Receiving a positive pregnancy test can bring a mix of emotions, questions, and uncertainty, especially if the pregnancy was unexpected. One important next step is an ultrasound. This scan provides key health-related information about your pregnancy and can help you make informed decisions about your health and next steps.
At Alpha Omega Center, compassionate staff provide free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. We are here to answer questions, explain results, and provide information as you learn more about your pregnancy.
Take the next step with a confidential appointment.
Why an Ultrasound Is Important
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and developing pregnancy. While a pregnancy test confirms pregnancy by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an ultrasound provides additional details that testing alone cannot.
An ultrasound can:
- Confirm the pregnancy’s location, ensuring it is in the uterus and not ectopic (a pregnancy that develops in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus and requires urgent care)
- Assess viability, including whether the pregnancy shows signs of ongoing development or if a miscarriage has occurred; about 1 in 5 known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and an ultrasound can help provide clarity
- Estimate gestational age, helping determine how far along the pregnancy is, which can be important for planning care and understanding next steps
Having this information early can reduce uncertainty and help you make decisions based on clear, accurate medical facts.
When to Schedule Your Ultrasound
An ultrasound can be scheduled after a positive pregnancy test, though the most detailed results are typically seen between 7 and 8 weeks of pregnancy, when a heartbeat can often be detected. In some situations, a transvaginal ultrasound may detect the gestational sac, the first sign of a developing pregnancy, as early as 4.5 to 5 weeks of gestation; this sac surrounds the developing embryo and yolk sac and supports early development.
Scheduling an ultrasound early can also help set realistic expectations. Knowing how far along you are and what can typically be seen at that stage can reduce unnecessary worry and help you understand what comes next. Accurate information allows you to plan follow-up care and next steps with greater confidence.
Support and Guidance at Alpha Omega Center
Early ultrasound appointments can bring clarity, reassurance, and important insight into your pregnancy and health. Alpha Omega Center offers free, confidential ultrasounds in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where your questions are taken seriously.
Move forward by contacting us to schedule a free, confidential appointment.