What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is an imaging method that employs sound waves to display an image of an embryo or perhaps a unborn infant in the uterus. The technology of ultrasound operates by sending and getting back sound waves off the growing fetus. The wave echoes are transformed into a picture known as a sonogram, which can be projected onto a display screen. Ultrasound technology has been used for more than 30 years, without observable dangers.

Ultrasonography is broadly considered among medical experts as a low-risk technique.

The ultrasounds available at Piedmont Women’s Center can:

•Verify being pregnant

•Determine a due date

•Possibly identify the chance of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

•Detect potential miscarriage

I’m thinking about getting an abortion, why should I have an ultrasound?

Abortion is the optional cessation of a viable pregnancy (*viability refers to a pregnancy which can continue and progress under regular conditions). There are crucial structures in a pregnancy we search for in an ultrasound. A pregnancy-confirming ultrasound at Piedmont Women’s Center executed by a qualified nurse sonographer or registered diagnostic medical sonographer will validate that your pregnancy is at the proper place (uterus, not fallopian tube) and establishes if you may have a miscarriage or blighted ovum (vacant egg) that exists. In case this sort of scenario is present, then abortion might be clinically unwarranted or even possibly dangerous.

Clients in the early stages of pregnancy may be eligible for a free, limited obstetrical ultrasound at Piedmont Women’s Center. Piedmont Women’s Center’s limited OB ultrasounds empower women to take positive steps toward self-care, providing critical and potentially life-saving information.

By definition, a limited OB ultrasound establishes whether a pregnancy is viable, by identifying a heartbeat; determines that the pregnancy is intrauterine, or in the uterus; and measures the gestational age of the baby.

No matter what options you’re considering, a limited OB ultrasound is a valuable tool in your decision-making process.

To find out if you are eligible for a free limited OB ultrasound, contact us today to schedule your appointment.*

*Note: A free pregnancy test will need to be completed to establish you as a client and some medical questions will need to be answered before the ultrasound appointment can be scheduled.