When you’re trying to figure out how to handle an unplanned pregnancy, getting an ultrasound may be the furthest thing from your mind. While ultrasounds are commonly associated with finding out the gender of a pregnancy, they actually provide much more information.
In this article, we will examine how an ultrasound works and why you should schedule one during your unplanned pregnancy.
How Does An Ultrasound Work?
An ultrasound produces images through sound waves. These sound waves are non-invasive and do no harm women or their pregnancies.
During early weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound technicians, called sonographers, will typically use a small wand placed inside the vaginal canal. These vaginal ultrasounds can produce better-quality pictures when a pregnancy is still very small.
As a pregnancy progresses, the sonographer will use a short, rounded wand to glide over a woman’s stomach.
Each ultrasound will take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to complete.
Why You Need An Ultrasound
If you have not yet decided how to move forward with your pregnancy, getting an ultrasound can bring clarity to your options.
All women are encouraged to get an ultrasound for three reasons: to date their pregnancy, to confirm viability, and to check the location.
Dating Your Pregnancy
During an ultrasound, the sonographer will measure your pregnancy and will tell you exactly how many weeks along you are. Knowing how far along your pregnancy is will allow you to explore what options are available.
What Is Viability?
Viability is simply whether or not a pregnancy is still growing. The Mayo Clinic estimates that about 10-20% of all pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. If you had a positive pregnancy test a few weeks or months ago, confirming viability with an ultrasound will help you determine the next steps for your pregnancy.
Checking the Location
While rare, certain complications can arise early in pregnancy that can harm women if left undetected. An ectopic pregnancy, for example, occurs when the pregnancy implants and grows outside of the uterus; usually in one of the fallopian tubes.
Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and will rupture before the pregnancy comes to term. Because of this, women need to have an ectopic pregnancy treated promptly to ensure their wellness and safety.
Where Can I Find A Free Ultrasound?
Crisis Pregnancy Center gladly offers women free and confidential limited ultrasounds after receiving a positive pregnancy test.
If you’d like to learn more about scheduling an ultrasound, contact our center. You can also call us at 812-393-3857.
An unplanned pregnancy can feel isolating, but know this: you don’t have to walk alone. Crisis Pregnancy Center is a safe place to ask questions and receive the medical care you need and deserve. Reach out to us today!