If you received a positive pregnancy test result, receiving an ultrasound scan is an essential next step.
Ultrasound is a scan that will give you important details about your pregnancy.
How Ultrasound Works
An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.
During pregnancy, ultrasound can view the embryo or fetus in your uterus.
A small device called a transducer is placed on the abdomen or, in some cases, inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the embryo or fetus and other structures in the uterus. These echoes are captured and translated into images on a monitor, allowing you to see the developing pregnancy.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure that does not use radiation.
What Ultrasound Can Tell You About Your Pregnancy
Ultrasound can do the following:
- Confirm Your Pregnancy: An early ultrasound can confirm that the pregnancy is viable by detecting the fetal heartbeat and ensuring the pregnancy is developing in the uterus. This will also rule out miscarriage, which is when your pregnancy ends naturally.
- Determine Gestational Age: Ultrasound helps estimate the gestational age of your pregnancy by measuring the size of the embryo or fetus. This information is used to calculate an estimated due date, helping to track the pregnancy’s progress.
- Reveal Your Pregnancy’s Location: Most pregnancies occur in your uterus, but sometimes, a pregnancy will attach and develop outside your uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it’s a life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment to protect your health.
Where Can I Get a Free Ultrasound?
At Alemod Mututubanya Foundation, we offer free ultrasounds because we want you to have the information you need to stay safe. If you’re pregnant, contact us today to schedule your free ultrasound appointment.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.