What Is An Ultrasound?
There are different ways to look inside your body, such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds. These and other techniques offer a glimpse into your internal system. A limited obstetrical ultrasound uses sound waves to create a real-time image of the inside of your uterus.
We offer both abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds at First Choice Pregnancy Center. An RN performs an abdominal ultrasound from the outside or a transvaginal ultrasound from the inside.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound gives you the essential information you need to determine how to handle your unplanned pregnancy. You will learn the answers to the following three questions:
1. How Far Along Am I in My Pregnancy?
If you are considering abortion, knowing the number of weeks you have been pregnant determines the type of procedure you qualify for. Experts recommend not taking the abortion pill drugs after nine or ten weeks (63 or 70 days past the first day of your last menstrual period).
Because you take the drugs outside of a medical clinic, you need to know a definitive gestational date for your health and safety. Ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy.
2. Is the Pregnancy Developing, or Have I Miscarried?
Experts estimate as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur early in a pregnancy. Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to her pre-pregnancy hormonal level, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy result in days or even weeks following a miscarriage.
An ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is developing by detecting a heartbeat (as early as five or six weeks). If there is no heartbeat, it’s either too early in your pregnancy or you have miscarried.
3. Where Is the Pregnancy Located?
Although rare, some pregnancies develop somewhere other than the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy is extremely dangerous to your health. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, pain in your lower abdomen or back, and dizziness or weakness.
It’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test result even though the location of your pregnancy is incorrect, making an ultrasound vital to your safety. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected, you should see your healthcare provider immediately.
Free and Confidential Ultrasound
Visit First Choice Pregnancy Center for a free and confidential pregnancy test. If your test is positive, we’ll schedule you for a free and confidential ultrasound. Trust us to take care of your health and safety first. Schedule an appointment today.
The First Choice Difference
If you're facing an unexpected pregnancy and don't know where to turn, come to First Choice. We specialize in providing free and confidential medical services to get you the answers you need. There's no pressure, manipulation, judgment, or lectures. Just pure, honest, factual information. We care about you and your future. Trust First Choice.
