Why Should I Confirm My Pregnancy?
Most people don’t realize that, by itself, a positive pregnancy test does not actually medically confirm a pregnancy. Urine and blood pregnancy tests work by measuring the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin – commonly known as the pregnancy hormone) present in your system, determining if your test results are positive or negative. While modern pregnancy tests can be quite accurate, it is possible to get a false result. In order to know how to best move forward, it is very important to have a good understanding of what is happening in your body.
Pregnancy Confirmation Ultrasound
The best way to figure out whether or not you are really pregnant is to get a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound. A confirmation ultrasound is vital for several reasons:
Confirmation: First, an ultrasound is helpful in determining if there really is a pregnancy, and if that pregnancy appears to be viable. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), "Early pregnancy loss is common, occurring in 10% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. Approximately 80% of all cases of pregnancy loss occur within the first trimester." It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result, even while being in the early stages of miscarriage.
Early Pregnancy Dating: Whether pregnancy is on your radar, or it would be a total shock, knowing the gestational age of the pregnancy can be extremely helpful. And, if you are trying to decide which pregnancy option is best for you (abortion, adoption, or parenting), this information may affect what is available to you. Through a first-trimester ultrasound, we can determine how far along you are by measuring the crown-rump-length (from the back of the baby’s head, to the back of its bottom) to determine gestational age. If you are very early in your pregnancy (click here to learn more about early pregnancy symptoms), measurements of the gestational sac may determine gestational age; however, without measuring a fetal pole (the earliest visual evidence of a developing fetus), pregnancy cannot be confirmed. First-trimester ultrasound dating is more accurate than late-term ultrasounds (accurate approximately within 5-7 days) and will also provide you with an approximate due date.
Ectopic Pregnancy: It is also important to rule out a potential ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy, which can be a life-threatening situation. This is when a pregnancy is not in the uterus, where it is supposed to be – but, instead, it has implanted outside of the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube. Early detection of ectopic pregnancy is crucial, and the best way this can be done is through an ultrasound. For your safety, it is important to clearly see the location of the pregnancy.
Number of Babies: A first-trimester, confirmation ultrasound can also show if you have a singleton (just one baby) pregnancy or if you are pregnant with multiples (twins or triplets, for example). It is natural to assume that your pregnancy is singleton, but many women forget about the possibility of multiples. Ultrasound can tell us the number of babies and, if twins, the type of twins (fraternal or identical). It should be noted that confirmation ultrasounds cannot be done solely for the purpose of detecting multiples; rather, this is information that may be gained during the process of the scan.
Getting a Confirmation Ultrasound
If you have not yet confirmed your pregnancy, Thrive Medical Clinic can help you get started. Our team is here to provide women and men experiencing an unplanned pregnancy with professional health services in a caring and non-judgmental environment. We provide an early pregnancy confirmation ultrasound at no cost, with no insurance needed, so that you are able to gather information and mentally process in a safe place that does not profit from any of your pregnancy decisions. We want you to thrive, not just survive.
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How a First-Trimester Ultrasound Works
For many women, especially after 8 weeks gestation, sufficient information about their pregnancy may be obtained with transabdominal ultrasound only. However, in early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound may be required to get better images and gather the information needed. A transvaginal ultrasound is safe and commonly performed during all stages of pregnancy. At Thrive Medical Clinic, you will always have a choice about whether a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. If you prefer not to have one performed, a rescan may need to be scheduled in order to obtain the necessary information for confirming a pregnancy.
Transabdominal ultrasound involves scanning through your lower abdomen. A small amount of ultrasound gel is put on the skin of the lower abdomen, with the ultrasound *transducer then scanning through this gel. The gel helps to improve contact between the *transducer and your skin. Drinking several glasses of water prior to your scan will help fill your bladder, creating a “window” through which we can better see.
Transvaginal ultrasound is an internal ultrasound. It involves scanning with the ultrasound *transducer placed in the vagina. A transvaginal ultrasound usually produces better and clearer images of the female pelvic organs including the developing pregnancy, because the ultrasound *transducer lies closer to these structures.
The thin transvaginal ultrasound *transducer is sterilized according to careful medical recommendations and is covered with a sterile, disposable protective sheath. A small amount of ultrasound gel is placed on the end of the *transducer, which is then gently inserted a short distance into the vagina.
Are ultrasounds safe?
There have been no reports of documented adverse fetal effects from diagnostic ultrasound procedures. Ultrasound involves the use of sound waves and is not a form of radiation. However, it is recommended that ultrasound imaging be performed efficiently and only when clinically indicated to minimize fetal exposure.
Making an Appointment
Scheduling a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound appointment with Thrive Medical Clinic is quick and simple. Just give us a call at 231-929-3488 or request an ultrasound appointment online using the button below. All of our services are confidential and entirely no-cost, with no insurance needed.
If you’re calling after hours, go ahead and leave a message with your name, number and the services that you’re interested in. Someone from our patient care team will call you back the following business day to help you set up an appointment.
How to Prepare
Because we care greatly about confidentiality, you will need to bring your photo ID with you to your appointment. This will help us set up a file for you and protect your privacy.
Also, if you are able, try not to empty your bladder right before your ultrasound appointment. Having a full bladder can actually help us see a clearer image during the abdominal scan, making the ultrasound more informative. You will have a Patient Care Assistant to help guide you through the necessary paperwork and answer any questions you may have. Once you are ready, our licensed sonographer will gather a brief medical history before performing the ultrasound.
What will my baby look like at the first-trimester ultrasound?
Your baby will change dramatically in appearance during this early part of the pregnancy. Your baby is busy growing and many changes are happening daily. Within the first month of pregnancy, the placenta is developing, your baby’s face takes shape with the mouth, lower jaw, and throat all developing. Blood cells are taking shape and circulation has begun.
By the 2nd month, facial features continue to develop. Ears, arms and leg buds are all in place and growing rapidly. Eyes, fingers, and toes are all also forming this month. The brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system have also taken shape and are beginning to function, allowing the baby to begin to move, although the mother cannot yet feel it.
By the end of the 3rd month (12 weeks), your baby is fully formed. Your baby has arms hands, fingers, feet and toes. Your baby can open and close its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails are forming as well as the beginnings of teeth. Your baby’s reproductive organs are also developed but are still difficult to distinguish on ultrasound. Your baby is now 7.6-10 cm (3-4 in) and weighs 1 ounce.
Reach Out
It’s our mission to provide women and men in the Grand Traverse area with realistic pregnancy solutions, practical resources and caring support. If you haven’t confirmed your pregnancy through ultrasound yet, reach out to us! All services are free and confidential, provided in a professional, safe and non-judgmental environment.
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