A fetal ultrasound (sonogram) is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of a fetus in the uterus. Fetal ultrasound images can help your health care provider evaluate your baby’s growth and development and monitor your pregnancy.
The first fetal ultrasound is usually done during the first trimester to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and estimate how long you’ve been pregnant.
This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to scan a woman’s abdomen and pelvic cavity, creating a picture (sonogram) of the baby and placenta. Although the terms ultrasound and sonogram are technically different, they are used interchangeably and refer to the same exam.
There are two main types of fetal ultrasound exams:
- Transvaginal ultrasound. With this type of fetal ultrasound, a wandlike device called a transducer is placed in your vaginal canal to send out sound waves and gather the reflections. Transvaginal ultrasounds are used most often during early pregnancy. This type of ultrasound also might be done if a transabdominal ultrasound didn’t provide enough information.
- Transabdominal ultrasound. A transabdominal fetal ultrasound is done by moving a transducer over your abdomen.
When are the tests performed?
Ultrasounds may be performed at any point during pregnancy, and the results are seen immediately on a monitor during the procedure. Transvaginal scans may be used early in pregnancy to diagnose a potential ectopic or molar pregnancies.
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers limited obstetrical ultrasound to qualifying patients after a positive pregnancy test to confirm a viable (capable of living), intrauterine (in the uterus) pregnancy.
At RealOptions, limited obstetrical ultrasounds are performed to:
- Confirm pregnancy
- Detect fetal heartbeat
- Determine fetal age
- Determine due date
- Determine location of pregnancy (intrauterine/ectopic)
- The ultrasound examination will not diagnose gender, abnormalities, and/or problems.
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics also provides prenatal care to women with or without insurance. If you do not have insurance and you qualify for Medi-Cal we can help you get presumptive eligibility.
Tasha Keirns, RN, Director of Nursing at RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics said, “Our medical team provides compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality health care with the support and answers you may need. Your health and well-being are important to us. We are devoted to taking care of our patients in a holistic manner and are dedicated to the highest standard of medical care in a comforting and supportive atmosphere.” Schedule a confidential appointment online or call one of our Bay Area RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics.
400 30th St #401
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-9998
1671 The Alameda #101
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 978-9310
12 N White Rd #1
San Jose, CA 95127
(408) 272-5577
33523 Western Ave.
Union City, CA 94857
(510) 487-4357
