An ultrasound should be the first step in every pregnancy because it provides essential information about the gestational age and location of the pregnancy. Getting an ultrasound early can identify medical complications, saving you time, worry, and money.
While you may feel nervous about your first ultrasound, our team is ready to support you with free, confidential care and informational resources.
Skip the stress and schedule your appointment today.
How an Ultrasound Works
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your uterus. These images appear on a screen, allowing the medical provider to confirm necessary details about your pregnancy’s development.
If it’s early in pregnancy (less than 8 weeks), a transvaginal ultrasound may be used. During this scan, a small wand-shaped device is gently inserted into the vagina to capture images of the pregnancy. You may feel slight pressure, but the procedure should not be painful.
Later in the first trimester, an abdominal ultrasound is more common. For this scan, a nurse or technician applies gel to your abdomen and moves a handheld device, called a transducer, over it to create images.
Most ultrasounds do not require special preparation, though in some cases, having a full bladder can help produce clearer images.
What the Ultrasound Tells You
Your first ultrasound provides three critical pieces of information:
- Viability: The scan confirms if your pregnancy is progressing and if a heartbeat is detected. Since about 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, this information is important for your decision-making process. You may need additional care if a miscarriage has occurred.
- Gestational Age: An ultrasound shows how far along you are and helps determine an accurate due date. The abortion drug is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy, so if you’re considering an abortion, you’ll need to know how far along you are.
- Location: The ultrasound reveals where the pregnancy is. While rare, sometimes the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires emergency treatment. An abortion is not the correct way to address an ectopic pregnancy.
Free and Confidential Pregnancy Confirmation
Pee Dee PRC, we want you to feel informed and supported as you consider your options. Free pregnancy testing and other resources can give you the answers you need as you navigate this new situation.
Schedule your appointment today to confirm your pregnancy and learn more about your next steps.