Why Ultrasounds Are the First Step in Your Pregnancy Journey

An unexpected pregnancy can be a time of overwhelming emotions. When faced with a decision, it's crucial to have all the facts. While a positive at-home pregnancy test is a good indicator, it's not a definitive diagnosis. That's why the most important first step you can take is getting a free, confidential ultrasound in Ticonderoga, NY or Middlebury, VT.

An ultrasound provides three critical pieces of information that an at-home test cannot. This medical insight is essential for your health and for making an informed choice about your pregnancy.

1. Confirm Viability

A pregnancy test only detects the presence of the pregnancy hormone, hCG. It can't tell you if the pregnancy is viable or continuing to develop. Medical studies show that up to 26% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. An ultrasound can determine if the fetus has a heartbeat and is developing as it should. Knowing this information prevents you from making a decision about a pregnancy that may not be viable.

2. Determine Gestational Age

Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is crucial for understanding your options. An ultrasound provides the most accurate way to date the pregnancy by measuring the fetus. This measurement gives you a nearly accurate gestational age, which is essential for medical procedures and for planning your next steps. For example, some medical procedures, like the abortion pill, are only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks.

3. Detect an Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is not viable and requires immediate medical attention. An ultrasound is the only way to detect an ectopic pregnancy. A positive at-home test will not alert you to this dangerous condition.

You Deserve the Right Information

Your health and safety are our top priority. An ultrasound provides you with the medically accurate information you need to move forward with confidence. At The Women's Center in Ticonderoga, NT and Middlebury, VT, we offer no-cost ultrasounds in a safe and private environment. We are here to provide you with the facts and support you deserve, without judgment.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential ultrasound.