Getting an ultrasound is the next step if you have a positive pregnancy test. If you’ve been looking into ultrasounds, you might be confused about the differences between a limited obstetric ultrasound and a full diagnostic ultrasound.
Understanding the difference between the two and why they are used is important. Life Choices offers no-cost, limited obstetric ultrasounds with our trained nurses to provide women with the important medical details about their pregnancy.
Schedule your free appointment today.
What Is a Limited Obstetric Ultrasound?
A limited obstetric ultrasound is a focused scan used to gather important information about an early pregnancy. It can help answer specific questions about the location of the pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and identify whether a heartbeat can be detected.
During a limited ultrasound, a trained staff member uses a handheld device called a transducer to create images of the pregnancy using high-frequency sound waves. There are two common types of ultrasound used in early pregnancy: transvaginal and abdominal. Both use sound waves, not radiation, to create images.
A limited obstetric ultrasound does not provide detailed information such as fetal well-being or gender.
Why Is a Limited Obstetric Ultrasound Important?
A limited obstetric ultrasound provides medical details that a pregnancy test alone cannot confirm. Knowing the location of your pregnancy helps to identify if you’re having an ectopic pregnancy, which is where the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube, and needs urgent medical attention.
A limited ultrasound can also show whether the pregnancy is viable and developing as expected. This is important because a positive pregnancy test does not always mean the pregnancy is continuing normally.
Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, which can remain in the body for a period of time after a miscarriage. This means a woman may still receive a positive result even after a pregnancy loss has occurred.
What a Full Ultrasound Includes
A full ultrasound differs from a limited ultrasound as it provides more information about the pregnancy and its anatomy. Full ultrasounds are typically performed later in pregnancy.
A full diagnostic ultrasound includes:
- Detailed fetal anatomy
- Growth measurements
- Organ development
- Placenta location
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Multiple pregnancies
- Fetal position
- Evaluation of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries
- Detection of structural abnormalities
Get a Free Limited Ultrasound at Life Choices
If you think you might be pregnant or have a positive test result, getting a limited ultrasound is an important next step to confirm the important details about your pregnancy.
After you have a better understanding of your pregnancy, learning about your options and the considerations and risks that come with them can help you make an informed decision about how to move forward.
Life Choices offers confidential appointments where we can give you factual information about your options in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Contact us to make an appointment today and receive the care you deserve.