Getting pictures from sound seems strange, but that is precisely what an ultrasound does. Ultrasound is one of the most important steps to learning about your pregnancy. Don’t skip this vital step if you’re trying to determine what to do.
At Southwest Options for Women, we provide free limited obstetrical ultrasound scans. Schedule your appointment today.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
During an ultrasound, a medical team member places a gel-like substance on your abdomen. They then use a medical instrument called a transducer to collect sound waves. The wand-like transducer is rubbed through the gel on your stomach and picks up the echoes of the sound waves inside.
Those sound waves transform into images that you can view on a screen. The images provide vital information about your pregnancy.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Gestational Age
The gestational age is determined by the number of weeks and days you have been pregnant. The technician measures the fetus to determine how far along you are.
Having this information determines your due date, or if you’re considering abortion, it determines the type of procedure you qualify for. The FDA approves the use of the abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are, the less effective the drugs are.
Viability
A viable pregnancy is developing and growing. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. You can receive a positive pregnancy test even after a miscarriage because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
A false positive pregnancy test is entirely possible. An ultrasound scan detects a fetal heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat, it’s either too early in your pregnancy or you have miscarried.
Location
A normal, developing pregnancy is located in the uterus. If it’s located elsewhere, it’s considered an ectopic pregnancy. Although rare, an ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention.
An ectopic pregnancy can even be considered life-threatening. Only an ultrasound determines a pregnancy’s location.
SouthWest Options for Women Can Help
As you can see, an ultrasound scan provides unique and vital information about your pregnancy. It’s a non-invasive procedure that offers real-time information so you can make an informed and confident decision.
If you receive a positive pregnancy test result with one of our tests, we offer a free ultrasound scan. Schedule an appointment with our medical team today. Get the answers and the assurance you need to make an empowered decision. We’ll help you.