After a positive pregnancy test result at our center, your next step is to have an ultrasound performed. Our limited ultrasounds are completely free and administered by a medical professional.
An ultrasound can tell you a variety of factors during the early stages of your pregnancy by using high-frequency soundwaves. First, an ultrasound will determine how far along you are, meaning how many weeks you have been pregnant. It will also measure the size of the fetus, compared to what’s normal during your stage of pregnancy.
Next, it will detect a fetal heartbeat. If no fetal heartbeat is detected, it could be too early to hear or you could be at risk for a miscarriage (see below).
Finally, it will determine the location of your pregnancy. Sometimes, pregnancies develop in other places than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes. This is called an ectopic pregnancy (see below).
According to the Mayo Clinic, 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. A miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy within the first 20 weeks. A miscarriage can happen at any time and for many reasons, including abnormal genes/chromosomes, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, hormone conditions and infection. If we suspect you may miscarry, we will refer you for immediate medical attention.
As mentioned above, ectopic pregnancies are those that develop outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies cannot survive for long outside of the uterus and could cause severe damage to your body if left untreated. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include sharp/stabbing pains in the abdomen, vaginal bleeding, weakness or dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms. If you are at risk for an ectopic pregnancy, we will refer you for immediate medical attention.
If your ultrasound shows that you have a viable pregnancy that can be carried to term, then it’s your choice on what happens next. You’ll want to take some time to learn about your pregnancy options and discover how each option would affect your unique situation.
We offer free options education at our center. Our staff is non-judgmental and will talk to you about abortion, parenting, and adoption in a confidential, safe environment. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make an informed, confident decision regarding your pregnancy. Contact us to set up an appointment.