Ultrasound Services
Pregnancy Confirmation | What Is It?
An ultrasound, sometimes referred to as a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of specified parts of the inside of the body. This procedure allows licensed medical professionals such as registered diagnostic medical sonographers (RDMS) and nurses to monitor a fetus, as well as diagnose a condition or guide a surgeon during certain procedures. Some abortion clinics use this technology during an ultrasound-guided abortion.
If you suspect you’re pregnant and you’re unsure what your first step should be, you’ve arrived at the right place. At Care Net of Missoula in Missoula, Montana, we provide women facing unintended pregnancies with the information they need to make an empowered and informed pregnancy decision. After taking a lab-quality pregnancy test at our clinic, an ultrasound should be your next step.
How Can an Ultrasound Help?
Whether or not an ultrasound is required, we recommend having one for the following reasons:
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Pregnancy viability
There are times you can get a false-positive pregnancy test result, yet the fetal heartbeat (only detected by ultrasound) is nonexistent. In this case, your pregnancy is not viable and will not progress. There are several reasons this could happen, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy.
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Ectopic pregnancy
An Ectopic Pregnancy, which happens in one of every fifty pregnancies, is a fertilized egg that implants itself outside of the uterus. When this happens, the pregnancy can't survive and, if not addressed, can cause fatal bleeding. Abortion pills should never be taken if your pregnancy is ectopic.
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Gestational age
A normal pregnancy can range from 38 to 42 weeks. The gestational age is the term used to describe how far along the pregnancy is and is measured in weeks, from the first day of the woman's last menstrual cycle to the current date. If you weren't expecting to get pregnant, especially if you were using birth control, you may be unaware of how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you're considering abortion, there are different types of abortions depending on the gestational age of your pregnancy.
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Miscarriage
10 - 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to Mayo Clinic. If your body naturally passes the pregnancy, you may not need to undergo a medical procedure. By getting an ultrasound prior to an abortion procedure, you could potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars because the ultrasound can reveal a miscarriage is likely to occur.
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Multiple fetuses
It’s not uncommon to find multiple fetuses. It’s imperative to have all the information you need, including if you’re carrying twins before you make a pregnancy decision. If you continue your pregnancy, this can help your healthcare provider establish care, or if you are considering abortion, it can determine the type of procedure and cost.
What to Expect
We understand that medical appointments can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
When you schedule your ultrasound, we’ll provide clear instructions to help you prepare. Like with most medical visits, we recommend arriving a little early to complete any necessary paperwork if you haven’t already filled out your paperwork online. Appointments typically take between 15 to 45 minutes, but we reserve hour-long slots for each of our patients so you never feel rushed.
Before your appointment:
Be sure to drink a lot of water beforehand and avoid using the restroom until after your pregnancy test and ultrasound.
During your appointment:
One of our licensed medical professionals will explain what to expect during your ultrasound and answer any questions you may have. Your comfort is a top priority, and we’ll talk you through the process so you feel as informed and at ease as possible.
After your appointment:
You’ll receive a follow-up call with your ultrasound results within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any concerns or questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here for you.
How Much Does It Cost?
At Care Net of Missoula, we provide our ultrasounds free of charge. However, an ultrasound can cost anywhere from $200 to $800, depending on the location, state, and type of facility. The average cost of an ultrasound without insurance is $410. Don’t wait. Come see us today.