It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This rings true even for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Taking care of your health and following the recommended protocols during your unplanned pregnancy is very important.
In this article, we will discuss why ultrasounds are a part of standard prenatal protocol and how many you should expect during your pregnancy.
Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool that doctors use to gain insight about a pregnancy. Women are encouraged to have ultrasounds during pregnancy to confirm gestation (how far along you are), pregnancy location (whether the pregnancy is located within the uterus), and to diagnose any fetal complications.
Gestation
If you didn’t plan on getting pregnant, you might not know exactly when you conceived. An ultrasound will be able to tell you exactly how many weeks your pregnancy is, which will guide you in making decisions in the future.
Location
Did you know not every pregnancy will develop inside the uterus? A rare anomaly called an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.
Ectopic pregnancies are very dangerous and can cause severe internal bleeding if not removed. An ultrasound is the only way to know whether you have an ectopic pregnancy.
We recommend scheduling an ultrasound around 6-8 weeks for this very reason.
How Many Ultrasounds Do I Need?
Most healthy women with no pregnancy complications should expect to have two ultrasounds during their pregnancy. However, the exact number of ultrasounds needed during pregnancy is ultimately up to your doctor or healthcare team.
Where Can I Find No Cost Ultrasounds In My Area?
If you have recently had a positive pregnancy test, it’s time to schedule an ultrasound.
Fayette PRC proudly offers no cost ultrasounds to women in need. To schedule your confidential appointment, simply text 770-762-0804 or fill out this form.
Don’t leave your health to chance during an unplanned pregnancy. Reach out and get the support you need today!