If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test, your next question may be, “What happens now?”

Many women are surprised to learn that a pregnancy test is only the first step. While it can tell you that pregnancy hormones are present, it can’t provide important medical information about your pregnancy.

That’s where a limited obstetric ultrasound comes in.

Whether you’re planning to parent, considering adoption, or thinking about abortion, a limited obstetric ultrasound provides valuable information that can help protect your health and give you a clearer understanding of your pregnancy.

Read on to learn more, or contact Alabama Pregnancy and Family Center today to find a safe space to talk and get answers. 

What Is a Limited Obstetric Ultrasound?

A limited obstetric ultrasound is a medical imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create pictures of your pregnancy.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds don’t use radiation. Instead, they use high-frequency sound waves to produce images that a trained medical professional can interpret.

A limited obstetric ultrasound is designed to answer several important medical questions early in pregnancy, including:

• Is the pregnancy located inside the uterus?
• Is the pregnancy viable?
• Approximately how far along is the pregnancy?

These answers provide essential information for both your health and your pregnancy.

Why Is an Ultrasound So Important?

A positive pregnancy test doesn’t tell the whole story.

A limited obstetric ultrasound can identify when you have a normal pregnancy and when you may have a medical condition that requires prompt attention.

For example, an ultrasound is one tool that can help determine if you have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.  An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally and requires immediate medical treatment to protect the woman’s health.

An ultrasound can also determine whether you’ve experienced a miscarriage. Because pregnancy hormones can remain in your body for days or even weeks after a pregnancy has ended, it’s possible to continue receiving a positive pregnancy test even when the pregnancy is no longer developing.

If you’re considering abortion, an ultrasound is also important because it determines how far along you are. This information matters because different abortion procedures are used at different stages of pregnancy, and the abortion drugs are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation.

No matter what pregnancy decision you’re considering, an ultrasound provides the medical information you need to make an informed choice.

What Should I Expect During My Appointment?

If you’ve never had an ultrasound before, it’s natural to wonder what the appointment will be like.

A limited obstetric ultrasound is typically a simple procedure that takes only a short amount of time.

During your appointment, a trained medical professional will explain the process and answer any questions you have. Depending on how far along your pregnancy is, the ultrasound may be performed on your abdomen or, in very early pregnancy, with a transvaginal ultrasound to obtain clearer images.

After the ultrasound, you’ll receive information about your pregnancy and have the opportunity to ask questions about your results and your next steps.

Many women leave their appointment feeling more informed and better prepared to make decisions about their pregnancy because they have accurate medical information.

Get the Answers You Need at Alabama Pregnancy and Family Center

At Alabama Pregnancy and Family Center, we believe every woman deserves compassionate care and accurate medical information before making a pregnancy decision.

We offer free pregnancy testing and free limited obstetric ultrasounds for qualifying patients in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Our caring team is here to answer your questions, explain your ultrasound results, and provide information about all of your pregnancy options so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test, don’t stop there. Contact Alabama Pregnancy and Family Center today to schedule your appointment. We’re here for you.