What a Positive Test Doesn’t Tell You
A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of hCG, a hormone your body produces during early pregnancy. It’s an important first step, but it only provides limited information.
It doesn’t show how far along you are or whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus. It also can’t provide a full picture of what’s happening early on in the pregnancy.
That’s where a limited ultrasound comes in. At Paris Pregnancy Care Center, we offer free, confidential ultrasounds to help provide a clearer understanding of your pregnancy.
What Actually Happens During an Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves, not radiation, to create images of what’s happening inside the body. During pregnancy, it allows medical staff to get a closer look at the uterus and see how things are developing.
The type of ultrasound used depends on how far along the pregnancy is. In early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound is often used because it provides a clearer view. This involves a small wand that is gently placed in the vagina to capture detailed images of the uterus.
Later in pregnancy, an abdominal ultrasound is typically used instead. A small amount of gel is applied to the abdomen, and the wand is moved across the skin to produce images.
Both types are routine and commonly used in early pregnancy care. Before the scan begins, a member of our team will walk you through what to expect so you feel prepared and comfortable.
Why an Ultrasound Matters
A limited ultrasound provides three key pieces of information that a pregnancy test alone cannot.
How far along the pregnancy is. Gestational age is an important part of understanding what stage the pregnancy is in and what may be relevant moving forward. Without that timeline, it’s harder to fully understand the context of your pregnancy.
Where the pregnancy is located. In most cases, pregnancy develops in the uterus. In some situations, pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires prompt medical attention. An ultrasound is how healthcare providers determine the location of the pregnancy.
Whether the pregnancy appears viable. An ultrasound can check for a heartbeat and give information about how the pregnancy is developing. Since not all pregnancies continue to progress, this can also help identify whether follow-up medical care may be needed.
About 1 in 4 known pregnancies ends in miscarriage, so this information can also provide important context about what your body may be experiencing.
Schedule Your Free Ultrasound
Every appointment is free and confidential. Our team is here to provide accurate information in a supportive, pressure-free environment and to answer any questions you may have.
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you can schedule a free limited ultrasound to learn more about your pregnancy.
