Based on a nursing assessment the day of the positive pregnancy test, the patient can be scheduled for a free limited pregnancy ultrasound. Based on her last menstrual cycle start date, she must be at least 6 weeks pregnant. The physician prefers the patient to be at least 8 weeks pregnant. The ultrasound is scheduled, and the patient is expected to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the actual ultrasound appointment so that a brief nursing assessment can be completed to rule out any reason the patient should wait for her first ultrasound at a prenatal visit rather than a pregnancy center. This would be a rare situation but an important one. This assessment includes questions that are extremely private, so the woman is given an option to have others in the room with her, or not. She will not be asked to undress for these measurements: Her temperature, pulse, and blood pressure will be measured, as will her current height and weight.
After the nursing assessment is done, the patient is accompanied to the ultrasound room and introduced to the sonographer. The sonographer determines if the sonogram can be done abdominally or needs to be done with a vaginal probe. Cell phones are not allowed to be on during an ultrasound. A photograph will be taken by the sonographer using the machine and given to the patient.
Ultrasounds are limited to answering the following questions
- Is there a baby in the womb versus a fallopian tube?
- Does the baby have a heart beat? If so, how many beats per minute?
- Based on the baby's measurement, how far along is the pregnancy?
Ultrasounds done in an OB-GYN practice will be scheduled later in the pregnancy to determine gender (sex), and how the baby is developing.
Once completed, she is eligible to start classes with the center, if she has not already done so. Her medical record is closed, and she becomes a “client” of the center rather than a “patient” and seeks prenatal care of her choice using her Pregnancy Medicaid card when available. At each class or by phone she can ask questions or seek professional advice from a nurse or nurse practitioner as desired. Follow up evaluations have been consistently positive and patient suggestions are implemented if possible.