability.) 

Throughout your ultrasound, YOU are able to tell exactly what is going on, and can see all the images (exactly what the nurse is seeing) on a large monitor. This way, you are constantly informed, and can see the results for yourself. At the end of your visit, our nurse can print pictures for you, and can give you an approximate gestational age and due date. (The finalized age and dates will be determined by our OB/GYN, and will be given to you after the scans are read.)

Finally, our nurse will answer any questions you may have, and discharge paperwork is completed. The scans are sent directly to our OB/GYN, who will provide an official report, usually within 2 weeks. We will call you when your report is in. You may either pick it up by hand or have it faxed directly to your doctor. 

Medically, we finish our care at this point, and can help refer you to a good doctor for prenatal care. However, we have plenty more to offer on the non-medical side. We can supply you with prenatal vitamins, and can help you get started with parenting classes (through which you can earn brand new cribs / strollers / etc.) Two weeks before your due date, stop in for a layette filled with brand new baby items. After the birth of your baby, we can help you with clothes, diapers, and formula. 

Ultrasound FAQs

If at any point during the process you have questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out. We are here to help. Fill out an online form here, or call us! (540) 635-6181

Q: I really want my boyfriend/ husband/ mother/ friend to see the baby. Is it okay if they sit in on the ultrasound?

A: 100% yes. We love being able to provide that first glimpse of a new baby to loved ones!

Q: Is my information confidential?

A: Yes, we follow all HIPPA regulations, and do not disclose any information without your permission. Even your status as a client with us is confidential. 

Q: I do not have insurance. Can I still come to you?

A: YES. All of our services are donor supported. We do not bill any insurance or charge the client for our services.

Q: I am not a resident of Warren County / I am not a US citizen. Can I still get care?

A: Absolutely. There are no residence or citizenship requirements.

Q: I am already under prenatal care, and have had (or will have) an ultrasound with my doctor/ midwife. Can I come to you, too, for another ultrasound?

A: Unfortunately, our medical services end when you are referred to a doctor/ midwife, or when you are already under prenatal care. 

If you have any other questions or concerns, let us know! We are open Monday 1-6, Wednesday 1-7, and Friday 1-6. Our phone number is (540)635-6181. You can also ask a question via online form or by email (staff@frontroyalpregnancy.org). We DO check messages when the office is closed, so feel free to call or send a message at any time. Remember, we are here to help!