14 Nov What Information Can an Early Ultrasound Provide About My Pregnancy?
If you’ve recently learned you might be pregnant, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, like surprise, uncertainty, or even fear. When a pregnancy is unexpected, one of the most important first steps you can take is scheduling an ultrasound.
At Lighthouse, we offer no-cost, confidential ultrasounds in a caring and supportive environment. Whether you’re feeling confident or unsure about what comes next, our staff will walk with you through every step of the process. Schedule your appointment today to find clarity and peace of mind.
Understanding How Ultrasound Works
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of what’s happening inside your body. During your appointment, a trained medical professional will move a small device called a transducer across your abdomen, or, in early pregnancy, gently insert the transducer into your vagina to get clearer images.
The sound waves bounce off your internal structures, forming real-time images on a screen. As the scan progresses, the professional performing the ultrasound will explain what’s being observed, helping you better understand your pregnancy and your body.
No special preparation is required for most ultrasounds.
What an Early Ultrasound Can Tell You
A pregnancy test is the first step toward confirming a pregnancy, but it can only tell part of the story. An early ultrasound can reveal critical information about your health and pregnancy, such as:
- Viability: Whether the pregnancy is developing and if a heartbeat is present. This helps confirm that the pregnancy is continuing as expected; as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which may require medical follow-up.
- Gestational Age: How far along you are. This is crucial when considering the various pregnancy options available to you. For example, medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation only.
- Location: Where the pregnancy is developing. In rare cases, a pregnancy may grow outside the uterus (known as an ectopic pregnancy), which can be dangerous and always requires immediate medical attention.
Each of these details provides a clearer picture of what’s happening with your body, helping you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Why an Ultrasound Matters After a Positive Test
While a home pregnancy test can detect the pregnancy hormone hCG, it can’t tell you whether your pregnancy is developing or located safely in the uterus. That’s why an ultrasound is an essential follow-up step.
Obtaining this information early helps protect your health, ensures you receive the appropriate medical attention, and allows you to move forward with the necessary details.
Support and Care You Can Trust
At Lighthouse, our caring staff is here to provide accurate information and compassionate support. If your pregnancy test at our center is positive, we’ll determine your eligibility for a no-cost ultrasound and explain the process in detail.
You’ll have time to ask questions, talk through your concerns, and leave with the information you need to take your next step.
Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment at Lighthouse today.
Lighthouse does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.