If you test positive for pregnancy, our next step is to verify your pregnancy with a limited ultrasound. Our nurses are here to walk you through this process and help you understand the purpose of each step.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound uses high-frequency soundwaves to project an image of the pregnancy onto a screen. The soundwaves are projected into your body and based on how they bounce back, the machine interprets the variation and displays an image of the inside of your uterus.

What Types of Ultrasound Tests are There?

There are two types of ultrasound tests that Open Door nurses can conduct: abdominal and intravaginal.

The most common type of ultrasound for pregnancy is the abdominal ultrasound. During an abdominal ultrasound the nurse will use a wand on the outside of your lower abdomen, this wand transmits images of your pregnancy to the tv screen.

Intravaginal ultrasound will create the same images as an abdominal ultrasound. The only difference is that the screening is conducted by inserting a small wand a few inches into the vagina that broadcasts the ultrasound image onto the tv screen. Because the ultrasound waves do not have to travel through the abdomen an intravaginal ultrasound can be more effective. This can be helpful during the early stages of pregnancy in detecting a heartbeat, assessing accurate gestation, and if the pregnancy is ectopic.  

What To Expect During an Ultrasound

The nurse will determine the best and most effective ultrasound test for your pregnancy.

If you are receiving an abdominal ultrasound your nurse will ask you to lift your shirt and possibly slightly lower your bottoms. The nurse will apply a clear gel to your lower abdomen. This gel helps reduce the static and improves the clarity of the image. The nurse will then take a wand, called a transducer, and glide it across the gel over your abdomen.

During an intravaginal ultrasound you will receive a hospital gown to change into and will lie back on an exam table. The nurse will take the small ultrasound wand and, using lubricating gel, gently insert the wand a few inches into the vagina. While you may feel a little extra pressure during the exam an intravaginal ultrasound is not painful.

What is an Ultrasound For?

An ultrasound gives you the crucial information needed to make an informed choice for your unplanned pregnancy.

After ensuring the pregnancy is located in the uterus, the nurse will see of there is a detectable heartbeat. Lastly, the nurse will estimate the age of the pregnancy. Depending on how far along you are in the pregnancy will dictate the options available to you.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, we are here for you. Reach out today to make an appointment for free pregnancy testing and ultrasound today!