An ultrasound gives medical professionals a closer look inside your body to confirm important details about your pregnancy. It can help determine how far along you are, evaluate fetal development, and confirm where the pregnancy is located.
What’s an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a type of medical imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images from inside your body. You may also hear it referred to as sonography. Unlike other imaging methods, ultrasounds do not use radiation, which makes them a safe and commonly used option during pregnancy.
How does an ultrasound work?
During your visit, a technician will place a small amount of gel on your skin. This allows the handheld device, called a transducer, to glide smoothly while helping transmit sound waves more effectively.
The transducer sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off internal structures and return as echoes. These echoes are processed by a computer to create images that can be viewed on a screen. If you’d like, images can also be printed for you to take home.
You may be asked to adjust your position during the exam so clearer images can be captured. In certain situations, a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended for more detailed imaging. Once the procedure is complete, the gel will be wiped away, and you can continue with your day as usual.
What Is the Purpose of an Ultrasound at PAC?
At PAC in Roswell, our trained medical team provides limited OB ultrasounds for three primary reasons:
- To confirm the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- To check for a detectable heartbeat
- To determine how far along the pregnancy is
Please note: we do not perform ultrasounds for gender determination or full prenatal diagnostics.
How much does an ultrasound cost?
Ultrasounds are offered at no cost at our Roswell location for those who qualify. To find out if you’re eligible, schedule a free pregnancy test with our medical team. During your visit, a provider will determine if an ultrasound is recommended.
Do I need an appointment?
We recommend scheduling an appointment to reduce wait time, but walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Walk-in patients may experience a longer wait depending on the day.