If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy, and you’re feeling uneasy about getting an ultrasound, you’re not alone. It’s normal and natural to be nervous about taking this step. Many women turn down the opportunity to get a scan because they don’t believe it would be helpful, or they feel uncomfortable with the idea of it. The truth is, having an ultrasound can offer significant benefits for a woman who’s eligible based on the estimated gestational age of her pregnancy. Learning about this medical tool and addressing your feelings may help you to understand your concerns on a deeper level. Sometimes, it’s wise to examine a fear before choosing to avoid it.
If you need practical help or emotional support as you navigate an unexpected pregnancy, Avenue Women’s Center is here for you! Since 1981, we’ve been providing free, confidential services to individuals, couples, and families managing circumstances like yours.
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Why Does the Thought of Getting an Ultrasound Make Some People Feel Uneasy?
We all feel uneasy about certain things, and we all have our own valid reasons for this. Uneasiness can be unpleasant to cope with and even more confusing to interpret. Maybe that’s because this sense of emotional discomfort can both help and hinder us in our decision-making. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common concerns people tend to have about getting an ultrasound, to better understand what this particular form of uneasiness may look like.
- Some may worry that an ultrasound will elicit an unwanted response in themselves or others. Seeing an ultrasound scan may at first feel jarring to someone who’s facing an unexpected pregnancy. It may trigger feelings of anxiety or discomfort. Some women may worry that an ultrasound would cause them to question a pregnancy choice they’ve already made but haven’t yet acted on. If you find yourself in this position, maybe a part of you is longing for this decision-making process to be over, so you don’t want to contemplate your options anymore. Know that learning more about your pregnancy will not be a setback. It would be an opportunity to make a better-informed, possibly even more confident choice. It may be important to further explore your pregnancy options and all the other relevant information that’s available to you. This could be a part of the process that leads you to your own best decision. Your pregnancy journey won’t last forever, but as long as this road continues, remember that support is available to you every step of the way.
- Some may have concerns or doubts about what an ultrasound would entail. Scheduling an ultrasound may feel a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve never had one before. Maybe you’re nervous about the actual process or what the scan might reveal. You may be surprised to discover that an ultrasound can actually remove a lot of the mystery behind an unexpected pregnancy, allowing you to feel more knowledgeable and less scared. If you do decide that getting a scan would be a good next step, and you choose to get a limited medical ultrasound at Avenue, rest assured that our nurses are exceptional. They’re approachable, highly qualified, genuinely caring licensed medical professionals. They’re here to walk you through every step of the process and answer your questions while providing their expertise.
Why are Ultrasounds Valuable?
An ultrasound may provide information that’s highly relevant to your decision-making process, whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting. Let’s break down the key pieces of information that our limited medical scans at Avenue can identify, and explore why this information is valuable.
- An ultrasound can provide information about the gestational age of the pregnancy. This information will have implications for your own health and will influence which pregnancy options you’re eligible for. (For example, if you’re considering abortion, the gestational age may determine whether or not it’s safe to take the abortion pill at this stage).
- An ultrasound can provide information about viability. A scan can determine whether or not the pregnancy is likely to continue. Miscarriage occurs in about 1 out of every 5 or 6 pregnancies. It may be wise to find out your chances of miscarrying. If you’re leaning towards ending your pregnancy, getting an abortion may not be necessary.
- An ultrasound can provide information about where the pregnancy is located. If the pregnancy is located outside of the uterus (called an ectopic pregnancy), this poses a serious safety risk to the woman. If her pregnancy is ectopic, she would need to seek immediate medical assistance beyond getting an abortion. Clarifying where your pregnancy is located may allow you to safeguard your own health and wellness. It may even equip you to take the steps needed to protect your own life.
When you’re facing a situation that makes you feel vulnerable, it can be hard to reach out for support, especially from a stranger. Our pregnancy consultants and nurses at Avenue don’t stay strangers for long. We’re here to support, inform, and empower you. The emotional support we offer is unconditional, and we’re completely committed to making our clinic a safe, comfortable, judgment-free zone.
Call, text, chat, or email to connect with an expert team member! We’re available to answer your questions.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.