I think I’m Pregnant
If you’ve recently learned you’re pregnant or think you might be, it’s likely you have some questions. An early pregnancy ultrasound helps answer important questions like: Am I really pregnant? How many weeks am I? What are my options? Below you’ll find some basic information about ultrasound technology and its benefits for early pregnancy.
What exactly is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound (also called a sonogram) uses sound waves to produce images of a fetus in the uterus. Medical professionals have been using this imaging technique for over 30 years. Since it does not use radiation, ultrasound is safe for pregnancy. In fact, ultrasound is the most common tool for evaluating and dating early pregnancy. Doctors also use ultrasound to monitor the baby’s growth during pregnancy and detect any problems.
How does an ultrasound work?
Ultrasound works by sending sound waves into the body through a probe. The sound waves bounce off internal tissue and return to the probe where each wavelength turns into a pixel or dot. Thousands of these dots come together on the screen to create a picture.
There are two types of probes that can be used for pregnancy ultrasounds – transvaginal and transabdominal. During a transvaginal ultrasound, a probe is gently inserted into the vagina. For a transabdominal scan, the probe is gently pressed over the abdomen. At Jewel Women’s Center, our medical sonographer discusses these two options with the patient during her appointment to determine the best approach for her situation.
What are the benefits of an ultrasound?
Early pregnancy ultrasound provides important information such as:
- Gestational age (how many weeks you’ve been pregnant) – An ultrasound technician measures the baby from head to bottom to determine how many weeks old the pregnancy is. This information is also used to estimate a due date.
- Location of the pregnancy – During an early pregnancy ultrasound, the technician can see if the baby is growing in the right place in the uterus. A baby growing outside of the uterus or in the wrong location is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is rare but dangerous to both the baby and mother.
- The number of fetuses – An ultrasound shows whether there are one or more babies developing.
At approximately 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, doctors use an ultrasound to evaluate fetal anatomy and development. Later in pregnancy, health care providers may use ultrasound to:
- Evaluate the baby’s growth
- Monitor placenta and amniotic fluid levels
- Screen for birth defects
- Investigate complications
- Determine fetal position before delivery
What will I see on an ultrasound?
At approximately 4 weeks, a fluid-filled structure called a gestational sac can be seen on the ultrasound.- As early as 5 weeks, the first visible sign of a developing embryo (called a fetal pole) can be seen on the ultrasound screen.
- By 6 weeks, a fetal heartbeat can be seen on the screen.
Most medical providers also perform ultrasound exams at 18-20 weeks to evaluate growth and development. During this exam, you’ll hear the heartbeat, and it’s often possible to determine the sex of the baby.
Do I need an ultrasound before having an abortion?
If you’re considering an abortion, it is important to know for sure that you are pregnant. An ultrasound will confirm if you are truly pregnant or not. There are many reasons you could miss your period or experience early pregnancy symptoms. An abortion should only be performed when there is a viable (capable of living) pregnancy. About 20 percent of pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage. If the pregnancy is not viable, there may be no need to proceed with an abortion.
The abortion pill is effective up to 10 weeks. Pregnancies farther along than 10 weeks gestation will require a surgical abortion.
If your cycle is irregular or the date of your last period is uncertain, it can be difficult to know how long you’ve been pregnant. An ultrasound will help determine how many weeks pregnant you are and what type of abortion is appropriate.
If you are pregnant or think you might be, an ultrasound can be very helpful as you consider your options. Jewel Women’s Center offers a highly trained medical team with many years of experience. They are ready to provide the professional care you deserve. Contact us today for a no-cost early pregnancy ultrasound appointment.