If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy, you may have heard that your next step is an ultrasound. Understanding how this scan works and what it can reveal can give you clarity and peace of mind as you consider your options.
We offer free pregnancy screening services at Warrenton Pregnancy Center. Please contact us to schedule your appointment today.
Understanding the Basics
An ultrasound is a safe medical tool that uses sound waves to create images of what’s happening inside your body. It can be used as a diagnostic scan for a number of medical reasons, but during pregnancy, it’s one of the most reliable ways to gather important details about your health.
The scan is performed using a small device called a transducer. This device sends sound waves into the body, and the echoes create a real-time picture on a screen. Because no radiation is used in the process, ultrasound is considered safe for both you and your pregnancy.
If you’re in the early weeks of pregnancy, you may need a transvaginal ultrasound to get a clear picture. This involves a small probe placed gently inside the vagina to get clearer images. As the pregnancy progresses, an abdominal ultrasound is more common, where gel is applied to the stomach and the transducer is moved over the skin.
Why It Matters
Ultrasound does more than confirm pregnancy—it answers essential medical questions. It can determine if the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus, check to make sure it is still developing, and estimate gestational age.
An ultrasound matters for your health, even if you are considering an abortion. Miscarriage is a common pregnancy outcome, occurring in about 1 in 4 pregnancies, and an ultrasound can detect it early, even before symptoms appear.
Ultrasound also helps identify ectopic pregnancy, when the pregnancy grows outside the uterus. This condition requires urgent medical care; an early scan can prevent serious complications.
Free Ultrasounds at WPC
At Warrenton Pregnancy Center, we provide free ultrasounds for women who receive a positive pregnancy test at our center. Our staff will walk you through what the ultrasound reveals and answer any questions you have.
You don’t have to face an unplanned pregnancy alone. Schedule your free appointment today to get the answers you need and learn more about your pregnancy in a safe and supportive environment.
