An Ultrasound is Your next step
After a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound is one of the most important next steps you can take. It gives you the medical information you need to understand what’s happening with your pregnancy and helps you make an informed decision about your future.
At Options for Women, many of our patients qualify for a free limited ultrasound following a positive pregnancy test at one of our locations.
Parent Consent Not Required • Free and Confidential
• Same-Day or Next Appointments Available
• Hablamos Español
An Ultrasound is your Next Step
After a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound is one of the most important next steps you can take. It gives you the medical information you need to understand what’s happening with your pregnancy and helps you make an informed decision about your future.
At Options for Women, many of our patients qualify for a free limited ultrasound following a positive pregnancy test at one of our locations.
Parent Consent Not Required • Free and Confidential • Same-Day or Next Appointments Available • Hablamos Español
What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of what’s happening inside your body.
During your appointment:
A small amount of gel is placed on your abdomen.
A hand-held device called a transducer gently moves over your stomach.
- If we are unable to detect an image through an abdomen ultrasound, we will perform an internal one with a slim fitting probe.
- Sound waves create a digital image of your uterus and pregnancy, which appears on a monitor.
There is no radiation involved, and the process is typically comfortable and quick.
Why Is An Ultrasound So Important?
A pregnancy test only detects the hormone hCG. It cannot tell you:
How far along you are
Whether the pregnancy is viable
Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
An ultrasound provides three critical pieces of information:
1. Viability
Viable means the pregnancy is developing as expected and a heartbeat is detectable.
According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 20% of known pregnancies end in natural miscarriage — and many occur before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.
Because pregnancy hormones can remain in your body for days or even weeks after a miscarriage, it’s possible to receive a positive pregnancy test result even if the pregnancy is no longer progressing. An ultrasound confirms what is truly happening.
2. Gestational Age
Knowing how far along you are is essential for understanding your health, identifying potential risks, and determining next steps.
This can impact:
-
Your pregnancy options
- Your prenatal care
- Treatment for pregnancy complications
- Possible medical procedures
An ultrasound provides accurate dating and medical information so you can move forward with clarity.
If you’re seeking an abortion, please refer to our abortion pill and abortion information page to learn more.
3. Location of the Pregnancy
About 2% of pregnancies develop outside the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.
Because these areas cannot safely support a growing pregnancy, it can become life-threatening if not treated.
Warning signs may include:
One-sided pelvic or abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding
Shoulder pain
Dizziness or fainting
Diagnosis is made with blood tests (hCG levels) and ultrasound.
Treatment may involve medication or surgery, depending on how early it’s detected and whether there are signs of rupture.
Ultrasound FAQ
Am I Pregnant? Know For Sure.
First, you need to know if you are really pregnant. Pregnancy tests can sometimes show false results. Free pregnancy confirmation is available at Options for Women by ultrasound. At your first appointment, our nurses will determine if you meet the criteria for an ultrasound.
Second, you need to know how far along you are. This is important to ensure you receive the care you need. But it is also important if you are planning to have an abortion.
Why have an ultrasound if I’m thinking about an abortion?
Before making a decision about abortion, it’s important to understand your health and confirm key details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound can verify whether you are truly pregnant, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and if it is developing normally. Since up to 20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, an ultrasound is the best way to confirm a viable pregnancy.
An ultrasound can also determine how far along you are, which helps identify what options may be available to you. If you currently have an IUD, it is important to speak with a medical provider, as it usually needs to be removed if pregnancy occurs.
It’s also important to consider STD testing, which we offer for free for men and women at all our clinic locations. Many sexually transmitted infections show no symptoms, but untreated STDs can increase the risk of complications and affect your reproductive health. Getting tested helps you better understand your overall health before making a decision.
Taking these steps can give you the clear medical information you need to make a confident and informed decision about your next steps.
What Will I Find out at a Limited Ultrasound?
A Limited Ultrasound Will:
– Detect a fetal heartbeat
– Estimate the due date
– Check the number of fetuses
– Verify the pregnancy is in the proper place
– Recommend immediate medical care at an emergency room if needed
A Limited Ultrasounds at Options for Women Will Not:
– Determine the baby’s sex
– Diagnose fetal abnormalities
– Replace prenatal care
Why Should I have an Ultrasound Through You?
We provide free ultrasounds to check if your pregnancy is viable and to determine the stage of fetal development. Since our services are free, nothing will show up on your insurance or be billed to you.
Your ultrasound information is 100% confidential. We’re here to support you as you discover your options in a safe, caring, and judgment-free space.
If you’re experiencing health issues like bleeding, spotting, or cramping, seek medical care right away. These could be signs of a miscarriage, and you may need further treatment.
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Options For Women Pregnancy Help Clinic offers free services and remains confidential for our clients.
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