Why Do Ultrasounds Matter?
A positive pregnancy test tells you one thing: hCG is present in your body. It cannot tell you how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, or whether it is progressing. An ultrasound provides those details, and they are essential before making any decision about your pregnancy.
At Alpha House, limited ultrasounds are performed by our registered nurse following a positive pregnancy test with us. This service is free and confidential.
What a Limited Ultrasound Can Reveal
Ultrasounds provide critical information about your pregnancy and health. During your limited ultrasound, you’ll learn the following details.
Gestational age
Knowing how far along you are is especially important if you are considering abortion. The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy, so gestational age directly affects which options are available to you.
Location of the pregnancy
In some cases, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies cannot develop normally and can become life-threatening if not treated. Symptoms are not always obvious, which is why confirming the location is so important.
Whether the pregnancy is progressing
Ultrasound can identify a miscarriage, which occurs in as many as 26% of early pregnancies. If one has already taken place, you may need additional medical follow-up.
These findings protect your health and ensure that any decision you make is based on complete, accurate information.
What to Expect
Your ultrasound will be performed in a private setting by our registered nurse. She will explain the scan beforehand and review the results with you. If additional medical care is needed, we will provide referrals to local providers.
Please note that you must receive a positive pregnancy test at our clinic before scheduling a limited ultrasound.
Begin with Pregnancy Testing
A limited ultrasound is one of the most important steps you can take before making a decision about pregnancy.
To get started, schedule an initial pregnancy testing appointment today. We will make sure you have the full picture.
