An unexpected pregnancy can alter your day-to-day life. You may have begun to experience some symptoms, such as nausea or fatigue, and on top of the physical changes, you may be feeling stressed about the thought of making an unexpected pregnancy decision. While the digital world has made information readily available, accessing the right information about your pregnancy options can be difficult. But there is something that you can’t access from an online resource, and that is relevant information about your pregnancy’s gestational age and risks of early pregnancy. An ultrasound can supply you with the tools needed to take the next step in your pregnancy decision.
If you’re looking into your unexpected pregnancy options, Avenue Women’s Center can provide you with reliable information and support. It can be hard to know where to turn or who to trust. Receive free services related to early pregnancy in a confidential environment, where our expert pregnancy consultants take the time to listen to your concerns, answering any of your questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting. Schedule a free appointment at one of our six centers throughout the Chicagoland area today!
Reasons for Having an Ultrasound Exam during an Unexpected Pregnancy
Rule out Early Pregnancy Risks:
Typically during pregnancy, a fertilized egg is attaches itself to your uterus. But in about 1 out of every 50 pregnancies, the fertilized egg attaches elsewhere, latching onto the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix. A pregnancy test may still reveal the news of an unexpected pregnancy to you, but a fertilized egg cannot properly grow outside of the uterus during an ectopic pregnancy. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency. An ultrasound exam may help rule out the possibility of this condition, and the medical professionals conducting the procedure may be able to give you more information about ectopic pregnancy risks and symptoms.
Medical professionals may also use an ultrasound to confirm if there’s a risk of a miscarriage. They may compare ultrasound measurements with the date of your last menstrual period or your hCG levels to determine the viability of the pregnancy. Those administering the test may check for the presence of a fetal heartbeat, as its presence may indicate the odds of a miscarriage are low. If you still have questions about any potential health risks, please do not hesitate to ask, as your physical well-being is important, regardless of whether you plan to continue the pregnancy or not.
Learning the Pregnancy’s Gestational Age:
An ultrasound can be a valuable tool for learning about the development of the pregnancy, as after having taken a pregnancy test, an ultrasound exam can confirm the results. Attempting to calculate the age of your unexpected pregnancy by yourself can be confusing, especially if you do not keep a regular fertility chart. The technicians administering the ultrasound exam for your unexpected pregnancy may be able to provide you with the age of your pregnancy. This can be especially important when looking into your pregnancy options, as the development of the pregnancy may impact your decision regarding abortion, adoption, or parenting.
Seeking Consultation for an Unexpected Pregnancy after an Ultrasound Exam
After gathering relevant information about your unexpected pregnancy’s age, as well as ruling out the possibility of any potential health risks, you may want to seek additional support. There may be a lot for you to process, and receiving support through a nonjudgmental environment may help you to be able to hear your unexpected pregnancy plan out loud.
The following are individuals who may be able to supply you with information about your unexpected pregnancy options, and encourage you to ask questions before you make your choice:
- A trusted friend or family member
- A reliable counselor
- A healthcare provider
- A pregnancy consultant
- An adoption specialist
You deserve to know you have access to a wide range of resources throughout your unexpected pregnancy. A supportive professional, such as a pregnancy consultant, may be able to walk you through each of your options, ensuring you have access to accurate information before you decide. After an ultrasound exam, having a kind professional who’s there to learn about your situation and offer you assistance may help ease some of the pressures that come with an unexpected pregnancy decision.
Avenue Women’s Center cares about reducing the stress that may be associated with making an unexpected pregnancy decision. Our early pregnancy services are available at no cost to you, equipping you with important information in your decision-making process. Our compassionate staff will take the time to discuss your results with you, providing you with a private consultation session to offer support through an unexpected pregnancy decision. Contact us today to receive free information about your pregnancy!
References:
- Tenore, M.D., S.M., Josie L. (2000, Feb). American Family Physician. Ectopic Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0215/p1080.html.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2018, Feb). Ectopic Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ectopic-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false
- Very Well Family. (2019, Sept). Using hcG Levels to Diagnose Miscarriage. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellfamily.com/diagnosing-early-miscarriage-symptoms-with-hcg-levels-2371364.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2017, June). Ultrasound Exams. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ultrasound-Exams?IsMobileSet=false#used
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.