If you’ve received a positive result on a pregnancy test, verifying it with an ultrasound is next. Usually, an ultrasound is done within the first 12 weeks, which is the same time most women discover they’re pregnant.
How an ultrasound works
An ultrasound is an imaging method using high-frequency sound waves to capture images inside your body. First, a technician puts a gel-like substance on your abdomen. A handheld device called a transducer is rubbed over the gel to reveal the contents of your uterus.
The transducer sends sound waves into your body and receives the echoes that bounce back, creating images on a screen. These images can provide you with the vital information you need about your pregnancy.
What you learn from an ultrasound
To make a decision about your pregnancy, you need to know more details. With an ultrasound, you’ll learn how long you’ve been pregnant, if the pregnancy is viable (was a heartbeat detected), and if there are any health concerns.
If you’re considering abortion, you need to know how long you’ve been pregnant. If you’re under nine weeks, they use one method. If you’re over ten weeks, they do another procedure.
The Mayo Clinic says up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Generally, most miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks. It’s possible to have a miscarriage before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. As a result, your pregnancy test could reveal a false positive because your body doesn’t recognize you’re no longer pregnant.
An ultrasound also lets you know where your pregnancy is located. This might sound strange, but sometimes a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. It’s a dangerous condition and should be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Get a free ultrasound
At Hope First, we offer free and confidential ultrasounds. No matter what you are considering for your pregnancy, an ultrasound gives you what you need to make a final decision.
If your pregnancy was completely unexpected, you’re probably wondering what to do. We suggest you take a free and confidential pregnancy test at our center. Then, if the test is positive, we’ll schedule a free and confidential limited obstetrical ultrasound to help you determine your next step.
You’re not alone on this new journey. We’re here to walk through it with you. Make an appointment today.