Expectant mothers wanting glimpses of their unborn babies are invited to get a free ultrasound by LBW Community College students.

Done through the college’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, pregnant women are being sought for clinical labs in Opp.

“We are asking for volunteers to allow our students the opportunity to obtain real-world clinical experiences in the ultrasound program,” said Program Director Olivia Bush, BSRT(R), RDMS, RVT.

The free, non-diagnostic OB ultrasounds will be scheduled throughout the current semester on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings, Jan. 16-April 25, on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, volunteers must first meet a few requirements, Bush said.

“The volunteer must have already had at least one well-baby ultrasound, and they also must have their doctor’s approval on a signed LBWCC doctor consent form,” she said.

“It’s important for volunteers to understand that these ultrasounds are performed by students in the presence of an ARDMS certified OB sonographer,” she said.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the human body. The program trains students to use state-of-the-art technology to scan patients and obtain images of the abdomen, pelvis, small parts, heart, blood vessels, and fetus to aid physicians and radiologists in diagnoses.

“Our OB volunteers will not learn anything new about their pregnancy or the fetus during these clinical labs,” Bush said. “Instead, they will be contributing to the knowledge base and experience of our students, helping to prepare them for the work force through this real-world clinical exercise.”

Consent forms are available at LBWCC in Opp and through the college website at lbw.edu. If interested in being an OB volunteer, email obush@lbwcc.edu or smusgrove@lbwcc.edu, or call 334.493.5389.