Viability Ultrasound Brenham, Texas
All of the following information has been cited; citations can be found in the References section at the bottom of this page.
At your appointment, you will be provided a lab-quality pregnancy test first. If positive, you will be offered an ultrasound. A free ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy, meaning that the pregnancy is developing normally and the fetus has the potential to survive outside the womb, and estimate how far along in pregnancy you are.
An estimated 26% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage.¹ That is why it’s important to confirm if your pregnancy is viable, meaning that the pregnancy is developing normally and the fetus has the potential to survive outside the womb.
Do I need an ultrasound before an abortion?
An abortion clinic may or may not offer an ultrasound before an abortion, though sometimes they do. An ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy, meaning that the pregnancy is developing normally and the fetus has the potential to survive outside the womb, and estimate how far along in pregnancy you are. If you are considering abortion, an ultrasound will provide important information that will tell you more about your options. Abortion costs vary depending on how far along you are and the abortion procedure that you receive. Speak with us today about our free ultrasound services.
The Purpose Of An Ultrasound
There are several things you can learn from an ultrasound. First, it can give an accurate estimation of how far along in the pregnancy you are by looking at fetal development. Additionally, the ultrasound can provide crucial health information, including fetal heartbeat, which ensures that the heart is beating correctly and normally based on how far along it is in development. Ultrasounds can also determine the location of the pregnancy. Some pregnancies develop outside of the uterus; these are called ectopic pregnancies.
Ectopic Pregnancies²
As mentioned, an ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg implants in an area outside of the uterus (for example, the fallopian tubes). Though ectopic pregnancies are relatively rare, it is very important to check for them, as they can cause severe, and potentially life-threatening, issues. Fetuses who develop outside of the uterus can potentially damage your organs and/or cause severe blood loss.
Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy May Include:
- Sharp abdominal or pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Dizziness or fatigue
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
Miscarriage³
Ultrasounds can also provide important information regarding miscarriages. Between 10 and 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to statistics from the Mayo Clinic, and they can be caused by a wide variety of factors.
Causes Of Miscarriages Include:
- Infection
- Preexisting medical conditions
- Hormones
- Compromised immune system
- Abnormalities in the uterus
- Weakened cervix
- Age
- Alcohol or drug use
- STDs or other diseases
No matter your health or the caution you take during pregnancy, there is always a chance you may miscarry. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of the symptoms that could preclude a miscarriage, including cramping, bleeding, abdominal pain, fever and/or back pain.
REFERENCES
1. Information taken from National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). “Miscarriage.” Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532992/
2. Information taken from the Mayo Clinic (2021). “Ectopic pregnancy.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
3. Information taken from the Mayo Clinic (2021). “Miscarriage.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
