How Does an Ultrasound Work?

Nov 17, 2025 | Ultrasound

young lady thinking about her ultrasound results of her pregnancy

If you’ve ever wondered how a simple scan can “see” inside the body, you’re not alone.

Ultrasounds might seem like magic, but they’re actually advanced medical technology that uses sound to create detailed images. During pregnancy, these scans reveal vital details about what’s happening inside the uterus, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions.

If you’ve recently had a positive pregnancy test, scheduling a free ultrasound can help confirm key details about your pregnancy. Schedule an appointment today to receive confidential care and accurate answers from our compassionate team.

So, How Does It Work?

Ultrasound machines use high-frequency sound waves that travel through your body and bounce off internal tissues. These returning echoes are translated into real-time images on a screen. Depending on how far along you are, the ultrasound may be performed transvaginally (with a wand inserted into the vagina) or abdominally (by gliding a transducer across your belly).

Because ultrasounds use sound waves rather than radiation, they’re considered safe during pregnancy. However, it’s still best to have ultrasounds only when necessary.

What You’ll Learn From an Ultrasound

A pregnancy ultrasound provides three key insights:

  • Location: It confirms whether the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus. (If not, it could be an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.)
  • Viability: It detects whether the pregnancy is progressing and if there’s a heartbeat. There’s about a 10-20% chance of miscarriage.
  • Gestational Age: It measures how far along you are, which affects what pregnancy options and procedures may be available or safe. This scan will provide an estimate of your due date.

Caring Support and Answers

Every woman deserves to understand her pregnancy to protect her health. At Choices Pregnancy Center, we provide no-cost limited ultrasounds to help you find clarity in a supportive environment.

Schedule your confidential appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and talk with our caring team.