If your pregnancy test recently came back positive, your next step should be an ultrasound! This will reveal important information about your pregnancy that can’t be determined by a pregnancy test alone. Regardless of whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, an ultrasound will help you determine which option you can choose.
What Does An Ultrasound Do?
An ultrasound utilizes sound waves to create images of the inside of your womb. The nurse administering the ultrasound will first put a gel on your abdomen and then use a wand (called a transducer) to create the images. From there, she can measure the fetus from the images and determine how far along you are.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound answers three important questions: How far along am I? Where is the pregnancy located? Is the pregnancy viable?
How Far Along Am I?
How far along you are determines more than your due date. It can also impact what kind of abortion procedure you’re eligible for if that’s an option you’re considering. It’s important to know for planning purposes and can help explain why you’re feeling a certain way depending on what trimester you’re in.
Where Is The Pregnancy Located?
While rare, sometimes the embryo implants somewhere other than the uterus, most often in the Fallopian tubes. This is called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy and is nonviable. In fact, it poses a serious health threat to you if not treated right away. If your pregnancy is ectopic, you should seek medical attention right away.
Is The Pregnancy Viable?
About 20% of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage. It’s possible to have a positive pregnancy test but then for the ultrasound to reveal a nonviable pregnancy. It’s important to know this before pursuing an abortion if that’s something you’re considering.
What are my next steps?
If you haven’t yet received an ultrasound, you should contact us to schedule yours today. All of our pregnancy services are always free and confidential to protect your privacy and to provide the support and information you need to make the best decision for you.