Before making a pregnancy decision, you’ll need to first know if you really are pregnant and how far along the pregnancy has developed. An ultrasound exam is the most reliable way to confirm a possible pregnancy and will help you make a fully informed choice.
What does ultrasound do?
Ultrasound is an imaging method using high-frequency sound waves to capture an image from inside your body. During the ultrasound, a gel-like substance is placed on your abdomen, and an instrument called a transducer is rubbed over the gel.
The transducer picks up echoes of the sound waves inside. Those echoes bounce back making a picture using black and white dots. Those dots reveal an image from inside your uterus which you can view on a computer screen.
Why do I need an ultrasound?
Did you know up to at least 20% of known pregnancies could end in a natural miscarriage? You can still get a positive result on a pregnancy test and no longer be pregnant. The only way to tell if you’ve already miscarried or your pregnancy is progressing and growing is with ultrasound. Not only will you see an image of your pregnancy but you’ll also hear a heartbeat.
If you’re considering abortion, the type of procedure you have is determined by how many days you’ve been pregnant. You only qualify for the abortion pill if your pregnancy is 70 days or less from the first day of your last menstrual period. Do you have an accurate idea of when you got pregnant? If not, an ultrasound exam will be able to tell you how far along you are.
You’ll also find out where your pregnancy is located. Although rare, some pregnancies develop outside of the uterus. These are called ectopic pregnancies and they can be life-threatening. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you’ll need to see your health care provider immediately.
What are my next steps?
Contact us to schedule your free appointment for an accurate pregnancy test and a referral for an ultrasound. We know that each individual set of circumstances is unique. It’s our desire for you to leave our office feeling empowered to make the best choice regarding your pregnancy.
We never financially benefit from your decision and can discuss your options with absolutely no pressure.