If you have recently received a positive pregnancy test, you likely have many questions about what comes next.
One of the most common questions women ask is: How far along am I?
While the date of your last period can offer a rough estimate, it is not always accurate enough to rely on for important health decisions.
An ultrasound is a safe, painless, and most reliable way to determine how far along your pregnancy is.
Using an Ultrasound to Determine Gestational Age?
Gestational age refers to how far along a pregnancy is, typically measured in weeks.
During an ultrasound, a trained sonographer uses sound waves to produce a detailed image of the uterus and the developing pregnancy inside it.
An early-pregnancy ultrasound is the most precise method for confirming how far along a pregnancy is.
Many women calculate their gestational age based on the first day of their last menstrual period, but this approach assumes a perfect 28-day cycle and can be off by a week or more.
Knowing your accurate gestational age also matters because certain options, including the abortion pill, are only approved by the FDA for use through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Even a one-week difference in gestational age can affect which options are available to you.
What Else Can an Ultrasound Reveal?
Beyond confirming gestational age, an ultrasound provides two additional and essential pieces of information for your health and safety.
Viability of Pregnancy
A positive pregnancy test confirms that the pregnancy hormone hCG is present in your body, but it cannot tell you whether the pregnancy is still actively developing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, between 10 and 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with most occurring during the first trimester.
An ultrasound can detect whether your pregnancy is ongoing.
If a miscarriage has already occurred or is in progress, you would need different medical guidance rather than making decisions based on an active pregnancy.
Location of Pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy develops inside the uterus. In some cases, however, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
When this occurs, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with the abortion pill and requires immediate medical intervention to protect your health.
We’re Here to Help
Understanding the details of your pregnancy is one of the most important first steps you can take, no matter what path you are considering.
At Chester County Connect Care, we provide free pregnancy testing, free limited ultrasounds, and confidential consultations in a judgment-free environment.
Our caring staff is here to provide you with accurate information and genuine support so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment. You deserve to have all the facts.