If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you might be wondering whether or not you need an ultrasound scan. Whether you’re planning on carrying the pregnancy or having an abortion, receiving an ultrasound is a helpful and necessary step in staying safe and informed throughout your pregnancy.
Here are our answers to some commonly asked questions related to ultrasounds:
How does an ultrasound work?
An ultrasound is an imaging technology that allows you to see what’s going on inside the body. While ultrasounds may be used in surgery or in diagnosing some medical conditions, they are commonly used in pregnancy to reveal what’s happening inside of the womb.
Ultrasound scans are performed using a transducer, a device that sends low-level ultrasound waves into the body. As the waves bounce back and echo off of the body’s soft and hard tissues, the computer will create a visual image of the inside of the body.1
Are ultrasounds safe?
Unlike other medical imaging technologies, ultrasounds do not use any radiation and are totally harmless.1
What will I learn from my ultrasound scan?
Ultrasounds are a great way to understand more about your pregnancy and know what to expect each step of the way.
Here’s what you will likely learn from your ultrasound scan: 2
- During your ultrasound, the nurse will be able to identify potential conditions that could lead to pregnancy or abortion complications. For example, in ectopic pregnancies, the fetus is growing outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies can be extremely dangerous to the health of the woman if left untreated.
- Lastly, your ultrasound scan will determine gestational age. Finding out the due date of your pregnancy can be exciting news for those who are planning to parent. If you’re considering abortion, the gestational age will determine your eligibility for various abortion procedures.
Where can I get an ultrasound?
Abria Pregnancy Resources is here to help! We provide no-cost pregnancy healthcare services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, STD testing, medical counseling, and more!
Schedule your no-cost appointment today!
1. Brazier, Y. (2017) “How do ultrasound scans work?” www.medicalnewstoday.com. Accessed June 29, 2021.
2. Doubilet PM. Ultrasound evaluation of the first trimester. Radiol Clin North Am. 2014 Nov;52(6):1191-9. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2014.07.004. Epub 2014 Aug 24. PMID: 25444100.