A positive pregnancy test can bring a flood of emotions and questions. If you are searching for low to no-cost ultrasound imaging in the San Francisco Bay Area, your first priority is likely finding a licensed, confidential medical provider who can offer immediate answers. You deserve the gold standard of care and a reliable medical confirmation before making any decisions about your pregnancy journey.
At RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics, we understand the urgency and offer low to no-cost ultrasounds at our licensed clinics across the Bay Area. We provide a variety of low to no-cost medical services, regardless of your insurance status, and are a Medi-Cal and presumptive eligibility provider. An ultrasound is a critical next step to confirm three things: is the pregnancy viable, where is it located, and how far along are you?
Ready to book your appointment now? Schedule an online appointment or walk in during business hours for confidential care in Central San Jose, East San Jose, Oakland, or Union City.
Why an Ultrasound is the Crucial Next Step
While a pregnancy test detects hormones, only an ultrasound can confirm the status and safety of the pregnancy. As a licensed medical provider, we encourage an ultrasound scan as the most vital step after a positive pregnancy test for three main medical reasons:
1. Confirm Viability (Is there a Heartbeat?)
A viable pregnancy means a fetal heartbeat can be detected. An ultrasound technician or registered nurse will use ultrasound to look for the embryo/fetus and determine if cardiac activity is present. The presence of a heartbeat is a strong indicator of a continuing pregnancy. If a heartbeat is not detected, it is possible you may be experiencing a miscarriage (a non-viable pregnancy), and your body will likely expel the pregnancy naturally.
Knowing this crucial information helps you understand the current status of your health and the pregnancy itself. This early confirmation is essential because it informs all subsequent medical decisions. Furthermore, early detection of a potential miscarriage allows for appropriate emotional and medical support from our team.
2. Determine Location (Rule Out Ectopic Pregnancy)
This is a life-saving medical necessity. An ultrasound is the only way to medically determine the location of the gestation. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
This is a rare, but serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The ultrasound will reveal if the pregnancy is safely located inside the uterus (intrauterine). If the scan suggests an ectopic pregnancy, our medical staff will ensure you are immediately connected with the necessary emergency medical care to protect your health. For your safety, no decisions about your pregnancy journey should be made until an intrauterine pregnancy has been confirmed by a qualified medical professional.
Note: An ectopic pregnancy can occur in several locations outside the uterus, including the fallopian tubes (Isthmic, Ampullary, Fimbrial), abdomen, cervix, or ovary. This condition requires prompt medical attention as it can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
3. Calculate Gestational Age (Dating the Pregnancy)
It is important to know the precise gestational age (how many weeks you have been pregnant). This information is necessary for:
- Medical Care: Accurate dating is used to determine the appropriate follow-up care, including scheduling prenatal appointments or assessing potential risks. Measurements of the embryo/fetus and the gestational sac are used for the most precise calculation, which is considered the most reliable method for confirming gestational age.
- Options: If you are considering abortion, the type of abortion you may be a candidate for is directly determined by the gestational age of the pregnancy.
Your Access to Confidential, Low to No-Cost Reproductive Health Care
We know the expense of medical care can add stress to an already emotional time. RealOptions is committed to removing financial barriers to essential reproductive health care services.
Total Transparency on Cost
- No Insurance Necessary: We offer low to no-cost services to everyone, with or without insurance. As a Medi-Cal and presumptive eligibility provider, we are here to support you in receiving essential medical care.
- No Cost Service: Our limited obstetrical ultrasounds are provided at no cost to those who qualify.
- Confidentiality Promise: All services are completely confidential and protected by federal HIPAA regulations. You can seek care and information with total peace of mind.
Finding Our California Clinics
The “near me” part of your search matters most when you need fast answers. RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics has multiple locations across the SF Bay Area for your convenience. We are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer services by walk-in or appointments.
RealOptions Locations:
| City | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Central San Jose | 1671 The Alameda, Suite #101 San Jose, CA 95126 | (408) 978-9310 |
| East San Jose | 12 N. White Road, Suite #1 San Jose, CA 95127 | (408) 272-5577 |
| Oakland | 400 30th St, Suite #401 Oakland, CA 94609 | (510) 891-9998 |
| Union City | 33523 Western Ave Union City, CA 94587 | (510) 487-4357 |
We prioritize same-day or next-day appointments for ultrasounds, understanding that waiting for crucial medical information can be stressful. Contact your nearest clinic today to check availability.
What Happens During Your Ultrasound Imaging Appointment at RealOptions?
Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety you might have. Your appointment is structured to be supportive, efficient, and informative.
- Preparation: Before the scan, a Registered Nurse will discuss your medical history and confirm your positive pregnancy test result. You will be asked to drink water beforehand, as a full bladder often improves the clarity of the initial transabdominal ultrasound.
- The Scan: A medical professional will apply a clear, warm gel to your lower abdomen. A small device called a transducer is then gently moved across the area. This device transmits sound waves that bounce off your internal structures (the uterus, gestational sac, and potentially the embryo), creating a real-time image on the monitor. This is how viability, location and gestational age are confirmed.
- Review: After the scan is complete, the gel is wiped away, and you will discuss the preliminary findings with the medical professional that completed the scan.
Post-Scan Consultation and Education
Once the scan is complete and you have medically confirmed the status of your pregnancy, your appointment continues with a confidential consultation.
Our medical team—including registered nurses and advanced practice providers—will review the results of your ultrasound with you. We want to empower you to make a confident decision, which means getting as much factual information as possible about all of your reproductive options.
We offer balanced and non-judgmental information on:
- Parenting: Resources for financial aid, housing, educational opportunities, and local community resources for families.
- Adoption: Detailed, current information on modern open, semi-open, and closed adoption options, connecting you with reputable agencies.
- Abortion: Medical facts about different procedures (medication vs. surgical) based on gestational age, potential risks, and recovery expectations.
We can also provide resource referrals to local community support, financial assistance programs, and connections to prenatal care if you choose to continue the pregnancy. Our goal is to ensure you leave with a clear understanding of your medical status, the options available to you and a comprehensive list of resources, no matter which path you choose.
Why Choose a Licensed Medical Clinic?
When searching for “ultrasound imaging near me,” you may find non-medical centers. Choosing a licensed medical clinic ensures the gold standard of care.
- Licensed Professionals: Our clinics operate under the direct supervision of our OB/GYN Board Certified Medical Director. All ultrasounds are performed by trained, licensed medical personnel, ensuring the highest level of accuracy for vital health metrics like confirming viability and ruling out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.
- Medical Accuracy: Non-medical centers may offer limited scans but cannot provide the same diagnostic reliability or immediate medical follow-up should a critical health issue, like an ectopic pregnancy, be suspected. Your safety is too important to risk on an unreliable scan.
- Commitment to Safety: Being a licensed clinic means we adhere to strict state and federal medical and privacy guidelines (HIPAA), prioritizing your health and confidentiality above all else.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does the appointment take? | Typically, a visit for pregnancy testing and ultrasound takes about an hour. |
| What documentation do I need? | No documentation or ID is required for your low to no cost, confidential services. |
| Can I bring a partner or friend? | Yes, you are welcome to bring one support person to your appointment for comfort. |
| What if the ultrasound confirms an Ectopic Pregnancy? | Our licensed medical team will provide you with immediate medical referral to ensure you receive any necessary emergency care. |
Don’t wait—get the medical facts you need today. Confirming your pregnancy status with ultrasound imaging is the safest and most medically necessary first step. Don’t delay in getting the facts you need to move forward with confidence and to protect your health.
Click here to schedule your confidential, no-cost appointment today or call us 24/7: 1-800-712-4357 (After Hours Helpline)
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only.
