After a positive pregnancy test, we always suggest that clients verify their pregnancies with an ultrasound. An ultrasound is an imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to project an image of the inside of your uterus.
When you are not sure what to expect, any procedure can be intimidating. We hope that walking you through what your appointment will look like will help reduce any anxiety you may have.
Before the Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, you will need to have a full bladder. This allows the technician to get clearer images of the pregnancy and the reproductive organs. Drinking 16-24 oz. of water about one hour before your appointment should be enough to prepare you for your appointment.
During the Ultrasound
Your technician will have you on an examination table. Usually, you will be able to see the screen and see the pregnancy. If your technician is performing an abdominal ultrasound, then you will lift your shirt and lower your bottoms to expose the lower abdomen. Your technician will then apply a jelly-like gel to the skin. The gel helps the sound waves travel properly to provide a clear image.
Your technician will place a small wand-like tool onto your stomach. This wand is called a transducer and it is what captures the image of your uterus. Your technician will move the wand around your stomach to capture black and white images of the pregnancy. They may ask you to move or hold your breath for a short while so they can capture the best images.
During the procedure, the technician is going to ensure the pregnancy is located inside the uterus and is a viable pregnancy. They will also measure the fetus to estimate how far along the pregnancy is and test to see if there is a detectable heartbeat.
Transvaginal Ultrasounds
If it is really early in your pregnancy, then your technician may opt to perform a transvaginal ultrasound. In this case, a small probe is placed inside the vaginal canal to capture a clearer picture. The probe rests on the back of the vaginal wall while the images are captured.
After the Ultrasound
After your ultrasound, your technician will provide you with images of your pregnancy and give you a chance to ask questions. Ready to get started? We provide free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations to women facing unplanned pregnancies every day. Make an appointment today to find out how we can help you.
