If your pregnancy test came back positive, you should follow up with an ultrasound.
An ultrasound reveals very important things about your pregnancy that you’ll need to know regardless of what option you’re considering moving forward. An ultrasound will tell you how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and if the pregnancy is viable.
How Does An Ultrasound Work?
An ultrasound works by creating images from sound waves. A gel is applied to your abdomen to help the transducer (or wand) pick up the sound waves more accurately. These waves then generate a picture of the inside of your uterus to reveal the pregnancy more clearly.
Why is An Ultrasound Important?
As mentioned above, an ultrasound is important because it answers three questions: How far along am I? Where is the pregnancy located? Is the pregnancy viable?
How Far Along Am I?
This is the first question an ultrasound can answer. You may have a fairly good idea of this already based on the date of your last period, but it’s important to know for sure. This will help you make plans whether you’re considering an abortion, adoption, or parenting. The PRC of Glenwood Springs does not perform or refer for abortion.
How far along you are determines the type of abortion you can have. The abortion pill can only be taken through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. If you are beyond 10 weeks, you will need to pursue a surgical option. The only way to know how far along you are is to get an ultrasound.
Where is the Pregnancy Located?
Did you know sometimes the embryo implants somewhere other than in your uterus? Most commonly it lodges in the Fallopian tubes. This is called a tubal or ectopic pregnancy, and it is not viable. Additionally, it poses serious health threats to you and must be attended to right away by a physician. A normal abortion procedure will not resolve an ectopic pregnancy so you should seek medical attention right away.
Is the Pregnancy Viable?
The final question an ultrasound answers is about viability. A significant percentage of pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first trimester. It’s possible that your pregnancy test came back positive, but your body may have naturally miscarried in the time between your test and your ultrasound. If this is the case, you should seek medical care.
Next Steps
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, it’s time to schedule an ultrasound. Contact us to schedule yours today!