A positive pregnancy test tells you that you’re pregnant, but it doesn’t tell you if your pregnancy is developing normally. That’s where an ultrasound comes in. Up to 20% of known pregnancies end on their own, and sometimes your body still produces pregnancy hormones even if the pregnancy isn’t viable. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm if your pregnancy is progressing.
An ultrasound answers three key questions:
- Is the pregnancy viable? – Is there a heartbeat? Is the pregnancy developing?
- How far along are you? – This helps determine your options and next steps.
- Where is the pregnancy located? – In rare cases, a pregnancy can grow outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), which is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
If you’re considering abortion, knowing how far along you are is critical because it determines the type of procedure available to you.