Ultrasound: The Next Test You Need if You Have a Positive Home Pregnancy Test

If you have a positive pregnancy test, your next step should include getting an ultrasound to evaluate your health and determine if pregnancy is the cause of your missed period. Multiple medical conditions can cause your period timing to vary. Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), as well as stress, infection, or use of oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device (IUD) can change the onset, timing, or duration of your period or cause you to miss a period. Thankfully, clinic-based pregnancy testing and ultrasound technology can help to determine if pregnancy triggered your missed period. 

Ultrasound testing involves using sound waves to create a picture of the uterine structures and potential pregnancy¹ . While clinic-based pregnancy testing can involve either a blood or urine test, an ultrasound is a free and low-risk way to protect your health by determining the exact location of pregnancy. Ultrasound testing could protect your life by helping identify an ectopic pregnancy before causing a medical emergency. 

An ultrasound can identify the location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy is implanted outside the uterus such as the fallopian tube, then it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. These pregnancies are not viable because the fallopian tubes or abdominal wall, for example, cannot support the pregnancy’s natural growth and expansion over time² . Significant symptoms such as pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or weakness for example—meaning this condition is a medical emergency because it puts you at risk for significant pain, infection, and complications like severe internal bleeding and death if not addressed³ . An ultrasound can help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy before it causes severe symptoms if done early.

Anchor of Hope’s clinical team can help you identify risk factors for ectopic pregnancy or other complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, a history of having certain sexually transmitted infections, cigarette smoking, or maternal age of more than 35 years.

If your ultrasound shows that you are pregnant, an ultrasound can help to more accurately pinpoint the estimated date of delivery (EDD) than just using the date of your last menstrual period⁴ . Knowing this information can help you identify which options you may want to pursue for pregnancy—remaining pregnant, considering an abortion, or if you are unsure if parenting is right for you. Measurements taken from ultrasound imaging help to characterize age and development of the pregnancy, helping to clarify the delivery date even if you are not completely sure about the date of your last period.

Ultrasounds also help to identify pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of pregnancy loss⁵ . An ultrasound can help to verify if a heartbeat is present. Based on findings from the ultrasound, you will have information needed to understand your options.

Anchor of Hope offers free ultrasound evaluation for women who may be pregnant. Our licensed medical staff is experienced in helping women determine their own next steps in their healthcare journey with care, compassion, and confidence. Our mission is to provide honest answers to your questions once your ultrasound is complete so you are empowered to decide next steps without pressure or judgment.

If you are already under the care of an OB/GYN provider, we recommend following up with your medical care team to determine the appropriate timing for your testing. 

If you were evaluated in the emergency room (ER) and have questions about getting an ultrasound, please call our clinic at 920-452-4673 to talk with one of our experienced nurses regarding your next steps.