You may be wondering why you need an ultrasound when you’ve already had a positive pregnancy test. An ultrasound provides vital information about your pregnancy that aids in your decision-making.
Don’t skip this critical step.
What Is an Ultrasound?
A prenatal or pregnancy ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body. It’s similar to an X-ray, but it doesn’t use radiation to create an image.
When an ultrasound technician wants a closer look at your pregnancy, they perform an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. For an abdominal ultrasound, the technician applies a gel-like substance to your abdomen. They then rub an instrument called a transducer through the gel.
The transducer sends sound waves into your abdomen. The echoes of the sound waves create an image on a screen.
The technician inserts the transducer into your vagina for a transvaginal ultrasound. These scans are usually done at an earlier stage of pregnancy.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound provides answers to three critical questions. You’ll learn the following:
1. Where Is My Pregnancy Located?
Although rare, some pregnancies implant and begin growing outside of the uterus. These are known as ectopic pregnancies. Only the uterus can carry a developing pregnancy. If it’s located elsewhere, it could cause a serious, even life-threatening, health issue.
You need to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if an ectopic pregnancy is discovered. The technician determines the location of the pregnancy with an ultrasound scan.
2. Is My Pregnancy Developing?
It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test and no longer be pregnant. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage.
Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a false positive pregnancy test result. An ultrasound detects a fetal heartbeat to determine if the pregnancy is developing.
3. How Far Along Am I?
Determining the number of weeks and days you have been pregnant is especially critical if you are considering abortion. There are limits to when you can use the abortion pill method.
Make sure you have the correct date of conception. By taking measurements, the technician can determine the date with an ultrasound scan.
Free Ultrasound Referral
Because we understand the value of an ultrasound, we’ll provide you with a referral for a free ultrasound scan in our area if your pregnancy test is positive.
Schedule a pregnancy testing appointment today to see if you qualify.