When Should I Have an Ultrasound?
A positive pregnancy test and evaluation by medical personnel will determine eligibility for an ultrasound. At Care Net, we perform a limited ultrasound 6 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. We offer free limited ultrasounds to those who meet the criteria after a positive pregnancy test.
What is a Limited Ultrasound?
This specific type of ultrasound answers questions like:
- Where is the embryo?
- Can the embryo be measured?
- How far along is the pregnancy?
These questions are important to have answered, even if you are considering abortion, because they will determine what kind of procedures you may be eligible for.
What Information is Helpful When Preparing for an Ultrasound?
A full bladder creates a “window” through which structures underneath the bladder or around it can be seen more clearly. Drinking at least 32 ounces of water before your ultrasound exam will make the bladder full.
During a limited ultrasound exam, the transducer is either moved across the abdomen (transabdominal ultrasound) or placed in the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). The transducer sends sound waves through the body, and the sound waves come into contact with tissues, body fluids, and bones. The waves then bounce back like echoes. The transducer receives the echoes, which are turned into images. The images can be viewed as pictures on a video screen.
Why Should I Have An Ultrasound?
It’s essential to know your options. Using imaging techniques is beneficial for understanding what those options are. Ultrasounds are utilized to determine the viability of your pregnancy and stage. Ultrasounds are also helpful to ensure maternal health by confirming a pregnancy is occurring in the “right place” within the uterus.
Is Ultrasound Safe?
Since ultrasound techniques do not utilize ionizing radiation, there are no known harmful effects. It is the preferred method for monitoring pregnant women and their unborn babies throughout their pregnancies.
Conclusion
Ultrasounds are safe, reliable, and efficient imaging techniques utilized by healthcare professionals for your care. Limited ultrasounds and pregnancy tests are cost-free services we provide at any of our Care Net locations; please feel free to reach out to schedule yours at your earliest convenience. A free limited pregnancy ultrasound, in addition to one of our pregnancy tests, can help you decide the best way to handle your pregnancy.