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.
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:
The limited OB ultrasound offered at Piedmont Women’s Center can:
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:
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.