25 Jul What Can I Expect During an Ultrasound Scan to Confirm Pregnancy?
Seeing a positive pregnancy test can cause many questions to form in your mind. One of the most important next steps is receiving an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and gather essential details about your health.
At Lighthouse, we understand that the unknown can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to walk with you, providing no-cost and confidential ultrasound scans in a supportive environment. Let’s take a closer look at how an ultrasound works and what it can reveal.
What Happens During the Scan
An ultrasound is performed by a sonographer or registered nurse using a small device called a transducer. This device emits sound waves into your body, which bounce off internal structures to create images of the pregnancy and surrounding organs on a screen.
Depending on how far along you are, the transducer may be guided over your abdomen or inserted gently to provide a clearer view during early pregnancy. You’ll be able to see the images in real time as the medical professional explains what’s being observed.
What the Ultrasound Can Tell You
An ultrasound can provide critical information, especially in the early stages of pregnancy:
- Viability: It can confirm whether your pregnancy is developing and whether there is a heartbeat. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s critical to identify whether you’ve had one to receive any necessary monitoring or treatment.
- Gestational Age: Knowing how far along you are helps determine what pregnancy options are available to you. For example, medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation only.
- Location: It’s important to confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy, which is located outside the uterus, requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
These details will provide clarity as you learn how best to move forward and determine your next steps.
We’re Here to Help
At Lighthouse, we’ll support you with the services and information you need to make informed decisions. If your pregnancy test is positive, we’ll help determine if an ultrasound can be performed and guide you through the process so you understand your results.
Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today. We’re here for you every step of the way.
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.