If you think you might be pregnant, getting clear and reliable information early can help you better understand what is happening. Pregnancy testing is often the first step, but it may not provide all the details needed to fully assess your situation.
Pregnancy Care Center Tennessee offers pregnancy testing, ultrasound referrals, and access to resources designed to support you as you gather information and consider next steps.
Schedule an appointment today to get started.
What Pregnancy Testing Can and Cannot Show
Pregnancy testing works by detecting the hormone hCG, which develops after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. A positive result suggests that pregnancy is likely, but it does not explain how the pregnancy is progressing.
Testing alone does not provide information about location, gestational age, or whether the pregnancy appears to be developing. This is where an ultrasound is especially crucial.
Understanding What an Ultrasound Reveals
An ultrasound is used to gather more detailed information about a pregnancy. This imaging can help provide insight into several important factors.
It can determine whether the pregnancy appears to be developing, estimate how far along you may be, and indicate where it is located. These details can support more informed discussions and help you identify your next steps.
Considering Situations That May Require Medical Attention
Certain conditions cannot be detected by pregnancy testing alone. For example, in some cases, a pregnancy may develop outside the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it cannot progress normally. Without immediate medical attention, life-threatening bleeding and other complications can occur.
In addition, some pregnancies may not continue as expected. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, sometimes without clear symptoms. What’s more, you can still receive a positive pregnancy test even after a pregnancy has ended, because it takes time for hCG levels to decrease in the body.
Having access to additional information through an ultrasound will pinpoint whether your pregnancy is progressing and where it is located, ensuring you can receive medical treatment as needed.
Why Timing and Accuracy Matter
Understanding how far along a pregnancy is helps evaluate the next steps. Estimating gestational age solely from a menstrual cycle may not always be precise, particularly when cycles are irregular.
An ultrasound can provide a more accurate estimate, which is needed for determining your options. For example, medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. Taking abortion drugs after this timeframe is not recommended, as it poses additional risks to your health.
Access to Referrals and Supportive Resources
Pregnancy Care Center Tennessee provides pregnancy testing and can offer referrals for ultrasound services. Resources are also available to support you as you navigate questions about your pregnancy.
This includes information about your options so you can make educated decisions and fully understand each one.
Moving Forward with Information
If you believe you may be pregnant, starting with pregnancy testing can provide an initial answer. From there, an ultrasound referral provides additional details that offer a better picture of your pregnancy and health.
Contact Pregnancy Care Center Tennessee to learn more about pregnancy testing, ultrasound referrals, and available resources as you move forward.
NOTE: We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
The Pregnancy Care Center does not perform or refer for abortions.