If you’ve recently found out you’re pregnant, you may wonder what comes next. Following a positive pregnancy test, receiving an ultrasound is one of the most important steps. A first-trimester scan confirms key details about your pregnancy and can help you make future decisions.
At New Beginnings, we provide free ultrasounds to confirm vital information about your pregnancy. Here’s what you can expect from your first trimester ultrasound.
Understanding How an Ultrasound Works
Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create images of your uterus and developing pregnancy. These sound waves bounce off internal structures and create images on a screen for your medical provider to review.
Most women receive one or two ultrasounds during early pregnancy. Additional ultrasounds may be recommended if your provider needs to monitor the pregnancy more closely.
Your first ultrasound often takes place between six and eight weeks gestation. At this stage, a transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed to get the clearest view. During this scan, a small, wand-like device called a transducer is gently inserted into the vagina.
If your ultrasound occurs later in the first trimester, it may be done abdominally. During an abdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to your stomach, and the sonographer or nurse moves the transducer over your abdomen to view the pregnancy.
Most ultrasounds don’t require special preparation, but you may be asked to arrive with a full bladder to help produce clearer images.
Why This Scan Matters
Your first ultrasound does more than just confirm the pregnancy—it gives you vital details about your health. Here’s what it reveals:
Viability
Is your pregnancy developing as expected? An ultrasound will determine whether your pregnancy is progressing and if there is a heartbeat. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which may require monitoring or treatment to prevent complications.
Gestational Age
How far along are you? This information helps determine your estimated due date and can help you weigh what options are available to you. For example, abortion pills are only FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.
Location
Is the pregnancy in the uterus? In rare cases, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical treatment to prevent serious complications.
Take Your First Step Confidently
Getting an ultrasound is essential to making informed decisions and deciding what’s next. We’re here to support you with free ultrasounds and information, ensuring your questions are answered and you feel confident.
Make a free and confidential appointment today to get started.
New Beginnings of Winchester does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.