Free Ultrasounds
La Luz Women’s Center provides no-cost limited ultrasounds. Our nurses are trained to perform them to confirm intrauterine pregnancy, gestational age, and cardiac activity only.
All ultrasounds are reviewed by a licensed OB/GYN. If you received a positive result on one of our no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy tests, it may be time to get an ultrasound exam.
What Is An Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses the echoes from high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your uterus.
Our sonographer applies a gel-like substance to your abdomen and rubs a wand-shaped instrument called a transducer through the gel.
From the echoes of the sound waves, an image is formed on a computer screen. The sonographer will point out what you’re seeing and listen for a detectable heartbeat.
Where appropriate, our nurse may also do a transvaginal ultrasound. With this type of ultrasound, the wand-shaped device is placed in your vagina. Transvaginal ultrasounds are used most often during early pregnancy.
Our center can not perform any diagnostic assessments through ultrasounds. This includes any medical diagnosis and determination of gender.
Referrals for prenatal care will be given after every appointment along with a verification of pregnancy form.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
You would think a positive pregnancy test would be all the information you need to move forward with a pregnancy decision. Unfortunately, it’s not. There are three important questions only an ultrasound can answer.
- Is your pregnancy viable (growing)? Since up to 30% of pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, you’ll need an ultrasound to determine if yours is viable. A viable or growing pregnancy means you haven’t miscarried and there is a detectable heartbeat.
- How far along is your pregnancy? If you are considering abortion, the date you became pregnant determines the method used. Through ultrasound, our sonographer can measure your pregnancy to record how far along you are in your pregnancy. Only an ultrasound can accurately determine gestational age.
- Where is the pregnancy located? Some pregnancies form on the outside of the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy continues to grow, it can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
Moving Forward
We offer no-cost pregnancy services to help you make confident decisions. We’re committed to providing women and men with evidence-based information and services.
You’re facing a big decision and your choices can be overwhelming. We’re here to provide the support you need to feel empowered to choose what’s best for your future.
