Limited Ultrasounds

Creating a picture with sound waves sounds strange, but that is precisely what an ultrasound does. Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images inside your body.

A member of our medical staff applies a lubricating gel to your stomach. Then, a hand-held device called a transducer is rubbed over the gel on your skin. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the echoes that bounce back, and creates an image on a computer screen.

You need to learn as much information as possible about your pregnancy to decide your next step. There are three critical questions that an ultrasound can answer for you.

1.) Is My Pregnancy Developing?

An ultrasound detects a fetal heartbeat early in pregnancy. If there is no heartbeat, it may be too early in the pregnancy.

2.) How Far Along Am I?

If you are sexually active, it can be challenging to determine when you got pregnant. An ultrasound determines the number of weeks and days you have been pregnant.

This information is vital if you are considering an abortion. The FDA approves the drugs for a medical abortion through 10 weeks of pregnancy only, and North Carolina law allows abortion through 12 weeks only.

3.) Where is the Pregnancy Located?

Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy is called ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy is extremely dangerous, even life-threatening. It requires immediate attention from a healthcare provider.

Don’t skip this essential step even if you are considering an abortion. You should get as much information as possible.

Call the Center at (910) 938-7000 to learn if you qualify for a free and confidential ultrasound. We want to help you make a confident decision for your pregnancy.