Although ultrasounds are used for many critical medical purposes, one of the most common uses of ultrasound is to monitor the growth and development of a pregnancy.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are trying to gather more details, an ultrasound is a great first step because it can tell you the following:
- The gestational age
- The location of the pregnancy
- Whether or not the pregnancy is viable or progressing
This vital information can help inform you of your pregnancy health and what procedures you’re eligible for. Keep reading to understand more about how an ultrasound works.
What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to create a digital image around a specific area in a patient’s body. For pregnancy, it is used to form an image of the inside of the uterus, and this particular scan is called a sonogram.
How do Ultrasounds Work?
The person conducting the ultrasound, a sonographer, uses a transducer tool. The transducer sends and receives high-frequency sound waves throughout the patient’s body until it reaches bone or tissue. The soundwaves bounce back and create echoes and form an image.
Are Ultrasounds Safe?
Because you and the fetus are exposed to sound waves, not radiation, like in X-rays, ultrasounds are safe when done correctly by a healthcare professional.
Where Can I Get an Ultrasound?
Our center offers no-cost obstetric ultrasounds if you want to take this next step. Our trained staff will conduct the ultrasound and provide critical pregnancy details to inform you about your health, such as whether or not your pregnancy is ectopic.
At Lakes Life Care Center, we offer a safe space to learn and ask questions in a compassionate, pressure-free environment. We are here to support you and provide evidence-based education about the pregnancy process so you can feel empowered to make the best decision. Contact us today!