Why Does an Ultrasound Come After a Pregnancy Test?
A pregnancy test detects hCG, a hormone the body begins producing after an embryo implants in the uterine lining. The presence of hCG can indicate pregnancy, but a confirmation ultrasound may provide the following details:
- How far along the pregnancy is
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- Whether cardiac activity can be detected
This information can help protect your health and determine whether additional medical care may be needed.
What Can an Ultrasound Show?
How Far Along Is the Pregnancy?
The number of weeks a pregnancy has developed is called the gestational age. An ultrasound uses measurements taken during the scan to provide an estimate.
This estimate may be different from what you calculated using the first day of your last period, especially if your cycles are irregular or you do not remember the date. Gestational age can affect pregnancy care and the medical procedures available at different points in pregnancy.
Where Is the Pregnancy Located?
An ultrasound may show whether the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus. This matters because a pregnancy located outside the uterus is known as an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy requires medical treatment and cannot be treated with the abortion pill. Cove Care’s ultrasound does not diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. If the pregnancy cannot be seen inside the uterus or the scan raises a medical concern, you may be referred for additional evaluation.
Can Cardiac Activity Be Detected?
Depending on gestational age, cardiac activity may be visible during the scan. If it is not detected, the pregnancy may be too early, or the finding may raise concern about a possible miscarriage.
The nurse will explain what was observed and whether a repeat scan or follow-up with another healthcare provider may be recommended.
How Does an Ultrasound Work?
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. It does not use X-rays or radiation.
Depending on the timing of the pregnancy, the scan may be performed abdominally or transvaginally:
- Abdominal ultrasound: Gel is applied to the abdomen, and a transducer is moved across the skin.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A covered, lubricated transducer is inserted into the vagina. This method may provide a clearer view during early pregnancy.
Both methods use a transducer to send sound waves into the body and receive the reflected echoes. The ultrasound equipment translates those echoes into images that can be viewed on a screen.
Before beginning, the nurse will explain which method is recommended, answer your questions, and ask for your consent. Afterward, the available findings will be reviewed with you.
What If I Have Concerning Symptoms?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or one-sided abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, or unusual bleeding. These can be symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy or another condition requiring urgent care.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Cove Care does not provide emergency medical services.
Ask Whether You Qualify
Before an ultrasound is scheduled, you will complete a pregnancy test, and a nurse will review your timing and other medical criteria. Contact us or choose an upcoming mobile stop to find out whether you qualify.