Ultrasounds
If you’ve taken a pregnancy test and the results were positive, your next step is to confirm you have a viable (growing) pregnancy with an ultrasound. We can provide you with a referral for a free ultrasound scan.
What Is An Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses the echoes from high-frequency sound waves to produce a picture of the inside of your uterus. A technician first applies a gel-like substance to your abdomen and rubs a wand-like instrument called a transducer through the gel.
The transducer picks up the echoes of the sound waves and forms an image on a computer screen. The technician will highlight what you’re seeing and listen for a viable heartbeat.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is the second stage in confirming your pregnancy. There are three things an ultrasound can tell you:
- It determines if you have a growing pregnancy with a detectable heartbeat. The Mayo Clinic states up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. The number could be higher because many women miscarry before they realize they’re pregnant. If the technician doesn’t detect a heartbeat, you may have miscarried and should visit your health care provider.
- You learn the location of your pregnancy. Some women experience an ectopic pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually within the Fallopian tubes. It can be life-threatening.
- The approximate gestational age of my pregnancy. Gestational age is a fancy name for how many weeks you’ve been pregnant.
Why are these important to know? To proceed with the next step of your pregnancy, you need to know if you have a healthy pregnancy and how far along you are.
Get All The Information You Need
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make a confident decision. It is possible to get a positive result even though you’ve miscarried because your body takes time to readjust. Only an ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy.
You’re facing a big decision, and your choices can be overwhelming. We’re here to provide the support, referrals, and information you need to feel empowered to choose what’s best for your future.