Ultrasounds have transformed pregnancy safety and outcomes by allowing health professionals to see inside a woman’s uterus and monitor progress. Keep reading to learn more about the types of ultrasounds during pregnancy.
If you haven’t confirmed your positive pregnancy test with an ultrasound, visit Alpha Omega Center. Our services are free, confidential, and available when you need them. We even offer same-day appointments and walk-ins.
Ultrasounds During Pregnancy: When Do They Happen?
Ultrasounds use the same technology for each scan; however, what they monitor will depend on the point in pregnancy. Usually, women require two ultrasounds during pregnancy: in the first trimester and at the 20-week mark.
First-Trimester Ultrasound Scan
This first ultrasound verifies the location of the pregnancy, gestational age (how long a woman has been pregnant), and whether or not the pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat. It’s vital for ruling out ectopic pregnancy.
After this scan, women will also know their potential due dates if they carry their pregnancies to term. They will learn their abortion options too, as medical abortions are limited to the first trimester (10 weeks of pregnancy).
These are the ultrasound scans that Alpha Omega Center offers to confirm pregnancy and learn important health details. After this scan, we can provide medical referrals for prenatal care.
20-Week Anatomy Scan
When a woman reaches twenty weeks of pregnancy, insurance companies typically cover a 20-week anatomy scan.
This scan will reveal whether the woman is having a boy or a girl, and review all the different parts of the baby. The sonographer takes pictures and measurements and sends the information to the OB-GYN, who will discuss the results with the expectant woman.
Additional Ultrasounds
A woman may receive more than two ultrasounds based on different pregnancy conditions. For instance, if a woman has gestational diabetes, her care team will recommend more scans to track the baby’s size every few weeks.
However, if a pregnant woman falls or is in an accident, more ultrasounds are also recommended to make sure everything looks okay.
Verify Your Pregnancy
After a positive pregnancy test, your next step is to verify your pregnancy details with an ultrasound scan. Visit Alpha Omega Center today for free and confidential early pregnancy services. You can count on us for support during this time.