When you see a positive pregnancy test, it may feel like everything is clear — but a home test tells you only one thing: that a hormone called hCG is present in your body. It does not tell you the full story of what’s happening inside. That’s where an ultrasound becomes essential. Before making any pregnancy decision — whether you’re considering parenting, adoption, or abortion — getting an ultrasound ensures your choice is based on complete, accurate medical information.
What an Ultrasound Actually Does
An ultrasound uses safe, low-power sound waves to create images of what is happening inside your body, including your uterus and pregnancy. Unlike a pregnancy test, an ultrasound doesn’t just confirm that hCG is present — it shows what’s happening.
1. Confirm Pregnancy and Viability
A positive test doesn’t confirm whether a pregnancy is viable — in other words, if it’s developing normally. Many early pregnancies end naturally. The Mayo Clinic notes that diagnostic ultrasounds view the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy to assess fetal health.(Mayo Clinic)
Through ultrasound, medical professionals can often detect a fetal heartbeat — a key sign that a pregnancy is progressing — or identify a situation where the pregnancy is not viable. This can completely change what choices are medically appropriate.
2. Know Exactly How Far Along You Are
How far along you are affects your options. Dating based on your last period can be inaccurate, but ultrasound provides the best estimate of gestational age. Determining how many weeks pregnant you are is critical because medical procedures and eligibility for certain care depend on accurate dating.
3. Detect the Location of the Pregnancy
One of the most important roles of an early ultrasound is confirming that the pregnancy is where it should be. Sometimes a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus — most often in a fallopian tube — in a condition called an ectopic pregnancy. This isn’t a viable pregnancy and can become a medical emergency if not treated promptly.
Only an ultrasound can confirm the location of the pregnancy, protecting your health and ensuring you receive appropriate care.
4. It’s Safe and Medically Recommended
Ultrasound uses sound waves — not radiation — and is recognized as a safe way to view your pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic highlights that ultrasounds are widely used in pregnancy care because they are safe and effective for monitoring pregnancy progress.(Mayo Clinic)
Making an Informed Choice Starts with Knowledge
Decisions about your pregnancy are deeply personal and significant. Having complete and accurate medical information helps you make the choice that’s right for you — not based on uncertainty, but on clarity.
An ultrasound doesn’t tell you what decision you must make — it simply gives you the most trusted medical picture of your pregnancy so you can decide with confidence.
If you’ve had a positive test and haven’t yet had an ultrasound, we’re here for you. Contact us for a no-cost, confidential ultrasound and compassionate support as you navigate your options. Your health, your future, and your decision deserve the best information.
First Choice Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions.