No matter how old you are or where you’re at in life, learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant is always met with a jumble of emotions. Many women cycle through feeling scared, shocked, excited, and hopeful. All of these are normal reactions to experience alone or as a couple. If you’re like the millions of women who learn this information through a home pregnancy test, you should know that it doesn’t provide all the necessary information you need to make a fully informed decision.
The Limitations of Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests are a quick and easy way to gauge early on if you could be pregnant. These tests measure if the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced by your placenta is in your urine. This hormone is most concentrated in the morning, so most at-home tests recommend testing your urine right after waking up. However, there are limitations to these tests, making it important for you to schedule an appointment with a professional to learn more about your situation. By receiving a medical-grade pregnancy test and having an ultrasound you will be able to confirm the location, viability, and gestational age of the pregnancy.
The Crucial Role of Ultrasound
An ultrasound is an imaging procedure performed by a trained technician that uses sound wave technology to see inside your body. This procedure will help confirm the pregnancy is located in the uterus where it can safely grow. Ultrasound will also confirm if the pregnancy is viable, meaning there is the presence of a heartbeat. Lastly, an ultrasound can estimate how far along the pregnancy is, which is crucial for determining your options.
Risks of Skipping an Ultrasound
It is important to determine where a pregnancy is located as an ectopic pregnancy is a possibility. This means the pregnancy is not located in the uterus where it should be. This is a life-threatening condition and must be referred to a physician immediately. Another reason not to skip an ultrasound is to determine whether you are carrying twins. Having this knowledge may affect which options are available to you and the risks involved with certain procedures. It is estimated that 25% of pregnancies end in a miscarry, which means the pregnancy ends on its own. Knowing that you are not carrying a viable pregnancy can help you avoid an unnecessary procedure such as abortion.
Be Empowered to Make Informed Decisions
Ultrasound is a vital tool for your empowerment, ensuring you have all the facts to make an informed decision. Remember, a pregnancy test is only one piece of the puzzle that provides the information you need. The professionals at Grace Place are available to help provide resources, support, and to determine if you qualify for an ultrasound in our clinic at no cost. We encourage you to reach out and learn more about your options.
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