If you think you might be pregnant, your first step is to get the facts about your pregnancy. Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be challenging and you may feel unsure about your next steps or overwhelmed. Essential Pregnancy Services can help transform your uncertainty into confidence. One of the most crucial steps you can take early in your pregnancy journey is to undergo an early pregnancy evaluation. This initial appointment will allow you to get the information you need and give you a chance to speak with a medical professional about your pregnancy questions or concerns.
Why Early Pregnancy Evaluation Matters
Early pregnancy evaluation involves a series of tests and screenings that provide valuable information about your pregnancy. These evaluations help confirm the pregnancy, determine its viability, and identify any potential risks or complications early on. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Confirming the Pregnancy: The first step in early pregnancy evaluation is confirming that you are indeed pregnant. Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) offers medical-grade pregnancy tests to ensure that your pregnancy is properly documented and assessed. This confirmation is crucial for planning your prenatal care, including understanding how far along you are.
- Assessing Viability: An ultrasound, particularly a 1st trimester limited obstetric ultrasound, is essential in confirming that the pregnancy is progressing normally within the uterus. This is crucial for detecting ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, which can be life-threatening if not managed promptly. Additionally, an ultrasound can detect a heartbeat, confirming that the pregnancy is viable and progressing.
- Identifying Potential Complications: Early pregnancy evaluation allows healthcare providers to identify any potential complications, such as multiple pregnancies (twins or more) or signs of miscarriage. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriage is the most common form of pregnancy loss, occurring in up to 26% of all pregnancies. Detecting these issues early means you can receive the appropriate care and monitoring to manage your pregnancy as safely as possible.
- Providing Essential Information: Understanding how far along you are in your pregnancy can significantly impact your decisions moving forward, especially if you are considering your options, such as parenting, adoption, or abortion. Knowing the exact gestational age and the health of the pregnancy through an ultrasound can help you make informed decisions that are best for you and your future.
- Access to Comprehensive Services: At EPS, early pregnancy evaluation includes more than just confirming the pregnancy. You also have access to STI screening and treatment, nurse consultations, and prenatal care education. These services ensure that you are fully informed and supported throughout your pregnancy, no matter what decisions you make.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Beyond the medical benefits, early pregnancy evaluation provides emotional reassurance. Knowing that your pregnancy is progressing normally can alleviate some of the anxieties that often accompany early pregnancy. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get informed about what to expect in the coming months.
What to Expect During an Early Pregnancy Evaluation
When you go for an early pregnancy evaluation at EPS, you can expect a comprehensive approach to assessing your pregnancy. This typically includes:
- Pregnancy Test Confirmation: A medical-grade urine test to confirm your pregnancy.
- Health Assessment: A discussion of your medical history, any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and a basic physical exam.
- Ultrasound: A 1st trimester limited obstetric ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy’s location and assess the gestational age.
- Prenatal Counseling: Information on prenatal vitamins, diet, lifestyle changes, and what to expect in your first trimester.
- Pregnancy Options Education: Information and resources about your pregnancy options, including abortion, parenting, and adoption, to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Wrapping Up
Early pregnancy evaluation is a critical first step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. By confirming the pregnancy, assessing viability, and identifying any potential complications early on, you can start your prenatal care journey with confidence and peace of mind. Essential Pregnancy Services offers comprehensive early pregnancy evaluations at no cost, providing you with the information and support you need during this crucial time.
If you’re newly pregnant or suspect you might be, don’t wait to get evaluated. Schedule an appointment with us today, or reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you during your pregnancy.