If you recently found out you might be pregnant, you may be wondering when to have an ultrasound. It’s great that you’re considering this essential step, which can protect your health and safety.
Ultrasounds are an important part of early pregnancy care because they provide key information that helps you make informed decisions about your options and health.
If you think you may be pregnant and want to learn more about your pregnancy, schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for an ultrasound at Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center.
Timing of an Early Ultrasound
In early pregnancy, an ultrasound is usually performed around six to eight weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. At this stage, the pregnancy has grown large enough to be seen on an ultrasound screen.
Sometimes an ultrasound may be performed earlier if a woman is experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain or unusual bleeding. In these situations, the scan can help rule out certain medical conditions.
Types of Early Pregnancy Ultrasounds
There are two main types of ultrasounds used in pregnancy.
A transvaginal ultrasound is often used in the earliest weeks because it provides a clearer image of the pregnancy. During this scan, a wand-like transducer is inserted into the vagina to capture images.
An abdominal ultrasound is used slightly later in pregnancy. In this scan, a handheld device called a transducer moves across the abdomen after gel is applied to the skin.
Both types of ultrasound use sound waves to create images and are commonly used to evaluate pregnancy development.
What an Early Ultrasound Can Confirm
During the scan, medical professionals can check several important details. It will determine:
- The location of the pregnancy. You will learn whether your pregnancy is within the uterus, where it can safely develop, or outside the uterus in another location. This type of non-viable pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy and requires timely medical treatment.
- The gestational age of your pregnancy and the estimated due date. You will find out how many weeks along you are and an estimate of your due date if you carry to term. Note: The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation.
- The presence of a heartbeat. Usually, a heartbeat can be detected around six weeks of gestation. If one is not detected, it’s either too early, or you may have miscarried.
These details provide helpful information to understand your pregnancy and plan the next steps. In some cases, you may need to seek medical care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy treatment.
Learn Your Pregnancy’s Details
If you think you might be pregnant, you deserve affordable imaging services and compassionate support. The team at Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center is here to help you understand your pregnancy and discuss your options in a confidential setting.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today to receive pregnancy testing, ultrasound services if you qualify, and helpful information on resources and support.