Discovering that you may be pregnant can be overwhelming. It can be a joyful time if you’re excited about the possibility. However, it can also be frightening, especially if the pregnancy is unplanned and you’re unsure about having a baby. If you feel worried about the situation, take a deep breath and try to relax. There’s no need to panic; you have time to think about your options. Remember, getting pregnant is not a disease; it’s a natural and normal process, and your body is beautifully designed to create and nurture new life.
After taking a home pregnancy test, your next step should be to get a lab-quality pregnancy test at a clinic. You can obtain a free lab-quality pregnancy test at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic in Hayden, Idaho. Our licensed medical professionals will work with you to create a plan that includes scheduling an ultrasound.
Why Should I Get an Ultrasound, and What Does it Show?
Most people are familiar with ultrasounds, but not everyone understands what they are and how they function. A limited obstetric ultrasound is often performed as early as five weeks six days into the pregnancy, but it is typically done between seven and nine weeks. You will receive specific instructions for your appointment to help the sonographer obtain clear images, such as drinking 24 ounces of water after emptying your bladder. The ultrasound process itself usually takes about 20 minutes, but plan to spend at least an hour at your appointment.
Ultrasound tests are non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedures used to evaluate various medical conditions. During a pregnancy ultrasound, you will lie on an exam table while a technician applies a warm gel to your abdomen. The technician then uses a probe that glides smoothly over the gel. This probe emits high-frequency sound waves, known as ultrasonic waves, which are beyond the range of human hearing. These waves bounce off your internal organs, and the ultrasound machine detects the returning sound waves to create images of what is inside your uterus. It’s important to note that ultrasonic waves are completely safe for both you and your baby.
Limited obstetric ultrasounds at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic are conducted for three specific purposes. The technician will determine the baby’s location within the uterus and accurately measure their size. This type of ultrasound is also used to confirm that the baby is properly attached to the placenta in a suitable position, helping to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which is non-viable and potentially life-threatening. Additionally, measuring the baby’s size provides a precise estimate of gestational age and projected due date, which can be particularly useful for individuals with irregular menstrual cycles before pregnancy.
If you are in the Hayden-Coeur d’Alene area, you can make an appointment at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic for this first scan. As noted above, while these first scans are usually administered at seven to nine weeks gestation, notify the clinic if you are experiencing any pain or unusual symptoms or if there is a family history of problematic pregnancies. If so, you may need to have an ultrasound sooner than seven weeks.
How Many Ultrasounds Are Needed During Pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends having at least one ultrasound, but it’s often helpful to have two. After your first scan, used primarily to confirm the pregnancy and ensure your baby is implanted correctly, your obstetrician-gynecologist or midwife will offer a second one sometime between weeks 18 and 22. This serves to check all your baby’s organs, make sure you have enough amniotic fluid, verify the position of your placenta, and take various measurements. This is called an anatomy scan ultrasound.
An anatomy scan ultrasound can be an exciting and reassuring experience, allowing you to observe how your baby is developing. During the scan, you’ll be able to see your baby’s hands, feet, face, and beating heart. The sonographer will also ask if you would like to know the baby’s sex. If your pregnancy is progressing well, you will likely not need any additional ultrasounds. However, if any complications or abnormalities arise during your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend further ultrasounds as needed.
Free Services Near Coeur D’Alene
At Open Arms, we believe that financial concerns should not prevent you from receiving quality prenatal care. That’s why we provide all of our services at no cost to you. You can call us or schedule an appointment directly through our website to access these services. During your first consultation, we will conduct a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. After that, we will arrange an appointment for your ultrasound.
Our advocate mentors hold one-on-one sessions with clients, where they engage in video-based lessons covering various topics such as prenatal care, parenting, relationships, life skills, and more. With over 400 lessons available, clients can earn points that can be used to make purchases in our boutique. Group classes and remote lessons are also available.
Getting an ultrasound in the first trimester is vital to safeguarding your health and preparing for your baby’s arrival. Call us at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic to book your free ultrasound appointment today.
