Seeing the Journey: Ultrasounds and Your Pregnancy at Claris Health
Learn how many ultrasounds you may have during pregnancy, what each one looks for, and how Claris Health’s no-cost prenatal program can support you from your first test to your baby’s arrival.
At Claris Health, we believe every woman deserves clarity, care, and support. Part of that is understanding when and why ultrasounds are used and how we walk alongside you through each step.
What is an ultrasound and when is it used?
An ultrasound (sometimes called a sonogram) uses sound-waves to visualize the pregnancy (fetus, baby), uterus, and pregnancy progress. It’s used to confirm pregnancy location (ensuring it’s within the uterus), check for fetal heartbeat, and estimate gestational age.
At Claris, we offer free “limited obstetric ultrasound scans” for patients who have a confirmed positive pregnancy test and are at least six weeks pregnant. These scans are not intended for determining a baby’s gender or for full diagnostic scans but they are a key early step.
How many ultrasounds are typical?
In low-risk pregnancies, most providers recommend two scans: one in the first trimester (often around 10-13 weeks) to confirm date and viability, and another in the mid-second trimester (around 18-22 weeks) to check anatomy and development.
However, the number can change. If there are special circumstances, such as pregnancy complications, high-risk factors or multiple babies.
At Claris Health, the ultrasound service is specifically for early confirmation (location, heartbeat, gestational age) and is free for qualifying patients.
Why are these scans important?
Each scan has a purpose:
- Early scan: confirms the pregnancy is inside the uterus, detects heartbeat, and helps estimate due date.
- Mid-pregnancy scan: checks fetal growth, anatomy, placenta location, and amniotic fluid levels.
- Additional scans (if needed): monitor growth, check for risk factors, or position of baby as term approaches.
By having the right scans at the right time, you and your care team gain important information—reducing uncertainty, improving planning, and increasing safety.
How Claris supports your ultrasound and prenatal care journey
Claris Health offers a group-based prenatal care program (called “Centering Pregnancy”) at our Lynwood clinic for women who enroll in their first trimester and are medically low-risk. These groups include the standard 10 prenatal visits.
When you come to Claris:
- You receive pregnancy testing and initial ultrasound at no cost (if eligible) to confirm your pregnancy and gestational age.
- You join a supportive prenatal care model where care is not only medical, but relational.
- While Claris may not provide all ultrasounds that a high-risk pregnancy might require, we guide you and connect you with appropriate providers if more scans or diagnostic care are needed.
What to ask & consider
When you arrive for your prenatal care and ultrasound:
- Ask what scan(s) are planned and when you will have your next one.
- Ask whether you are considered high-risk and if additional scans may be recommended.
- If your scan reveals something unusual, ask about next steps and referrals.
- If you’re seeing Claris for early confirmation and then moving to a specialist or OB provider for full prenatal care, know that’s okay… it’s part of your care plan.
Your next step
If you haven’t yet scheduled your pregnancy test, ultrasound confirmation or prenatal care, Claris is here to help. Visit our prenatal care page: Claris Health – Pregnancy & Prenatal Care to learn more or call to schedule.
You’re not alone. With attentive care, clear information and support each step of the way, you can move forward with confidence.
