Ultrasounds
Learn of pregnancy details only revealed through ultrasound imaging
Ultrasounds provide three key details critical to your health, including the estimated age, location, and viability (whether a heartbeat can be detected) of your pregnancy.
The nurses at Heart to Heart are trained in Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound and can collect this information at our center.
How an Ultrasound Works
Ultrasound is an imaging tool that transmits safe, ultrasonic soundwaves that bounce back and produce an image on a screen. It will generate a real-time picture of the inside of your uterus.
Trained experts can review the images to take measurements and date the pregnancy. They can also see whether the pregnancy is inside or outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) and if a heartbeat is present.
Gestational Age
The gestational age of your pregnancy, or how far along you are, will indicate your available options.
If you are planning to parent or adopt, it will estimate your due date. If you are considering abortion, it can impact the type of procedure you’re eligible for based on state laws, safety, and other considerations.
Viable and Progressing
An ultrasound will screen for a detectable heartbeat to ensure the pregnancy is progressing and hasn’t ended.
If a heartbeat is not detected with an ultrasound, it’s either too early to detect, or there’s a chance of miscarriage. According to Mayo Clinic, this is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, and it happens in roughly 10-20% of known pregnancies.
Pregnancy Location
When a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus, this is considered an ectopic pregnancy.
The most common ectopic pregnancy location is in a fallopian tube, which is known as a tubal pregnancy. This nonviable pregnancy can become life-threatening as it grows because it can cause tubal rupture and bleeding. If discovered, it’s critical to seek medical care immediately.
How Do I Prepare?
Having a full bladder enhances the ultrasound images, so make sure to drink water beforehand. While you might feel nervous about this situation, please know our nurse will guide you through the scan.
Schedule an Appointment
Whether you know you’re pregnant or want to find out if you are, our ultrasound is free without any insurance or income requirements. Schedule an appointment today!
