A Positive Result Is Only Part of the Story

A positive pregnancy test confirms one thing: hCG is present in your system. What it cannot tell you is how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, or whether the pregnancy is developing as expected. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm these important details.

For many women, this appointment turns uncertainty into clarity, providing information they can use to move forward.

What an Ultrasound Measures

During your ultrasound appointment, a registered nurse will look at three key pieces of information:

Gestational Age: Knowing how far along you are is one of the most important things to establish. Gestational age affects your options and provides a much clearer picture of what comes next. An advocate can also help you estimate a due date based on this information.

Location: A healthy pregnancy develops inside the uterus. In some cases, a pregnancy can implant outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm that your pregnancy is located where it should be.

Viability: In the early weeks of pregnancy, cardiac activity is one of the first indicators of how the pregnancy is developing and can provide important information about the likelihood of miscarriage, which occurs in about 1 in 4 known pregnancies.

Our medical staff will check for a fetal heartbeat and walk you through any questions during your appointment.

The Science Behind an Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. These sound waves bounce off internal structures and return to the machine, which translates them into a real-time image on a screen. There is no radiation involved, and the procedure is non-invasive.

In early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound may provide a more detailed image. This involves inserting a small, thin wand into the vagina, especially in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

An abdominal ultrasound is often used as pregnancy progresses. A small amount of gel is applied to your abdomen, and a handheld device is moved over your abdomen to capture images. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and completely safe.

Our medical staff will walk you through what to expect before the procedure begins.

Your Visit, Step by Step

Knowing what to expect before you come in can make a real difference. Here is how your ultrasound appointment at Alpha Clinics typically goes:

• You will be welcomed by our front desk staff and checked in.
• A patient advocate will sit with you before the procedure to answer any questions and walk you through what is about to happen.
• Your ultrasound will be performed by a registered nurse in a private, comfortable setting.
• Your results will be shared with you immediately following the procedure.
• Your patient advocate will help you understand your results and talk through next steps.

Your appointment is completely free and confidential from start to finish. You are never handed results and left to figure things out on your own. We are with you the entire time.

Schedule an appointment today to get started with a pregnancy test.