A positive pregnancy test can be stressful if you weren’t planning on becoming pregnant. Many women immediately begin to think about their pregnancy options. But before you make a pregnancy decision, it’s important to first understand if your pregnancy is viable. What exactly is a viable pregnancy? And why is it important to know if your pregnancy is viable?
Viability may be only one of many concerns you might have about your pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center can help address your concerns with free medical grade pregnancy tests and confidential pregnancy consultations. Connect with us to learn more and make a free appointment at one of our five locations in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois.
What is a viable pregnancy?
Before you weigh your options, it can be helpful to first gain a better understanding of your pregnancy and its viability. A viable pregnancy is “a pregnancy that is likely to continue to full term,” as described by the Better Health Channel of the Department of Health & Human Services. This essentially means the pregnancy shows positive signs of developing normally. However, a viable pregnancy isn’t necessarily perfectly healthy and free of any issues or concerns, but rather a pregnancy with a reasonable likelihood to continue.
How can I learn if my pregnancy is viable?
An ultrasound is one commonly-used method to determine and confirm a viable pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that detect or aid in the detection of abnormalities and conditions related to pregnancy.” An early ultrasound can help assess how your pregnancy is developing and if it’s likely to continue, or whether it’s a nonviable pregnancy likely to end in miscarriage. It’s also best to seek medical attention from a doctor or medical professional to fully examine viability as well as your health, since every woman’s body responds differently to pregnancy.
Why is it important to know if my pregnancy is viable?
Learning if you have a viable pregnancy is vital to your personal health and safety. A nonviable pregnancy can have serious and even life-threatening complications, and while there are signs and symptoms of early pregnancy loss (such as abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding), some women may experience a miscarriage without even realizing it. Finding out if your pregnancy is viable with early detection can be a critical measure of prevention and assessment for your personal health. Additionally, it’s important to know if your pregnancy is viable to better understand the options available to you. Whether you’re looking into abortion, adoption, or parenting, learning how and if your pregnancy will progress normally can help you make an informed pregnancy decision.
If you or someone you know might be pregnant, learning more about viability is an important first step of your pregnancy decision. Avenue Women’s Center is a limited medical clinic here to support you with free and confidential services. Avenue offers pregnancy tests with accurate results, as well as limited medical ultrasounds for qualifying clients to help you better understand if your pregnancy is viable. We are committed to providing you with a caring, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment as you make an informed pregnancy decision. Call, text, email, or chat with us today to learn more!
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. (2017, November) Ultrasound: Sonogram. Retrieved October, 2018 from: http://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/ultrasound/.
- Department of Health & Human Services. State Government of Victoria, Australia. Better Health Channel. (2018) Medical terms and definitions during pregnancy and birth. Retrieved October, 2018 from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ServicesAndSupport/medical-terms-and-definitions-during-pregnancy-and-birth.
- Mayo Clinic. (2016, July) Miscarriage. Retrieved October, 2018 from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298.
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.