An ultrasound is a vital step in your decision-making process. Ultrasound tells you how far along you are, if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat), and the location. Contact us for a free self-administered pregnancy test and ultrasound referral so you can be fully informed.
How does an ultrasound work?
An ultrasound is a simple and safe procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture an image from inside your body to confirm your pregnancy. A trained technician uses a wand-like instrument called a transducer to pick up the echoes of sound waves as they bounce off of structures inside your body.
The sound waves transform into real-time images you can view on a computer screen. The technician will explain the images you can view on a computer screen.
What is a limited medical ultrasound?
Our free referrals to a partner center are for limited medical ultrasounds. A limited medical ultrasound is one that does not seek to answer all the questions your OB-GYN would through a standard or specialized scan. Limited ultrasounds are intended to determine the existence, location, and gestational age of a pregnancy only; they do not identify gender or diagnose abnormalities.
Although trained ultrasound technicians are supervised by medical doctors, the scans that they preform are limited by the scope of the questions they are trying to answer and the information they can share with you. The scan is a tool to help you better understand your situation and to help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Why do I need an ultrasound?
An ultrasound provides three critical details about your pregnancy that you’ll need to know when considering your options:
- Is your pregnancy progressing?
A pregnancy should have a detectable fetal heartbeat. The Mayo Clinic says one in five known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. It is entirely possible to get a positive pregnancy test days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes your body time to return to its pre-pregnancy hormone level. - How far along is your pregnancy?
Gestational age is the name for how many weeks you have been pregnant. If you are considering an abortion, this is especially important information. How far along you are determines the type of procedure you qualify for. - Where is the pregnancy located?
Most pregnancies form in the uterus, but on rare occasions, some form outside. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. As it grows, the pregnancy can become life-threatening. You need to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What is an ultrasound referral?
We provide you a free, self-administered pregnancy test at our center location. If you receive a positive result, we can put you in touch with one of our partners to schedule a limited ultrasound appointment.
After your ultrasound appointment, we will schedule one-on-one time for you to meet with one of our trained coaches to talk through all your pregnancy options, next steps, and available resources in a confidential and judgment-free space. We are here to support you right where you are, for as long as you need us.
Hope’s Pathway Chatham does not provide prenatal care, emergency contraceptives, or refer or perform abortions.
Next Steps
Although pregnancy tests offer valuable insights, it’s crucial to understand that they serve as indicators rather than conclusive proof. Confirming pregnancy definitively requires an ultrasound. If you have had sex, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Our center can provide a free and confidential pregnancy test, and we can also refer you for an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
Contact us today. We are here to help you work through your questions confidentially!
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (Sept. 08, 2023) Miscarriage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Mayo Clinic. (Mar 12, 2022) Ectopic pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088