How Does an Ultrasound Work?

Wondering how an ultrasound works? Ultrasound is an imaging tool nurses and technicians use to see an image of the inside of a patient’s body. It works differently than an X-ray, and is typically used to view the inside of a pregnant woman’s womb to check on the health and progression of the pregnancy.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

In an ultrasound, the image is created by low-power sound waves (not radiation). A wand-like device called a transducer is moved across the lower abdomen (or inside the vagina for early pregnancies) and sends sound waves into the body. It records the sound waves that echo back, and a computer then generates an image from those waves.

An ultrasound technician or nurse will then use those images to help you understand what’s happening inside your womb. 

Why Is an Ultrasound Important?

An Ultrasound Confirms a Viable Pregnancy

While a pregnancy test may come back positive, a first-trimester ultrasound is the only way to know for sure you are pregnant.

Tests can be wrong, and miscarriage after a positive pregnancy test is also possible. An ultrasound will reveal the health and viability of your pregnancy.

An Ultrasound Reveals How Far Along You Are in Pregnancy

The nurse or technician who conducted the ultrasound will be able to take measurements to determine how far along you are. 

This is important information to know even if you’re considering an abortion. The FDA has only approved the abortion pill for women who are up to ten weeks pregnant, and eligibility for different surgical abortion procedures also depends on how far along you are. 

An Ultrasound Makes Sure You Are Safe

Sometimes pregnancies develop outside of the uterus, most often in the Fallopian tubes. These are called ectopic pregnancies and they are nonviable and can pose serious risks to your health. 

An ultrasound will reveal the location of your pregnancy so you can pursue the necessary treatment if it is outside the uterus.

Schedule An Appointment

At Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test so you can have all the details you need to make an informed decision. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.