Why Do I Need an Ultrasound to Confirm Pregnancy?
If you recently discovered you are pregnant, you may be wondering what your next steps are and what actions to take. To confirm whether or not you are pregnant, the next best step is to get a free pregnancy scan to determine how far along you are and the viability of your pregnancy. Clinics like Options Health offer free ultrasounds to determine the medical viability of your pregnancy and can provide a variety of helpful information to guide you through your journey.
#1. Ultrasounds Are Essential For Confirming The Viability of Your Pregnancy
A viable pregnancy is one where a baby has a heartbeat. It is estimated, according to Mayo Clinic that 20% of pregnancies end early on in miscarriage. Although a pregnancy test can detect HCG in your body, it is not conclusive to determine if your pregnancy is viable. Even after a natural miscarriage, HCG levels may remain high in your urine. During your ultrasound, we can determine whether or not your pregnancy is viable and if it is likely to carry to term.
#2. Ultrasounds Confirm the Location of The Baby in the Uterus
If you believe you are pregnant, it is essential to get an ultrasound to confirm that your fertilized egg has implanted itself in your uterus. Although not common, fertilized eggs can implant in the Fallopian tube or ovary or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity. It is critical to receive an ultrasound to determine the placement of the egg, as Ectopic pregnancies can be very dangerous and result in a ruptured tube, heavy bleeding, or serious injury and need to be addressed immediately by a medical professional. If left undiagnosed, the fetus will continue to grow and cause serious issues.
#3. Ultrasounds Confirm Gestational Age
An ultrasound scan can determine how far along in pregnancy you are, or the “gestational” age of your baby. If you see a circular structure in your first ultrasound, that is what is known as the “yolk sac”. The yolk sac is a membrane that is connected to your embryo and serves as the beginning of the baby’s circulatory system, which is visible as early as 5-6 weeks.
Although there are many apps and other ways for women to track their menstrual cycle, not everyone knows the exact time of conception. In many cases, ovulation may happen at different times during your cycle or a woman may forget the time of her sexual encounter. An ultrasound is essential for confirming how far along the pregnancy has advanced.
Getting an ultrasound will help you make your fully informed choice as to the next steps regarding your pregnancy. Options Health offers free pregnancy ultrasounds for women in the Contra Costa, CA area. We offer all women and men a safe, 100% confidential, and non-judgemental environment for you to obtain all the information you need. Our goal at Options Health is to empower you to make the best decision for yourself and your pregnancy. Contact us today for our Free Ultrasound Services and your Free Pregnancy Scan.
