North Care Women’s Clinic offers free ultrasounds to women who are pregnant. But why do you need one?

Whether you’re thinking about parenting, abortion or adoption, an ultrasound gives you valuable information you need to know, regardless of your decision.

An ultrasound image can determine the gestational age of the pregnancy, whether you have an intrauterine pregnancy, and the viability of the pregnancy.

Wait, what’s gestational age?

Gestational age is the common term used during pregnancy to describe how far along the pregnancy is. It is measured in weeks, from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual cycle to the current date. A normal pregnancy can range from 38 to 42 weeks.

How can an ultrasound tell that?

It is determined by measuring the size of the fetus.

An ultrasound is the most accurate way to date a pregnancy.

I already made my decision, so why do I need to know that?

Your gestational age is an important piece of information to know if you are considering carrying, as you can monitor the progress of your pregnancy at various stages. It is helpful in determining your due date.

If you’re considering abortion, your gestational age also determines what kind of procedure you have.  Read our abortion information for more information about what kind of procedure is performed up to how many weeks.

Got it. What does intrauterine pregnancy mean?

This means that the fetus is developing inside the uterus and that you do not have an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy outside of the uterus. Learn more about pregnancy complications. 

Ok, so then what’s a viable pregnancy?

A viable pregnancy is a healthy pregnancy inside the uterus that is not ending naturally.  Basically, checking for a viable pregnancy is checking to see if you are having a miscarriage. Learn more about pregnancy complications.

How can an ultrasound tell that?

An ultrasound shows whether the fetus is in the uterus and has a heartbeat, which would show that it is progressing.

That sounds important to know.

It is. If your pregnancy is ending naturally you will not need an abortion. That is important information to know before you schedule a procedure.

An ultrasound gives you valuable information that you need to know to make your decision.

North Care Women’s Clinic offers FREE ultrasounds to equip you with all the resources you need to make your decision. Don’t you think you owe it to yourself to find out about YOUR body?  Call us today at 215.855.2424 to make an appointment.

SOURCES:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002367.htm
https://www.acog.org/-/media/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/co611.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20141218T0646129888
http://sogc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/gui303CPG1402E.pdf
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gynecology/fetal_ultrasound_92,P09031/
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