Is an embryo a fetus?

Well, an embryo is a fetus in the first stages of the pregnancy. So to answer your question, yes. An embryo is a fetus. But how early can you see an embryo? Why should you bother to have an ultrasound?

Lots of women feel a bit nervous about getting an ultrasound. It’s totally normal to feel a bit anxious about something like this, especially if you haven’t had one before.

But getting an ultrasound is actually a really important step. It’ll give you the info you need to make your decision. Whether that decision is abortion, adoption, or parenting, an ultrasound can help keep you safe.

You see, when you go for an ultrasound at a place like ThriVe+, we’re not there to pressure you into anything. We can give you medically accurate info about what’s going on in your body. You’ll be calling the shots. And believe me, having accurate information is key. Especially when it comes to your health.

Why get an ultrasound?

An ultrasound can tell you how far along the embryo is. This might not seem like a big deal. But it can actually make a huge difference in terms of what options are available to you. For example, did you know that the abortion pill is only approved for use in pregnancies up to 10 weeks?¹ Knowing exactly how far along you are can help you figure out which options are on the table for you.

Knowledge is empowering. And an ultrasound can provide you with this information.

But that’s not all an ultrasound can do. It can also check for things like ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy would be a really serious condition where the embryo implants outside of the uterus.² This is a situation that needs immediate medical attention. It’s way better to catch something like that early on. We want you to be healthy and confident. Your health matters.

And here’s something else to think about: miscarriage. It’s actually pretty common. It happens in around 10-20% of pregnancies. Sometimes the pregnancy ends on its own without medical intervention. Getting an ultrasound can help you know if the embryo is developing, or if the pregnancy is already ending.³ That means that if you were considering an abortion, you might not have to go through the process of getting one because the pregnancy is ending on its own.

What’s it like to get an ultrasound?

I wanted to walk you through what it’s like to get an ultrasound at ThriVe+, just to hopefully ease any worries you might have about the process. First off, it’s a really calm and peaceful environment. When you walk in, you’ll probably notice how quiet and chic it feels. At ThriVe+, you’re more than just a number. We care about you and the experience you have.

You’ll check in at the front desk. Our staff is super friendly and welcoming. They’ll make sure you feel comfortable and answer any questions you might have. Then, you’ll be taken to a private room where you can relax and get ready for the ultrasound, where we’ll find out the information you need about the embryo and pregnancy.

During the ultrasound itself, you’ll be asked to lie down on a comfy exam table. In early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound (using a special wand-like device that’s inserted into the vagina) is used to better see the embryo and identify the exact location of the pregnancy.². This sends sound waves into your body, which bounce back and create images of what’s going on inside. Later on in the pregnancy, the ultrasound technician can use a small device called a transducer over your belly to get pictures.⁴

Our Nurse Sonographer will be there to talk you through what they’re doing and what they’re seeing on the screen. Got questions? Not a problem. This is all about you. Plus, the whole process is really confidential. You don’t have to worry about anyone else knowing what’s going on unless you want them to. You’re totally in control here.

After the ultrasound is done, you’ll have a chance to talk with us about what you saw. You’ll know the gestational age of the embryo and will be able to chat about the options you have moving forward. Our team will be there to support you. They’ll help you feel equipped to take the next steps, whatever those are for you. Everything you discuss is completely confidential. You can feel safe opening up about whatever’s on your mind.

Overall, getting an ultrasound at a women’s center like ThriVe is a really comforting and woman-centered experience.

Your pregnancy decision

Now that we’ve talked about getting an ultrasound and what that process might be like, I want to chat with you about the options you have once you have that info. There are three main paths you can consider. We’ll be there for you no matter what.

Abortion

Abortion is a medical procedure that removes the embryo from the uterus. There are different types of abortion. There’s the abortion pill and surgical abortion. Abortion is a serious decision. It’s totally okay to take your time. Think about whether it’s the right choice for you. Don’t let someone pressure you into moving too fast- this is your decision. Thinking about abortion? ThriVe+ can provide you with information about the procedure.

Adoption

This is when you choose to carry the pregnancy to term and then place the baby with another family. If you are considering this option, we can connect you with adoption agencies and support groups to help you navigate this process.

Parenting

Parenting is when you continue the pregnancy and raise the baby yourself. ThriVe+ can give you resources and support to help you prepare for parenthood. That includes info about prenatal care, parenting classes, and financial assistance programs. We’ve got your back, and the choice is yours.

Gather as much information as you need about the pregnancy (like the gestational age of the embryo and your options). Listen to your own values and intuition. ThriVe+ is here for you every step of the way, no matter what you decide. Make an appointment when you feel ready. All of our services are no-cost, including: