Your Complete Ultrasound Information Guide to Your First Appointment

If you think you might be pregnant or had that positive home test and aren’t sure where to go next, consider seeking an ultrasound appointment to find out more. An ultrasound is a valuable medical diagnostic tool that can answer key questions about your unique situation and what your next medical steps might be. 

A pregnancy test is a great first step, but an ultrasound is the next step in the pregnancy confirmation process. Be sure you are confident in your next steps by finding out all the details about your pregnancy needs and what options you might be eligible to receive. 

One of the best ways to do this is through an ultrasound. Below, we’ve provided some useful ultrasound information to answer your questions.

What is an Ultrasound? 

An ultrasound is a medical imaging technology that has been safely used in a number of medical contexts for over 60 years. You may also hear an ultrasound in pregnancy referred to as a sonogram. 

Ultrasound machines produce high-frequency sound waves. Medical News Today explains it simply, “Ultrasound is sound that travels through soft tissue and fluids, but it bounces back, or echoes, off denser surfaces. This is how it creates an image.”

Ultrasound Information: Two Fetal Ultrasound Types

An ultrasound is a simple process that may include one of two fetal ultrasound types: 

Transabdominal ultrasound: This is the most commonly known type of ultrasound, where a transducer device is moved over your abdomen with a gel substance to detect your pregnancy. 

Transvaginal ultrasound: This type of ultrasound uses a wand-like device (placed in your vagina) that creates sound waves to detect your pregnancy. This type of ultrasound is mostly done to detect very early pregnancies. 

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound? 

Ultrasound exams are the most effective way to determine several key details about your pregnancy, including: 

1. To Confirm the Viability of the Pregnancy

The imaging created by an ultrasound can help determine if your pregnancy is viable – as in, it is continuing to grow and progress, and a heartbeat can be detected. It can also alert you to any complications or areas of concern that may require further medical attention. 

2. To Confirm the Location of the Pregnancy

Ultrasound information is very important for your next medical steps to know if the pregnancy is properly located in the uterus. Otherwise, you may be at risk for ectopic pregnancy when a pregnancy exists outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention, and any delay in treatment could be detrimental to your health. Ultrasound information is the only way to fully diagnose this concern, so it is very important to your health and safety to find this critical information. 

3. To Determine the Gestational Age

Your next steps may be determined by how far along you are in pregnancy. Ensure that you are making a confident choice that is right for your unique medical needs by finding out the gestational age of your pregnancy. 

Where Can I Go for My First Ultrasound Appointment? 

At Life Line, our professional team offers free ultrasound exams, pregnancy testing, options consultations, and more. You can get your questions answered and know you are making an informed, confident next step. We are dedicated to providing accurate ultrasound information and are happy to address any questions you may have. Our appointments are always confidential and at no cost to you. 

Schedule your free ultrasound appointment today to learn more about your options and get key information to move forward with confidence. You are not alone as you navigate your pregnancy options; we are here to help.