The first thing you should do after a positive pregnancy test from Cornerstone Women’s Resource Centers is schedule an ultrasound. Whether you visit our clinic or mobile unit, we offer free and confidential first trimester ultrasounds. Before you can make any decision about your pregnancy, this is your next step.
What Is Ultrasound?
It sounds weird to create a picture with sound waves, but that is exactly what an ultrasound does. Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body. The procedure takes place outside of your body with very little discomfort.
Cornerstone has a sonograph technician that applies a lubricating gel to your stomach. Then, a hand-held device called a transducer is rubbed over the gel on your skin. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the echoes that bounce back, and creates an image on a computer screen.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
You need to learn as much information as possible about your pregnancy in order to make any decisions. The best way is through an ultrasound. All ultrasounds performed at Cornerstone are in accordance with best medical practices and guidelines. The Mayo Clinic says an ultrasound examination is done to evaluate the presence, size, location of the pregnancy, and estimate how long you’ve been pregnant (gestational age).
You will answer questions like:
- Am I really pregnant?
- How far along am I?
- Where is the pregnancy located in my body?
- Is the pregnancy viable (does it have a heartbeat)?
An ultrasound will locate the pregnancy to confirm the positive result of your pregnancy test and determine if it is viable. Viability means a heartbeat is detected. If there is no heartbeat, it may be too early in your pregnancy, or you may have naturally miscarried.
Once a heartbeat is detected and the pregnancy located, the technician will measure the fetus and estimate, based on its size, how far along you are. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside of the uterus, it is considered an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy is very dangerous and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Ultrasound appointments are available on the Mobile Unit. Please click here to view the full schedule.
After the Ultrasound
When the ultrasound is complete, your client advocate will sit down with you and discuss the results. You will know how far along you are, if a heartbeat was found, and where your pregnancy is located.
Talk to your advocate and share your concerns. Let her know about your personal goals and in turn, she will tell you about the options available. You can trust that everything you share will be kept in strictest confidence. We truly care about you and want to help. You are not alone. This is a life-changing decision and we want to walk this path with you.