If you’re pregnant and wondering how far along you are, an ultrasound is the most reliable way to determine your gestational age. This medical imaging tool measures the size of the embryo or fetus to estimate how many weeks into pregnancy you are, which can also help determine your due date.

At MyLife Medical & Resource Center, we offer no-cost ultrasounds to provide this important information. Whether you have regular or irregular cycles, an ultrasound can give you a clearer and more accurate timeline for your pregnancy.

What is Gestational Age?

Gestational age refers to how far along your pregnancy is, measured in weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). This method includes the two weeks before conception, meaning you’re already considered about two weeks pregnant at fertilization.

Understanding your gestational age is key to estimating your due date, tracking fetal development, and determining which pregnancy options are available.

How Does Ultrasound Measure Gestational Age?

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your pregnancy. Depending on how far along you are, one of two methods may be used:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound – A small probe is inserted into the vagina to capture more transparent images in early pregnancy (around 5-10 weeks).
• Abdominal Ultrasound – A probe is moved over the belly and is more commonly used after the first trimester.

The most accurate time to determine gestational age is between 8 and 12 weeks, when the growth rate is most predictable. During the scan, a sonographer or nurse will measure the crown-rump length (CRL)—the distance from the baby’s head to its bottom—to estimate how many weeks pregnant you are.

Why an Ultrasound Matters

In addition to determining how far along you are, an ultrasound provides critical medical information about your pregnancy. It confirms whether the pregnancy is viable, which means progressing, or if there’s a potential miscarriage.

Ultrasound also ensures the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, ruling out an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

By providing these key details, an ultrasound helps you better understand your health and pregnancy status, allowing you to make informed medical decisions.

Schedule a No-Cost Ultrasound

If you think you may be pregnant, an ultrasound can provide clarity and essential medical information. At MyLife Medical & Resource Center, we offer no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, education, and counseling to help you make informed decisions.

Get your no-cost appointment today to get the answers you need. We’re here for you.