If you recently had a positive pregnancy test, your next step is to schedule an ultrasound. This simple scan offers essential information about your pregnancy and can guide you in making confident, informed pregnancy decisions.
Schedule your free appointment to get an ultrasound scan and learn more about your pregnancy.
What an Ultrasound Tells You in Early Pregnancy
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to show real-time images of the developing pregnancy and inside of your uterus. During the first trimester, this scan can confirm several essential details:
- Pregnancy viability: The scan can determine if the pregnancy is progressing by detecting a heartbeat. Since 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, this detail will verify whether you have a pregnancy decision to make or you need to seek treatment.
- Gestational age: An ultrasound can tell how far along you are, which will estimate your due date and confirm your available options. For instance, abortion pills are only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation.
- Location of the pregnancy: In about 2% of pregnancies, an embryo implants outside the uterus (called an ectopic pregnancy), which is considered a medical emergency. An ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus, and you do not need to head to a local emergency room.
Types of Ultrasounds Used
In early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound is often used because it provides the clearest images during the earliest weeks. A wand-like device is inserted into the vagina to capture images of the uterus. Later in the first trimester, an abdominal ultrasound will be used instead.
Some women may only need one or two ultrasounds during pregnancy, but additional scans may be recommended depending on your health, the pregnancy’s health, or symptoms.
Get All the Details
Ultrasound gives you vital answers—like how far along you are, whether your pregnancy is progressing, and your available next steps. At Life Choices Family Resource Center, we offer free and confidential ultrasounds to help you get important health details.
Schedule your free appointment today and take the next step confidently.