If your pregnancy test came back positive, it’s time for an ultrasound scan!
An ultrasound is an important step in your decision-making process because it will fill you in on vital details about your pregnancy.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is important, especially if you’re considering an abortion, because of the information it reveals. Here’s what an ultrasound will tell you:
How far along you are
The first question you’ll want an answer for is how far along you are in the pregnancy. You may have a rough idea based on the date of your last menstrual cycle, but an ultrasound will give you a more accurate answer by measuring fetal development.
Where your pregnancy is located
While rare, sometimes a pregnancy is located somewhere other than in the uterus. Most commonly, the embryo lodges in the Fallopian tubes. This is referred to as a tubal or ectopic pregnancy and is not a viable pregnancy. It also poses significant health risks to you, so it must be addressed with a doctor immediately.
If your pregnancy is viable
Finally, an ultrasound will reveal whether your pregnancy is viable. Sometimes a woman can take a pregnancy test that comes back positive, but then lose the pregnancy before she’s able to receive an ultrasound. Natural miscarriage occurs in approximately one in four pregnancies.
What Should I Expect During the Ultrasound?
When you arrive for your ultrasound appointment, you’ll be led to an exam room where you’ll be instructed to lay on an examination table and pull up your shirt slightly. A sonographer will apply a cool jelly that will allow the transducer to pick up sound waves. These sound waves help generate the ultrasound image that you can see on the screen.
After the exam, the sonographer will be able to answer any questions you have and point out features of the pregnancy as well. Afterwards, you can meet with one of our client advocates to learn more about your options moving forward.
To learn more or schedule your limited ultrasound appointment, please contact us today!