Ultrasound in Early Pregnancy

When you first discover you’re pregnant, you likely have many questions about your pregnancy journey. 

At The Keim Centers, we understand this pivotal moment in your life, and we’re here to help you understand one of the first important steps: the ultrasound examination.

What is an Ultrasound?

An obstetric ultrasound is your first window into your early pregnancy. Unlike the more detailed ultrasounds you could have later in a pregnancy, this specialized examination focuses on answering three fundamental questions that help determine your next steps in pregnancy care.

Essential Information Your Ultrasound Reveals

1. The first crucial piece of information that doctors look for in an ultrasound is the location of your baby. During the ultrasound, a nurse or doctor will carefully examine whether the baby has implanted properly within your uterus. This is vital because sometimes a baby may develop outside the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention. Your safety is the primary concern, and identifying the baby’s location helps ensure you receive appropriate care right away if needed.
2. The second key aspect that is examined is cardiac activity. The development of your baby’s heartbeat is an important early milestone in a pregnancy. While the heart typically begins beating around the end of the fourth week of pregnancy, you usually can’t detect it on ultrasound until about the sixth week. During your first trimester, doctors will observe the heartbeat visually on the screen rather than using audio monitoring, as this approach is considered safest for early development.
3. The third vital information that is gathered is your pregnancy’s gestational age. By measuring from the crown of your developing baby to the rump, doctors can provide you with the most accurate estimation of how far along you are in your pregnancy. This information is invaluable for planning your prenatal care and understanding your options moving forward.

Understanding the Scope of an Ultrasound

It’s important to understand what an ultrasound can and cannot tell you about your pregnancy. 

Think of it as a first chapter rather than the whole book. While it provides crucial initial information, it won’t reveal details like your baby’s gender or provide comprehensive information about your baby’s development. 

These details will come later through more complete ultrasounds at your healthcare provider’s office.

Comprehensive Support for Your Pregnancy Journey

The Keim Centers offers more than just ultrasound services. 

We provide a warm, welcoming, and private environment where you can find answers to your questions and access the support you need with same-day appointments. From pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds to confidential abortion consultations and educational resources, our team is committed to supporting you throughout your pregnancy journey.

We understand that each person’s situation is unique, and we’re here to provide personalized support that meets your needs. Our services are always confidential and provided at no cost to you, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to essential pregnancy care information and support.

If you’re considering an ultrasound or have questions about your options, we encourage you to reach out to one of our five locations in Virginia. Our compassionate team is ready to support you with accurate medical information and caring guidance as you navigate this important time in your life.