Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your internal structures. Ultrasound doesn’t use radiation (like X-ray and other scans), which is why it’s considered suitable for use during pregnancy.
This article will outline the essentials you need to know about ultrasound and why it’s vital to get one before you make any pregnancy decision. But if you’re looking to talk to someone about your pregnancy options and learn more about free resources, contact Stillwater Life Services today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
A Simple Scan that Determines A Lot
During pregnancy, ultrasound is used to help determine the essential pregnancy information you need to know to stay safe.
The information you’ll learn about your pregnancy during an ultrasound includes:
- Gestational age: Certain pregnancy options, like medical abortion, are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under—and if you attempt to take these drugs when your pregnancy is further along, you’re more likely to experience a risk to your health.
- Location: Rarely will a pregnancy develop outside your uterus. This is a life-threatening condition known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it requires immediate medical intervention.
- Viability: An ultrasound scan will look for signs of life, like a heartbeat, to determine if your pregnancy is ongoing or if you’ve experienced a miscarriage (which occurs in 26% of all pregnancies).
If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get an ultrasound as soon as possible.
What Happens During an Ultrasound Appointment?
During pregnancy, an ultrasound happens in one of two ways: transvaginally or abdominally. Both use a transducer (the wandlike part of the ultrasound machine that transmits the sound waves) to create an image of your pregnancy, which you will be able to see on the screen.
Transvaginal ultrasound is used earlier in pregnancy because it provides a clearer picture of the pregnancy. During this type of ultrasound, the transducer is placed gently into your vagina, which can cause feelings of pressure.
Abdominal ultrasound is used later in pregnancy. During this type of scan, the healthcare professional will squirt a jellylike substance onto your abdomen and then move the transducer through the substance.
Where Can I Get a Free Ultrasound?
At Stillwater Life Services, we offer free, limited ultrasounds because we believe that every woman deserves to have the information she needs about her pregnancy to stay safe and make an informed decision.
Contact us today to make your confidential appointment. You’re not alone as you navigate your pregnancy. We’re here for you.