Your first ultrasound establishes essential information about your pregnancy. It lays the groundwork for what to expect during future appointments and helps you get a clear picture of your pregnancy’s development.
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics provides obstetrical ultrasounds to gather those critical details. Receiving this scan is essential to monitoring your pregnancy’s health.
Continue reading to learn what to expect at that first ultrasound appointment.
The Ins and Outs of an Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off your body’s internal structures, including the pregnancy and your reproductive organs. These sound waves transform into images on a screen, letting your healthcare provider review the pregnancy’s development.
Typically, women will have one or two ultrasounds during pregnancy. This may change if your provider requires additional monitoring or if your pregnancy is high-risk.
Knowing what to expect at your first appointment can help set your mind at ease if you’ve never had an ultrasound before.
First, know that your initial ultrasound will likely occur around six to eight weeks gestation. Early in pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound will occur. You will lie on an exam table, and the ultrasound technician, registered nurse or sonographer will gently insert a small wand-like device called a transducer into the vagina. You might feel some pressure when it’s inserted and it should not cause any pain.
If the ultrasound is later in the pregnancy, you will likely only have an abdominal ultrasound. Gel is applied to your belly, and the transducer is placed against the abdomen to complete the scan.
No extra preparation is required for an ultrasound, though you may be required to have a full bladder to help produce clearer images.
Why Does the Ultrasound Matter?
Without ultrasounds, you won’t have the whole picture. The initial obstetrical ultrasound confirms your pregnancy, offering vital information you need to protect your health.
Your first ultrasound provides the following details:
Viability
Is your pregnancy progressing, and is there a detectable heartbeat? As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. You may require further monitoring or medical treatment to prevent complications.
Gestational Age
How far along are you? Knowing this information will help pinpoint the expected due date.
If you are still weighing your options, it can also help provide clarity. For example, medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. Taking the abortion pill past that timeframe isn’t recommended and you deserve to know how far along you are before making a decision.
Location
Is your pregnancy located in the uterus? Some women experience an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the embryo implants in another location (like a fallopian tube or the cervix).
This condition is extremely dangerous and requires immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.
An ultrasound will supply this essential information, empowering you to take charge of your reproductive health and determine your next steps.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Today
RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers obstetrical ultrasounds following a positive lab-grade urine pregnancy test enabling you to make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Our highly trained medical staff will answer your questions and ensure you feel confident about your next steps.
As a Medi-Cal and presumptive eligibility provider, RealOptions offers services with or without insurance.
Schedule a low-to-no-cost appointment today to get started.
400 30th St #401
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 891-9998
1671 The Alameda #101
San Jose, CA 95126
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12 N White Rd #1
San Jose, CA 95127
(408) 272-5577
33523 Western Ave
Union City, CA 94857
(510) 487-4357
Disclaimer: This website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
