Clients in the early stages of pregnancy may be eligible for a free limited obstetrical (OB) ultrasound at Piedmont Women’s Center.
A diagnostic medical ultrasound is a safe procedure that uses sound waves to create images of organs and tissues inside the body.
During the exam, a small device called a transducer is placed on the skin. It sends sound waves into the body. When those sound waves bounce back, they create a black-and-white image on a screen. This image is called a sonogram.
Ultrasound technology was first used in obstetrics in the mid-1950s in Glasgow, Scotland, by Obstetrician Dr. Ian Donald. Since then, the technology has continued to improve and advance.
Medical experts consider ultrasonography to be a low-risk procedure that provides valuable data to support patient care.
Our Ultrasound Services
At Piedmont Women’s Center, every ultrasound is performed by a licensed medical professional who is trained in limited OB ultrasound. The results are reviewed and interpreted by a medical doctor.
A registered nurse sonographer, or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer, performs the ultrasound to help determine:
- Whether there is a detectable heartbeat
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus (intrauterine)
- The gestational age of the pregnancy by taking measurements
The limited OB ultrasound offered at Piedmont Women’s Center can:
- Confirm that the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- Estimate a due date
- Detect a heartbeat
- Provide education and guidance if there are signs of a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Why Should I Get an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound can provide important insight to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy. There are key developmental milestones that may be seen during an ultrasound exam.
A limited OB ultrasound performed at Piedmont Women’s Center can help determine:
- Whether there is a detectable heartbeat
- Location (confirming the pregnancy is inside the uterus)
- Gestational age (how far along you are)
If you are considering abortion, an ultrasound is an important step. It can help identify a possible ectopic pregnancy (which can be dangerous), confirm whether a miscarriage may have occurred, or provide accurate details about gestational age.
Your ultrasound will be performed by a qualified registered nurse sonographer or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer and reviewed by a medical doctor.
No matter what options you are considering, a limited OB ultrasound is a valuable part of your decision-making process.
Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure that terminates pregnancy. Piedmont Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortion.