An ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. While ultrasounds are used in many areas of medicine, they are most commonly associated with pregnancy.
At Cleburne Pregnancy Center, we offer free, confidential ultrasounds to help you better understand your pregnancy and what comes next. If you have questions or need clarity, our team is here to provide accurate information in a supportive setting.
Schedule a confidential appointment today to receive an ultrasound and talk through your options.
How Does an Ultrasound Create Images?
Ultrasound imaging uses a computer monitor and a handheld device called a transducer. During the exam, the transducer is moved across the skin with gel to improve contact. It sends sound waves into the body, and the echoes that bounce back are processed by a computer to create real-time images on the screen.
This process allows a nurse or sonographer to view detailed images of the pregnancy as the transducer moves across the abdomen.
What Can an Ultrasound Tell You?
In early pregnancy, an ultrasound helps answer three important questions:
- Is the pregnancy located inside the uterus?
- Is the pregnancy progressing with a detectable heartbeat?
- How far along is the pregnancy (gestational age)?
The answers to these questions are important for protecting your health and giving you clearer information as you make informed decisions.
Screening for Potential Concerns
An ultrasound can also help identify situations that require immediate medical care. For example, if the pregnancy is located outside the uterus, it is considered an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy is not viable and requires prompt medical treatment.
If no heartbeat is detected, it may indicate a miscarriage, which could also require medical follow-up. It’s important to understand that abortion does not treat a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy involve different types of care and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Understanding Your Options
Knowing your gestational age can also help clarify your legal options and which medical procedures may be considered safer. For instance, a medical abortion is only FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound helps ensure you have accurate information so you can avoid unnecessary health risks.
If you are considering parenting or adoption, an ultrasound can also provide an estimated due date, which can help with planning.
Confirm Your Pregnancy at Cleburne Pregnancy Center
Get a clearer picture of your pregnancy with a free, confidential ultrasound at Cleburne Pregnancy Center. Our team will explain your results and discuss your options with care and compassion.
Cleburne Pregnancy Center also offers prenatal and perinatal care, along with a variety of additional services beyond pregnancy confirmation at no cost. We’re here to support you during and after your pregnancy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.