Even if you received a positive result on your pregnancy test, you still need an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
While a pregnancy test can detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood or urine, sometimes, when hCG is present in your body, it can indicate a health condition instead of pregnancy. It’s also possible to have miscarried after taking a pregnancy test.
This is where ultrasound comes in. Ultrasound is a simple scan that can confirm your pregnancy and give you the essential information you need to know before making a pregnancy choice.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your internal structures. It looks at your uterus to view the details of your pregnancy.
There are two types of ultrasound used during pregnancy: transvaginal and abdominal. During both types of ultrasound, the sonographer will look for specific pregnancy details, and you can see your pregnancy on the ultrasound screen.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound is used during early pregnancy because it enables the sonographer (the person conducting the ultrasound exam) to get the best view of the pregnancy.
During this type of ultrasound, the transducer (the wand-like part of the ultrasound machine) is gently inserted into the vagina.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound is used later in pregnancy.
During this type of ultrasound, the sonographer will squirt a jellylike substance onto your abdomen and then move the transducer through the area.
How Does Ultrasound Protect My Health?
Ultrasound gives you the critical information you need to know before making a pregnancy decision, including:
- Pregnancy age: During an ultrasound, many women are surprised to learn that their pregnancy is much further along than they thought. Learning your pregnancy’s gestational age (the amount of time since your last period) is essential when considering your options. For example, medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
- Pregnancy location: Rarely will a pregnancy attach and develop outside the uterus, but it can happen. This is a life-threatening condition called ectopic pregnancy, and it requires emergency medical treatment.
- Pregnancy viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to have a miscarriage without immediate signs. An ultrasound can detect if the pregnancy is growing with a heartbeat. If you’ve had a miscarriage, you will need medical follow-up to ensure you don’t face any complications.
Where Can I Get a Free Ultrasound?
At the Affirm Women’s Health, we offer free, limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve to have the information you need to make an informed decision and stay healthy.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.