An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the internal structures in your body. During pregnancy, this technology is crucial for providing valuable insights into the growth and development of your baby inside the womb.
At Heartbeats Women’s Center, we believe that understanding how ultrasounds work and why they are important is essential to empowering women with knowledge about their pregnancies.
The Importance of Ultrasound
While a positive pregnancy test is an important first step, an ultrasound offers more detailed information about your pregnancy. It confirms the viability of the pregnancy by detecting signs of life, such as a heartbeat, and provides clarity about what is happening inside the uterus.
There are two types of ultrasounds commonly used during pregnancy:
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: Typically performed early in pregnancy by inserting a small device (transducer) into the vagina to obtain clear images.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Used later in pregnancy, where the transducer is moved over the abdomen to capture images of the baby.
Ultrasounds are non-invasive and offer essential reassurance, especially during the early stages of pregnancy, when questions and uncertainties may arise.
What You’ll Uncover
Ultrasounds provide three key pieces of information about your pregnancy that a pregnancy test alone won’t tell you:
- How far along you are: Helps determine how many weeks pregnant you are and which options are available to you.
- Pregnancy location: Detects rare but serious conditions like ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention.
- How it’s progressing: With about 26% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage, ultrasounds help identify if the pregnancy is progressing as expected.
Learn About Your Pregnancy
Heartbeats Women’s Center is here to support you. We offer free, confidential ultrasounds to help you understand more about your pregnancy and your options.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and receive the care, support, and resources you need to make informed decisions.
