Everyone reacts differently to the news they are pregnant. For some it is a cause for celebration or a relief after a long struggle. Or, it could be a huge shift that comes at exactly the wrong time. But no matter how you feel about your pregnancy, one thing is sure – you need to get an ultrasound.
Why Are Ultrasounds So Important?
Because of movies, TV shows, and social media, people often have misconceptions about what ultrasounds do. It’s easy to think that an ultrasound is just a way to get pictures of your growing baby, find out the gender, or “meet” them for the first time.
However, this image isn’t complete. While ultrasounds do show pictures of the developing baby for parents and friends to marvel at, they also serve as important diagnostic tools for catching problems early in pregnancy. In short, an ultrasound is one of the safest and best ways to get essential information about your pregnancy.
What An Ultrasound Can Tell You
Ultrasounds give parents and providers a lot of useful information. Some of the most important things an ultrasound can tell you are:
If You’re Still Pregnant
An early pregnancy test will detect pregnancy hormones in your body when you are more than a few weeks pregnant. However, as many as a third of pregnancies end in early miscarriage (majority during the first trimester). That means that, even if you have a positive pregnancy test, you might not still be pregnant. An ultrasound can detect even a faint fetal heartbeat, which lets you know whether your pregnancy is viable.
The Approximate Gestational Age of Your Pregnancy
This information is vital for a number of reasons. First, it gives you an estimate of your due date. Second, it tells you and your provider how far along you are. And finally, it influences what pregnancy options are available to you.
The Location of Your Pregnancy
In rare cases, women have ectopic pregnancies – a pregnancy that begins growing outside of the womb. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. An ultrasound is the safest and easiest way to determine the location of the pregnancy and avoid the potential danger an ectopic pregnancy poses.
Where to Get an Ultrasound
There are many places you can get an ultrasound when you have a positive pregnancy result. Almost every OB-GYN office will have an ultrasound machine, and there are also plenty of dedicated ultrasound and imaging clinics that perform them. Many pregnancy resource centers, such as Embrace, also offer them.
If you want to learn more about getting a free pregnancy verification ultrasound, call us today at Embrace! We’ll provide you with free help, information, and support for every stage of your pregnancy. Call (316) 945-9400 today and ask about scheduling an appointment or learn more about the ways we can provide support in your pregnancy decision.