An ultrasound creates pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. It’s especially helpful in pregnancy, as it gives important details.
If you have an unplanned pregnancy, it’s essential to know how ultrasound works in pregnancy and why it matters.
How It Works
Ultrasounds are crucial for confirming pregnancies. They confirm a positive pregnancy test by showing signs of life, like a heartbeat, that verify the pregnancy’s viability.
During pregnancy, there are two main ultrasound methods: transvaginal and abdominal. Both use a wand-like device called a transducer to create pictures of the pregnancy.
A transvaginal ultrasound involves placing the transducer inside the vagina. An abdominal ultrasound involves moving the transducer over the stomach.
What Does It Tell You?
Ultrasounds give you key details about your pregnancy you’ll want to know before proceeding with your options.
Understanding the exact gestational age of your pregnancy is essential for making informed decisions about your health. Relying on general estimations provided by period tracker apps may not offer the accuracy needed for such critical assessments.
Furthermore, the location of the pregnancy is vital since most pregnancies develop within the uterus; however, ectopic pregnancies occur outside the uterus.
These are considered medical emergencies due to their significant health risks and require immediate attention from healthcare professionals.
Additionally, it’s important to note the viability of the pregnancy. With up to 26% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage, an ultrasound can identify whether you’re having one. A miscarriage may not be obvious unless you receive this scan.
This highlights the necessity of follow-up care from a healthcare provider to address any issues promptly.
Visit Ohana Health Pregnancy Clinic
Ohana Health offers no-cost and confidential ultrasounds so you can get the care you deserve. You can talk to our compassionate client advocates about your pregnancy options.
Schedule an appointment today.