Did you know that pregnancy testing is the first step in confirming your pregnancy? Ultrasound is the next step, and it’s the only way to gain the full picture of your pregnancy.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create a picture of what’s happening inside your body.
During a pregnancy ultrasound, the nurse will move a transducer (a wand-like part of the ultrasound machine) over your abdomen (or sometimes in your vagina if your pregnancy is very young) to see inside your uterus. You will be able to see your pregnancy on the ultrasound screen, and the nurse will explain what they are doing and the key features they’re looking for.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is an essential step during pregnancy that helps keep you safe, even if you’re considering abortion. This is because an ultrasound is the only way to discover the following details about your pregnancy:
- Location: This is essential for ruling out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, which is when the embryo attaches and grows outside the uterus.
- Age: No matter what option you’re considering, you will need to know the gestational age of your pregnancy. If you’re considering medical abortion (the “abortion pill”), this is especially important because this option is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation. But even if you’re considering adoption or parenting, you must know your expected due date.
- Viability: Did you know that roughly 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage? And you can experience one without immediate signs. This is why following up with an ultrasound is important. If you’ve had a miscarriage, you must see a physician to ensure you don’t experience complications.
Where Can I Get a Free Ultrasound?
At FirstLook, the first step is to receive pregnancy testing at our office. If the result is positive, you will be offered a free, limited ultrasound. This means that our nurse will look for the location, age, and viability of your pregnancy. You will also be offered free STI testing, as untreated STIs can cause pregnancy complications.
All ultrasound appointments are confidential. Contact us today.