There are so many amazing things they can do in medicine. One of them is fetal ultrasound. Can you imagine using sound waves to create pictures? That’s what ultrasound does.
Getting an Ultrasound
If you’re pregnant, you’ll usually have your first fetal ultrasound during the first trimester (12 weeks), although you can get one at any time during your pregnancy. If your pregnancy test was positive at Pregnancy Options Miami, we offer free limited obstetrical ultrasound imaging.
Our ultrasounds are what is known as “transabdominal.” This means the images are created from the outside of your body.
What Do I Learn From an Ultrasound?
There are several important reasons why you should have an ultrasound. A positive pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the information you need to move forward. For instance, an ultrasound will tell you:
- If you’re still actually pregnant. According to Mayo Clinic, up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. You can still get a positive pregnancy test result for a while after a miscarriage because your body takes time to readjust.
- How far along you are. This is known as the “gestational” age. The technician will take measurements of the fetus to determine how many weeks you’ve been pregnant.
- Where the pregnancy is located. Some pregnancies form outside of the uterus. These are called ectopic pregnancies and can be very dangerous to your health.
Is an Ultrasound Necessary?
If your pregnancy is unexpected, you’re probably trying to figure out what to do. We understand. An unplanned pregnancy can be scary and overwhelming. One of our Care Coordinators would love to talk with you about your situation and the options you have moving forward. Of course, all consultations are completely free and confidential.
You have three options. If you’re looking at having an abortion, you’ll need to know how long you’ve been pregnant. Knowing the number of weeks determines if you can have a medical or surgical abortion. Of course, an ultrasound will also reveal if you’ve already had a miscarriage. If you have, there’s no reason for an abortion.
If you’re considering making an adoption plan or parenting, you’ll know your due date for future planning. As you can see, you need to know more than a positive pregnancy test result, and an ultrasound is the best way to get that information.
We’re Here to Help You
No matter what your circumstances are, we’re here to offer you judgment-free advice and pregnancy support. We value your privacy and will guard your test results and conversations carefully. You don’t have to face your unplanned pregnancy alone. Contact us today.