What is the next step after getting a positive result on a lab-quality pregnancy test at Birthline? We can refer you for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound.
An ultrasound allows you to see your pregnancy and find out if you’ve miscarried or not. Afterward, we can provide you with information about your options.
WHAT IS ULTRASOUND?
Ultrasound is a safe and pain-free procedure to determine more details about your pregnancy. To begin, a sonographer puts a gel-like substance on your abdomen. Then, a device called a transducer is rubbed over the gel on your stomach. It picks up the echoes of high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your uterus. Those images provide specific details about your pregnancy.
WHY YOU NEED AN ULTRASOUND
It seems like a positive result on a pregnancy test should be all the information you need to make a decision about your pregnancy, but it isn’t. Here are the three questions you will have answered with an ultrasound scan:
1.) IS YOUR PREGNANCY VIABLE (GROWING)?
You’ll know whether or not you’ve had a miscarriage with an ultrasound. A viable pregnancy means a heartbeat is detected and you haven’t miscarried. Only an ultrasound will reveal if your pregnancy is healthy and growing.
2.) HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PREGNANT?
If you’re considering abortion, the number of days you’ve been pregnant (the gestational age) determines what abortion method you qualify for. A medical abortion should only be performed before your pregnancy is 70 days past the first day of your last menstrual period.
If you’re farther along than 70 days, it would be dangerous to take the medical abortion drugs. You would need to have a surgical abortion.
3.) WHERE IS YOUR PREGNANCY LOCATED?
Some women experience an ectopic pregnancy. This is where the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually within the tubes that lead to the uterus. It’s important to be aware of this because ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
REFERRAL FOR A FREE ULTRASOUND
As you can see, it’s important to have the information only an ultrasound can give you. Make an appointment at Birthine and we’ll give you a referral for your free ultrasound.
Afterward, we can review the results with you and discuss the different options for your pregnancy. Make an appointment today so you can begin getting the information you need as soon as possible.