Ultrasound scans are performed by the medical staff in a clinic setting in order to:
- Detect fetal heart beat
- Determine fetal age
- Determine approximate due date
- Determine the location of the pregnancy (interuterine vs. ectopic)*
*Miscarriages occur in approximately 20% of pregnancies. Most occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies(those developing somewhere other than the uterus, such as the Fallopian tubes) can be life threatening to the woman.**
Please note that limited obstetrical ultrasound is not intended to diagnose potential abnormalities or problems.
A positive lab quality pregnancy test and an intial visit are required prior to scheduling an ultrasound scan.
- Sources: ACOG pamphlet AP 090 Early Pregnancy Loss, Miscarriage and Molar Pregnancy
Mayo Foundatioon for Medical Education and Research 1998-2011