You may be wondering, “If I’m not planning to continue my pregnancy, why do I need an ultrasound?”
We’re glad you asked!
An ultrasound is important for a number of reasons. Not only will it help you know how far along you are, which determines the type of abortion you can have, but it will also reveal if you have naturally miscarried or where your pregnancy is located. If outside the uterus, your pregnancy poses significant risks to you and your health.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
Now that you know how ultrasound works, it’s time to explore why an ultrasound is so important.
An ultrasound diagnoses three things: The location, viability, and gestational age of the pregnancy. If the pregnancy is not in the uterus, it poses a serious risk to your health, and you will need immediate medical attention
How Does an Ultrasound Work?
When you come for your ultrasound appointment, the nurse will have you lie down on an exam table. She will instruct you to slightly lift your shirt to reveal your midriff. Then she will place a gel on your abdomen. This may feel cool to the touch.
Next, the nurse will use a wand (called a transducer) to rub across the gel on your stomach. This will generate images on the ultrasound machine to reveal vital information about your pregnancy.
Location
Location is important because if the pregnancy is anywhere outside the uterus, it is not viable and requires immediate medical attention. This kind of pregnancy is called an ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy and poses significant health risks for you. You would need to see a doctor right away for treatment options.
Gestational Age
How far along you are matters whether you’re choosing to continue the pregnancy or abort it. Medication abortions are only available during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, for example.
Viability
Did you know 25%-30% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage? It’s possible to receive a positive pregnancy test but to have already miscarried. An ultrasound will give you this information as well.
Free Ultrasound Service
We provide ultrasounds free of charge so you can get the information you need to make an empowered choice. Contact us to schedule yours today.