If you’ve recently taken a positive pregnancy test, you likely have many questions. You may wonder how far along you are or what your options are in South Carolina.
One of the most important steps you can take early on is receiving an ultrasound. But how early can an ultrasound confirm if your pregnancy is viable? Keep reading for more information.
You can also visit Sumter Pregnancy Center for early pregnancy confirmation services and an ultrasound if you qualify.
What Is “Viability” in Pregnancy?
A viable pregnancy in early pregnancy means the embryo or fetus has a heartbeat and is developing or growing inside the uterus.
However, later on in pregnancy, there is an “age of viability,” which many states use in their laws to describe the time when a fetus can survive outside the uterus. This is typically around 23 to 24 weeks with medical intervention. Infants sometimes defy the odds and survive even when born at 22 weeks.
For the rest of this blog, we’ll discuss how early you can determine whether your pregnancy is progressing.
When Can Viability Be Detected?
Typically, around six weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound can detect a heartbeat and collect information about your gestational age (how far along you are) and the pregnancy’s location.
Abortion is restricted in South Carolina after a fetal heartbeat is detected via an ultrasound.
The ultrasound may also reveal some clues as to whether the pregnancy will continue. For instance, an ultrasound should detect a gestational sac, fetal pole (embryo), and a yolk sac (this nourishes the embryo). If the provider cannot see the fetal pole or yolk sac or detect a heartbeat, these can be signs of pregnancy loss, or it could still be too early for a clear scan.
What If an Ultrasound Reveals an Empty Uterus?
If an ultrasound reveals an empty uterus, but you have a positive pregnancy test, you will be directed to an emergency room to check for an ectopic pregnancy. This is a non-viable pregnancy and a medical emergency, as it can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated.
The Importance of Early Answers
Getting an ultrasound early gives you the answers you need to make confident, informed decisions. Whether you’re considering abortion, parenting, or adoption, understanding the status and health of your pregnancy is essential.
It also helps ensure you receive the proper care, especially in the case of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, where treatment needs are different.
Schedule your appointment today to learn if you qualify for a no-cost, limited ultrasound and the caring support you need to move forward with confidence. We’re here to help you every step of the way.