An ultrasound allows medical professionals to see what’s happening inside your body. It can help determine how far along you are, evaluate the health of the pregnancy, and confirm where the pregnancy is located.
What’s an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a medical imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images from inside your body. You may also hear it called sonography. Unlike other types of imaging, ultrasounds do not use radiation, which is why they are commonly used during pregnancy to view a developing fetus.
How does an ultrasound work?
During the exam, a technician will apply a clear gel to your skin. This helps the ultrasound device, called a transducer, move smoothly across the area being examined while also improving the transmission of sound waves.
The transducer sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off internal structures like organs and tissue. These echoes are sent back to a computer, where they are turned into images that the medical professional can review on a screen. If you’d like, images from the ultrasound can also be printed for you.
To capture the clearest images, you may be asked to adjust your position. In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may be used to provide a more detailed view. Once the exam is complete, the gel will be removed, and you can return to your normal activities right away.
What Is the Purpose of an Ultrasound at PAC?
At PAC in Atlanta, limited OB ultrasounds are performed by trained medical professionals for three key reasons:
- To confirm the pregnancy is located within the uterus
- To check for a detectable heartbeat
- To measure how far along the pregnancy is
Please note: ultrasounds at our clinic are not used to determine gender or for full prenatal care.
How much does an ultrasound cost?
Ultrasounds are available at no cost at our Atlanta location for those who qualify. To determine eligibility, you’ll first need to schedule a free pregnancy test with our medical team. During your visit, a provider will let you know if you qualify for an ultrasound.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are recommended to minimize wait times, but walk-ins are welcome. Please note that walk-in visits may require a longer wait depending on availability.