The Importance of an Ultrasound Before You Decide
You may have just seen those two pink lines, and are now facing one of the hardest decisions you have ever faced. You might be feeling scared, overwhelmed, and have so many questions. Your feelings are valid. It’s ok to take a breath, slow down, and find answers to your questions. What should you do next? Are you definitely pregnant? Should I get an ultrasound? Why are ultrasounds important? There are several reasons why an ultrasound early on in your pregnancy is an important first step in understanding your pregnancy.
- Determine Viability
A viable pregnancy means that your baby has a heartbeat and is healthy, as far as the ultrasound can tell.
Did you know that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage? You may have taken a pregnancy test and received a positive result, however, those tests are only detecting the pregnancy hormones in your body. If your ultrasound examination determines any fetal abnormalities or birth defects are present. For example if the ultrasound machine determines that a fetal heartbeat is non-existent, it could mean that your body is preparing for a miscarriage.
- Location of the Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the main cavity of the uterus. This most often occurs in the fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This is not a viable pregnancy and can be life-threatening for the mother. You should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Gestational Age
If you are considering abortion, most providers want to know how far along you are, and the only way to accurately determine that is with an ultrasound. The gestational age of your pregnancy will determine if abortion is an option for you. The abortion pill is only effective for the first 10 weeks, and surgical procedures vary depending on the development of the pregnancy. Receiving an ultrasound will help you stay safe and make an informed decision on your next steps.
If you plan to carry, an ultrasound can help you understand more about what is going on in your body and how your baby is developing. We offer free limited obstetrical ultrasounds and can provide you with pregnancy options before you make a decision. Make an appointment for a free ultrasound today (available at all four of our locations).
Sources:
Pregnancy Loss: 1 in 4 (winniepalmerhospital.com)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088