Scheduling an ultrasound can be an important next step after learning you’re pregnant. These exams typically offer women valuable information about their pregnancies. It can help you learn more about your health as you consider your unexpected pregnancy options. Knowing how far along you are and if there’s a risk of early pregnancy risks can play a part in your plan. But what if your first ultrasound didn’t tell you all that much? What should you do? It could be it was too early in the pregnancy to determine all the necessary information. This means you may want to schedule a repeat ultrasound so you can properly assess your condition.
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, an ultrasound exam can be a useful tool for deciding your next steps. Avenue Women’s Center offers free services and support to all of our clients. We’ll ensure you have all the pregnancy-related information you need to make a decision. We can sit down with you for a private consultation to discuss your options. We’re here to answer any of your individual questions.
Contact us today to schedule a free appointment at one of our six offices in DuPage County!
How Can an Ultrasound Help Me Make an Unexpected Pregnancy Decision?
An unexpected pregnancy can be an overwhelming situation. You may feel like you’re under a lot of pressure as you contemplate your choices. How are you going to choose between your options of abortion, adoption, and parenting? Where can you turn for help?
Navigating through an unexpected pregnancy journey can be challenging. But it is not something you must take on alone. Resources such as healthcare providers and pregnancy consultants can work with you. Gathering information is often key during an unexpected pregnancy. These resources can serve as reliable partners and help you find the answers you need.
Your health is usually a crucial factor in any pregnancy-related decision. Even if you’re thinking about abortion, it’s recommended you learn more about your present condition.
Why Do Women Schedule Ultrasound Appointments?
It’s normal to feel nervous about having an ultrasound if this is your first time. What happens during the appointment? Typically, an ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate a pregnancy image. During the exam, a medical professional will usually take measurements to determine how far along you are (gestational age). They may also assess your risk of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Learning about potential complications ahead of time can be useful. It can let you know if you need to start planning out your treatment options.
Is It Necessary to Have More Than One Ultrasound?
It’s likely you’ll have more than one ultrasound appointment. But the first one is generally to confirm the pregnancy and detect possible complications. Now, what if it was too early to see anything when you had the first ultrasound?
Clinics may have requirements regarding how far along you need to be when receiving a scan. In order to determine the risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, many clinics may not offer ultrasound until it’s been at least 6 weeks since the first day of your last period (LMP). In early pregnancies, it’s common to receive a follow-up ultrasound appointment. Perhaps the initial scan did not allow the clinician to determine all of the information, or they requested to take a second look as you become a bit further along.
Having this information can be helpful in your decision-making process. Before you begin processing your options, it can benefit you to learn as much as you can about your condition. This can aid you in making a plan that aligns with your needs and ensures your health is factored into any decision.
Are you wondering about the importance of having a second ultrasound? Avenue Women’s Center can work with you by offering accurate information and support. We can partner with you to help you understand your options. Each of our centers is equipped to provide clients a free, limited ultrasound exam. We will also meet with you for a private consultation session. We want you to know we’re here to help you access the care you need.
Schedule your free appointment with us today!
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References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Ultrasound: Sonogram. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/ultrasound/
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.