If you’ve recently found out you are pregnant, you might be wondering what comes next and why an ultrasound is important.
Many early limited ultrasounds are performed around 6 weeks, when a pregnancy can be measured and viability determined. An ultrasound can help answer important questions about your pregnancy.
At First Care Clinic, we provide free medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. We are here to answer your questions and give you the information you need to move forward confidently.
Schedule your appointment today.
A Pregnancy Test Alone Is Not Enough
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
While this can confirm you are pregnant, it doesn’t show how the pregnancy is progressing, whether the pregnancy is intrauterine, or how far along you are.
At First Care Clinic, our limited ultrasounds are performed by our nurse sonographers.
Confirms the Pregnancy Is Developing
Sometimes a pregnancy test remains positive even after a miscarriage because hCG can stay in the body for a period of time after pregnancy loss. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 5 of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage.
An ultrasound can provide information about whether the pregnancy appears to be developing and, depending on how far along you are, may detect a fetal heartbeat. If you have miscarried, you may need follow-up medical care.
Shows the Location of the Pregnancy
In about 2% of pregnancies, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
An ectopic pregnancy can initially cause symptoms similar to a normal pregnancy, which is why early detection with an ultrasound is so important. If undetected, it can cause life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding.
Determines How Far Along You Are
Knowing how far along you are (the gestational age) is another important reason to have an ultrasound.
While your last menstrual period can provide an estimate, ovulation and conception do not always occur exactly when expected, especially if your cycles are irregular.
An ultrasound provides a more accurate estimate of gestational age, helping you better understand your pregnancy.
Schedule Your Limited Ultrasound at First Care Clinic
If you think you might be pregnant, a medical-grade pregnancy test and a limited OB ultrasound at our clinic can provide the answers you need.
After your pregnancy confirmation appointment, we can answer your questions and discuss your pregnancy options. We also provide STI testing to help protect your reproductive health.
Reach out to schedule your appointment.