29 Jan 3 Reasons You Need an Ultrasound Before Abortion
If you think you want an abortion, why have an ultrasound? At first glance, this scan may seem unnecessary. But an obstetric ultrasound is vital to keeping you safe and informing you of your options.
Continue reading to learn more about why having an ultrasound is essential before choosing an abortion.
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy’s Viability
Even if you’ve received a positive result from a pregnancy test, you need more information. You won’t know if your pregnancy is viable (it is progressing and has a detectable heartbeat) until you have an ultrasound.
Up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. It isn’t your fault. It means your pregnancy has stopped growing and there is no longer a heartbeat. You may be unaware it happened, but you could still get a positive pregnancy test result.
Miscarriage may require further medical treatment and monitoring if it has occurred.
2. Determine Your Pregnancy’s Gestational Age
Your pregnancy’s gestational age, or how far along you are, is critical information. It can help you determine your options. Medical abortion, for instance, is only FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation.
An ultrasound determines this pregnancy detail. Taking medical abortion drugs without knowing your gestational age isn’t a wise choice and could cause problems.
3. Confirm Your Pregnancy is in the Right Location
Healthy pregnancies are located in the uterus. However, some women experience ectopic pregnancies. This condition occurs when the fertilized egg implants in a location other than the uterus, such as a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and require emergency treatment.
An ultrasound may be able to detect this medical condition and ensure you receive treatment quickly.
No-Cost, Confidential Services
Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center provides a limited obstetric ultrasound at no charge to confirm your pregnancy medically. You are eligible for this service if you receive a positive result from pregnancy testing at our center.
Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment.