After a positive pregnancy test, the next step is to get an ultrasound, which will reveal necessary medical details about your pregnancy, such as the location, viability, and how far along you are.
What Is An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method that uses sound waves to see your pregnancy. During an ultrasound, our technician will apply a gel to your abdomen, which helps the conduction of sound waves to the transducer.
The transducer is the handheld device that is moved over your stomach to record the echoes of the sound waves and create an image. Transvaginal ultrasounds also use sound waves to create imaging, but work by using a small probe inserted into the vagina.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
It can be easy to think a positive pregnancy test is enough to tell you if you are pregnant, but this isn’t the case for the following reasons:
It Indicates Whether the Pregnancy is Progressing
Did you know that experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage? It’s possible to get a false positive pregnancy test result days or even weeks after a miscarriage while the pregnancy hormone levels go back down.
An ultrasound will detect whether or not there is a heartbeat; if there is not, it is possible you have experienced a miscarriage.
The Gestational Age (How Far Along You Are)
The gestational age of your pregnancy estimates how many weeks and days you have been pregnant. This information is important since it can determine the due date if you’re planning to parent or make an adoption plan. If you are considering abortion, your pregnancy’s gestational age could determine what procedure you qualify for.
The Location Of The Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is rare but can happen and is detected by an ultrasound. This type of pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg implants outside of your uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies need urgent medical attention.
Schedule a No-Cost Limited Ultrasound
Whatever pregnancy option you are considering, scheduling a limited ultrasound is the first step in getting the important medical information you need so you can protect your health and safety.
We provide no-cost, limited obstetrical ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test at our clinic and are here to answer your questions and support you throughout the process.
Schedule a pregnancy testing appointment to be considered for an ultrasound today.