How Does an Ultrasound Work?

Finding out you’re pregnant can spark a mix of feelings, and you might be curious about what’s happening in your body. One of the best ways to get clarity is through an ultrasound. This scan provides essential information about your pregnancy, helping you understand your gestational age and other details.

At Alpha Women’s Resource Center, we’re here to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you feel more at ease as you navigate this time. You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Support and information are available to help you move forward.

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of your baby and reproductive system. A small device called a transducer sends these waves into your body. When they hit tissues, fluids, or your baby, they bounce back like echoes and form images on a screen. 

It’s all done in real-time. The process takes about 30-60 minutes, and depending on the type of scan, you’ll either feel pressure from the transducer or cool gel on your skin.

Types of Ultrasounds

There are two main kinds: abdominal and transvaginal. For an abdominal ultrasound, the transducer glides over your belly with gel to help the waves travel. 

If it’s early in pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound might be used instead. Here, a slim transducer is gently inserted into your vagina for a clearer view. 

Neither should hurt, though the transvaginal one might feel a little strange at first. Both let you see key details, like how far along you are or if there’s a heartbeat.

Why Does This Matter? 

An ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy’s status, which is essential since about 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Medical care might be needed. 

This scan isn’t about pushing a decision; it’s about knowing where you stand in your pregnancy so you can plan your next steps, whatever they may be.

Get a No-Cost Ultrasound

At Alpha Women’s Resource Center, we’re here to help you through it. After a positive pregnancy test with us, you can visit for a no-cost ultrasound to get those answers. It’s a straightforward way to understand your pregnancy without any pressure—just facts in a caring space.

Contact Alpha Women’s Resource Center today for your no-cost ultrasound and take the next step with confidence.