Following a positive pregnancy test, doctors typically encourage women to schedule an ultrasound. Ultrasounds provide critical information about pregnancy and allow healthcare providers to give women a tailored plan of care.
If you’re recently pregnant or wondering if you might be, understanding how ultrasounds work can ease your mind about the procedure.
What Is An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to create pictures of structures inside the body. It’s painless and very effective in diagnosing pregnancy complications and dating how old a pregnancy is.
For early pregnancies, usually 6-8 weeks, a vaginal wand is used for ultrasounds. But most ultrasounds use an external wand over the top of the stomach.
Why Ultrasounds Are Needed
As mentioned above, ultrasounds are needed to provide critical information about a pregnancy.
Gestation
Gestation is the scientific name for how old a pregnancy is. Women struggling with an unexpected pregnancy may find it hard to pinpoint exactly when they conceived. An ultrasound will quickly reveal how many weeks along your pregnancy is and guide doctors to the best plan moving forward.
Location
Did you know pregnancies can implant and grow outside of the uterus? Known as an ectopic pregnancy, this complication poses serious health risks to women and must be found and removed promptly. If not detected by ultrasound, an ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening bleeding or, in rare cases, death.
Where To Find Free Ultrasounds
Life Choices is a local pregnancy center that provides women with the resources they need to navigate an unexpected pregnancy.
If you’ve already had a positive pregnancy test, our trained nurses are ready to provide you with a free limited ultrasound.
Call our center at 303-651-2050, meet with a qualified staff member, and be informed about the options you have in a professional and judgment-free environment.
Handling an accidental pregnancy is no picnic, but being supported along the way can make the unexpected journey so much better.