What is a Limited Ultrasound? Pregnancy Information
Ultrasound Explained
Most people are familiar with the term ultrasound. It is an exam that uses sound waves to make a picture of internal organs. When people get an ultrasound of their body parts, it is usually to look for something wrong like clogged arteries. It is also used to look at the development of the fetus/baby when you are pregnant.
Ultrasound can be a total scan or a limited exam. At Journey Clinic, we offer a limited exam to those with a positive pregnancy test. A total scan looks at the whole fetus, uterus, and cervix for possible problems. A limited exam is only looking for specific things.
The first thing we are looking for is where the baby is growing and developing. This is important in case the pregnancy is an ectopic (outside the uterus) pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy (or tubal pregnancy) is when the fetus embeds outside of the uterus; usually, in the Fallopian tube. Since this type of pregnancy may be life-threatening, it’s important to have an ultrasound.
Second, a limited ultrasound exam determines the approximate date of the pregnancy. Some women do not track or remember when their last period started (see our article on period trackers, as these can be useful). The first day of your last period is generally how a due date is estimated. With this exam, we can measure how big the developing baby is and provide an estimated due date.
Finally, a limited ultrasound exam looks for evidence of life: the fetal heartbeat. By using this technology, a baby’s heartbeat can be located and counted. This establishes that the pregnancy is viable (living).
What Makes an Ultrasound Limited?
Limited ultrasounds are just that, limited. These exams do not look for possible problems with the fetus, nor look for evidence of whether it is a boy or a girl. Limited ultrasounds are important to provide information for the woman who just learned she is pregnant. Knowing where the pregnancy is located, the gestational age, and whether the pregnancy is viable will provide a woman with very important facts to take into consideration as she considers her pregnancy options.
All the information that you shared with us about Limited Ultrasound Pregnancy Information is very useful and important. Thanks for sharing this
My aunt has been thinking about getting an ultrasound in order to be safer. She would really like to get some help from a professional in order to get one done properly. It was interesting to learn about how they can get a limited ultrasound that can determine the date of the pregnancy.
My wife is pregnant, and we want to see how that’s going. It makes sense that getting the proper ultrasound services would be beneficial. I’ll be sure to work with a professional to ensure that everything works out properly.