A positive pregnancy test can quickly raise many questions. You may be wondering what happens next, how far along you are, or what options are available. An ultrasound can provide information that a pregnancy test cannot, and it can help you feel more confident as you decide what to do.
At Alpha House PRC, we provide confidential support in a comfortable, welcoming environment at no cost to you. Our advocates are here to answer your questions and walk alongside you without judgment. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds with a positive test performed by a licensed nurse, mentorships with a trusted advisor, and options counseling.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more.
What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a type of imaging scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the uterus and pregnancy. Ultrasound does not use radiation like an X-ray. Instead, it works by sending sound waves into the body and capturing the echoes as they bounce back.
During the scan, a transducer sends sound waves through the abdomen or, in early pregnancy, through the vagina. As waves bounce back from internal structures, a computer converts them into live images displayed on a screen.
Abdominal vs. Transvaginal Ultrasound
An ultrasound may be performed in two ways, depending on how far along you are and which approach yields the clearest image.
An abdominal ultrasound is done over the lower abdomen. Gel is applied to the skin, and the transducer is moved across the belly to create images of the uterus.
A transvaginal ultrasound may be used in the earliest weeks of pregnancy because it can produce clearer images sooner, sometimes as early as five weeks, when early structures such as the gestational sac may first be visible. A thin, wand-like transducer is inserted into the vagina to provide a closer view of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, or the pelvic cavity
What Can an Ultrasound Tell You?
Although a pregnancy test can detect the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an ultrasound can help determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- How far along you are (gestational age)
- Whether there are signs of viability, such as a detectable fetal heartbeat
This information matters because an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube, and it requires immediate medical care. An ultrasound can also help determine whether the pregnancy is still developing or if a miscarriage has already occurred.
Help Is Available
You deserve a safe place to ask questions and receive accurate information without pressure. Alpha House PRC is here to support you as you navigate an unexpected pregnancy and consider your next steps.
If you think you may be pregnant, contact Alpha House PRC today to schedule a confidential pregnancy test and qualifying limited ultrasound today.