If you recently had a positive pregnancy test, you may be wondering what comes next. A pregnancy test only confirms the presence of hormones; it does not show where the pregnancy is located, how far along you are, or whether it is developing properly.
An ultrasound provides those critical details, helping protect your health and safety before you make any pregnancy decision.
At Affirm Women’s Health, we offer no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound in a confidential and supportive environment.
Schedule your no-cost appointment today to get the answers you need and take your next step with confidence.
Why a Pregnancy Test Isn’t Enough
A pregnancy test measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. It does not confirm:
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- How far along you are
- Whether the pregnancy is progressing
An ultrasound provides these critical details, which can help you avoid serious medical complications and better understand your options.
Why Pregnancy Location Matters
Most pregnancies develop inside the uterus, where there is space and blood supply to support growth. However, about 1 in 50 pregnancies develops outside the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube.
A fallopian tube is not designed to stretch and support a growing pregnancy. As the pregnancy grows, the tube can rupture, leading to internal bleeding, which requires urgent medical treatment.
Early symptoms are not always obvious. Some women experience mild abdominal pain or light spotting, while others may have no symptoms at first.
An ultrasound is the only way to confirm whether a pregnancy is located inside the uterus. Detecting an ectopic pregnancy early allows doctors to intervene sooner, which can reduce health risks and help protect future fertility.
Determine If the Pregnancy Is Progressing
Miscarriage is more common than many women realize. Research estimates that about 1 in 4 known pregnancies end naturally, most often during the first trimester.
Because pregnancy hormones can remain in the body for days or even weeks after a miscarriage, it is possible to continue receiving a positive pregnancy test result even if the pregnancy is no longer developing.
An ultrasound helps determine viability, meaning whether the pregnancy is progressing as expected. This may include detecting a fetal heartbeat.
Confirming whether a pregnancy is viable helps ensure you are not making decisions based on incomplete information and allows appropriate next steps if the pregnancy has ended naturally.
Accurately Estimate How Far Along You Are
Gestational age, or how far along you are, plays an important role in understanding your medical options and what to expect next.
Many women estimate pregnancy dating based on their last menstrual period. However, ovulation does not always occur on day 14, and cycles can be irregular. Because of this, pregnancy dating can be off by days or even weeks.
An ultrasound measures the fetal biometry, or the size of the fetus, to provide a more precise estimate of gestational age and if there are signs of growth problems. This clarity helps guide medical decisions and ensures your next steps are based on reliable information.
How Affirm Women’s Health Can Help
Getting an ultrasound is a simple step that provides clarity about your health and helps protect your safety. We are here to listen, provide accurate information, and support you as you consider your next steps.
Reach out to book an appointment with Affirm Women’s Health today.