Why Do Ultrasounds Matter?

No matter your situation, having clear and accurate information is important as you consider your next step. It might surprise you to learn that a missed period and a positive pregnancy test may not be enough information to determine if you are pregnant. Your next step is a free and confidential limited OB ultrasound from Guiding Star Wakota.

What Is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is also called sonography. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of your uterus. There are two types of ultrasound: abdominal and transvaginal. Guiding Star Wakota offers both.

Our sonographer can perform an abdominal ultrasound, capturing images from outside your body. The pregnancy can usually be verified as early as six weeks from the first day of your last period.

If you are very early in your pregnancy, our sonographer may provide a transvaginal ultrasound. A transducer (a wand-like instrument) is placed in your vagina. Images from a transvaginal ultrasound can often confirm an earlier pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasounds are generally not considered painful.

Confirming Essential Details

An ultrasound answers three critical questions:

Is My Pregnancy Viable?

Experts estimate that 26% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. That’s more than one in four pregnancies! Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test days or even weeks after a miscarriage. If the ultrasound detects a heartbeat, your pregnancy is developing.

How Far Along Am I?

Many women are surprised to learn that their pregnancy timing is completely off. Why is this important? If you’re considering abortion, the FDA approves the use of the abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are, the less effective the drugs are.

Where Is the Pregnancy Located?

Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy can develop only in the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is dangerous, even life-threatening. Abortion drugs do not end an ectopic pregnancy.

Take The Next Steps

We want you to have as much information as possible. Protect your health and safety by getting a free and confidential limited OB ultrasound at Guiding Star Wakota. We provide ultrasounds through the first trimester (12 weeks). Even if you’ve taken a positive home pregnancy test, schedule an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.

You deserve to have as much information as possible. Let Guiding Star Wakota provide it for you.