When faced with something as big as an unplanned pregnancy, you need to get as much information as possible. You’re asking yourself, “How long have I been pregnant?”, “Is it safe?”, “What do I do now?”. Thankfully, we can answer these questions with an ultrasound.
Contact Choices Family Resource Center and ask how to receive a no-cost and confidential ultrasound.
What is Ultrasound?
A limited obstetrical ultrasound is a safe procedure using low-power sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body. It’s a perfect way to safeguard your health and help you understand your options.
A Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) performs our ultrasounds. The RDMS places gel on your abdomen and presses a small, hand-held device called a transducer through the gel.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the ones that bounce back, and sends them to a computer, which creates an image.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
You would think a missed period and a positive pregnancy test would be all you need to prove you are pregnant. A pregnancy test indicates the possibility of pregnancy but the ultrasound confirms it.
There is still more to know; an ultrasound is the best way to get the necessary information. The following are the three most important things you learn from an ultrasound:
- How far along you are in your pregnancy.
The number of weeks you have been pregnant is called the gestational age. Even if you track your period regularly, it is difficult to predict ovulation (when you have the highest chance of getting pregnant). Many women are surprised to learn they have been pregnant longer than they realized. - If the pregnancy is in the correct location or it is ectopic.
Although rare, an ectopic pregnancy means it is growing in the wrong location, usually in the fallopian tubes. As it grows, it becomes a life-threatening health issue and must be treated immediately. - If the pregnancy is growing or you have had a miscarriage.
According to experts, as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen early in pregnancy. It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result days or weeks following a miscarriage. Ultrasound and multiple pregnancy tests can determine if your pregnancy is growing. Ultrasound also detects a heartbeat.
How Can Choices Family Resource Center Help Me?
We provide no-cost confidential ultrasounds to women who schedule morning appointments. With an ultrasound, we can confirm you have a viable (growing) uterine pregnancy and determine how far along you are.
Take advantage of this no-cost service for your health and safety. Conveniently schedule an appointment online or call one of our four locations. We’re here for you.