How Does an Ultrasound Work?

November 24, 2025

Ultrasound exams provide comprehensive real-time information about your pregnancy. No matter what you’re considering, an ultrasound is a vital step you don’t want to skip.

If you’re wondering what an ultrasound is or why it’s beneficial, we can help. At Amnion Women’s Center, we offer no-cost, confidential ultrasounds for qualified patients.

You deserve to have as much information as possible about your pregnancy to protect your health and safety. Start with a no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing appointment to see if you qualify today.

What Is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is an imaging test that doesn’t use radiation, like X-rays, to create an image. At Amnion Women’s Center, a licensed nurse performs our ultrasounds. We offer both transvaginal and abdominal ultrasounds, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

During the earliest weeks of pregnancy, we perform a transvaginal ultrasound. The nurse inserts a small wand-like device called a transducer inside your vagina to produce a detailed image.

The transducer detects the sound waves bouncing off the shapes inside your body. The echoes of those sound waves create an image on a computer screen.

Abdominal Ultrasound

The nurse applies a gel-like substance to your abdomen during an abdominal ultrasound. She takes the transducer and rubs it through the gel.

Again, the transducer detects the sound waves bouncing off the shapes inside your body. Those echoes create an image on a computer screen.

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?

A pregnancy test only indicates the possibility of a pregnancy. An ultrasound answers three fundamental questions:

Am I Really Pregnant, or Have I Miscarried?

Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage within the first 12 weeks. It is entirely possible to get a positive pregnancy test result after a miscarriage because it takes your body time to return to its pre-pregnancy hormone level.

An ultrasound can detect a fetal heartbeat, indicating you have not miscarried.

Is the Pregnancy Located Correctly?

Not all pregnancies form in the correct location. Some pregnancies develop outside the uterus. They are known as an ectopic pregnancy.

Only the uterus is capable of holding a growing pregnancy. If your pregnancy is ectopic, you run the risk of a serious health concern. An ectopic pregnancy can even be life-threatening. Ultrasound helps locate your pregnancy and protects your health.

How Far Along Am I?

The first day of your last menstrual period is the starting point for determining how far along you are in your pregnancy. If your periods are irregular or you don’t keep a regular calendar, it may be difficult to determine the number of weeks and days.

Many women are surprised to learn how long they have been pregnant after having an ultrasound. It’s the most accurate way to determine the gestational age.

Find Out if You Qualify For a No-Cost Ultrasound

Take the first step in finding out if you qualify for a no-cost, confidential ultrasound by scheduling a no-cost pregnancy testing appointment. Take care of your health and safety with pregnancy services from Amnion Women’s Center.

We’re here for you.

Amnion Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortion.