The good news is that you don’t need to do anything special to prepare for your first ultrasound, but knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves and make you feel more comfortable during your appointment.
Continue reading to learn more about how ultrasounds work and the details they provide about your pregnancy.
What is an Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasounds are scans that use sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and surrounding structures. They provide critical details about the growth and development of the pregnancy and give insight into your options.
There are two types of ultrasounds used in pregnancy: transvaginal and abdominal.
Transvaginal ultrasounds are most often used in the first trimester and can be done as early as seven to eight weeks. Due to the location of the uterus in early pregnancy, inserting the transducer into the vagina allows the provider to get clearer images of the pregnancy compared to an abdominal ultrasound.
Abdominal ultrasounds are used beginning in the second trimester and throughout pregnancy. They involve applying gel to the abdomen and guiding the transducer gently over that area.
Details Provided By Ultrasound
Having an ultrasound in early pregnancy can help you begin to think through your options and ensure that you’re not experiencing certain complications that need treatment.
Ultrasounds, specifically in the first trimester, look at three main details: the viability, the gestational age, and the location of the pregnancy.
Viability
A pregnancy is viable if there is a detectable fetal heartbeat. You may need additional medical advice if your pregnancy is not viable, meaning you’ve experienced a miscarriage.
Gestational Age
A woman’s last menstrual period is typically used to calculate her due date, but confirming the gestational age of the pregnancy with an ultrasound is important because this detail impacts her options.
According to the FDA, pregnancies beyond 10 weeks gestation are ineligible for a medical abortion.
Location
Ultrasounds confirm that the pregnancy is implanted in the uterine lining. Immediate medical attention is required if you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy implants in the abdomen, ovary, fallopian tube, or cervix. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening and cannot be treated with abortion.
Get Help Today
New Beginnings Pregnancy Center provides a judgment-free environment where you can receive pregnancy services at no cost.
We offer lab-quality pregnancy tests and follow-up limited ultrasounds. After learning more about your pregnancy, our medical team can answer your questions and discuss your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
New Beginnings Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.