Ultrasounds

Ultrasound imaging is also called “ultrasound scanning” or “sonography” and it is a safe and painless procedure. An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves or echoes instead of radiation to safely create images of the inside of the body. It is suitable for use during pregnancy.

Ultrasounds provide essential medical information about your pregnancy.

Before scheduling an abortion you need to know:

• How far along you are in your pregnancy. It is not uncommon for the dating of a pregnancy to be off solely based on your LMP(the first day of your last menstrual period). This is because many factors can influence when conception actually happens. For this reason, it’s important to have the gestation of your pregnancy confirmed with an ultrasound. Types of abortion procedures and their potential risks are dependent on the gestation of your pregnancy.
• Is the pregnancy viable?  Miscarriage is common, 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first trimester.  Some women don’t know they’ve had a miscarriage until it is seen during an ultrasound. If you have miscarried, you will need to receive follow-up care from a doctor.
• The location of your pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside of the uterus. It is less common than miscarriage, however an ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. This is essential information prior to scheduling an abortion. 

LaVie performs ultrasound exams in order to medically confirm pregnancy. We do not use ultrasound to determine gender. 

At LaVie, you are our priority. 

If you think you’re pregnant, you may or may not have already taken a pregnancy test by the time you call LaVie. Although a pregnancy test is the first indication that you’re pregnant, it is not a medical diagnosis for pregnancy. A pregnancy test does not tell you how far along you might be or if the pregnancy is progressing as expected. Having an ultrasound, performed by trained registered nurse, and reviewed by a qualified provider, is essential to your health and will aid you in determining next steps for your pregnancy.