Once you have confirmed you are pregnant, you may have many questions. Before making a decision about your pregnancy, it is best to receive an obstetric ultrasound. Ultrasounds tell you key details about your pregnancy and give you the information you need to move forward in confidence.
What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the various structures in your body using an ultrasound device. Thanks to modern advancements in technology, ultrasounds can tell us important information about internal structures, and in this case, your developing pregnancy.
What Can an Ultrasound Tell Me About My Pregnancy?
If you have learned you are pregnant, having an ultrasound is your next step. Ultrasounds can give you and your medical provider information such as:
– Viability: Ultrasounds can check to see if your pregnancy is viable and developing normally. About 10 to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing normally. It is important to know that a miscarriage is never your fault, but you may need further medical treatment to ensure that the remaining pregnancy tissue has passed.
– Gestational age: Your gestational age is an important indicator for medical providers as it tells them how far along you are in your pregnancy. It also tells you whether you are eligible for certain abortion procedures, such as a medical abortion. Medical abortions cannot be performed, for example, if you are further than nine weeks along in your pregnancy.
– Location of pregnancy: An ultrasound can determine the location of your pregnancy, which is important information as this can affect your health. Some pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies, which occur when a fertilized egg is implanted in a location outside of the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube.
Signs of an ectopic pregnancy include:
– Shoulder pain
– Lightheadedness or fainting
– Pelvic or abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding
If you are experiencing signs of an ectopic pregnancies, it is imperative that you seek medical treatment right away. When left untreated, ectopic pregnancies can lead to life-threatening complications.
Where Can I Go for an Ultrasound?
Once pregnancy is confirmed via pregnancy test, Cecil Pregnancy and Family Resource Center offers ultrasounds at no cost to you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!