If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test, your next step should include an ultrasound. While many women have heard of ultrasounds before, they might be unsure of what the scan actually does or why it’s such an important part of early pregnancy care.
Understanding the purpose of an ultrasound can help you feel more prepared and confident during your appointment.
At Life Choices, we offer free medical-grade pregnancy testing and, following a positive result, you may qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound performed by our trained staff. Schedule your appointment today.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, to create images of structures inside the body. A handheld device called a transducer sends sound waves through the body, and a computer converts those waves into images displayed on a monitor.
During a very early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound often provides the clearest images. With this type of scan, the transducer is inserted gently into the vagina.
As the pregnancy progresses, an abdominal ultrasound is more commonly used by moving the transducer across the abdomen with a small amount of gel.
What Can an Ultrasound Tell You?
A pregnancy test only confirms the presence of the hormone hCG. An ultrasound provides important medical information about the pregnancy itself.
The scan can help determine whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, estimate how far along you are, and identify whether the pregnancy is developing and has a heartbeat.
It may also help detect certain pregnancy complications that require prompt medical evaluation, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot progress normally and requires immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.
Having this information allows you and your healthcare provider to understand your pregnancy better and determine appropriate next steps.
We’re Here for You
At Life Choices, we’re committed to providing accurate medical information and the care you deserve. We offer free pregnancy testing, options education, and, if you qualify, limited obstetric ultrasound services in a confidential environment.
Schedule your appointment with us today. We’re looking forward to meeting you.