For your own health and safety, it is essential to have an ultrasound before an abortion. Yes, even before taking the abortion pill.
An ultrasound alerts you of anything abnormal about your pregnancy which could affect the abortion process and your body. It also helps you feel confident in what options are best and safest for you.
3 Reasons You Need an Ultrasound Before An Abortion:
1. An ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is developing in your uterus
Some women’s pregnancies grow outside of their uterus, usually within the fallopian tubes. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening if not caught early.
An ultrasound can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy. If your pregnancy is growing outside of your uterus, you will need to seek medical attention immediately.
Taking the abortion pill without ruling out an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. While you might experience abortion symptoms after taking the pill, it will not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which can lead to internal bleeding.
If you are thinking about taking the abortion pill, first schedule an ultrasound with Southside Women’s Services to check where your pregnancy is growing.
2. An ultrasound determines if you have a viable pregnancy
It is necessary to confirm your pregnancy is viable. A viable pregnancy indicates the presence of a heartbeat and the potential for a live birth.
A pregnancy can end by miscarriage without you realizing it. A miscarriage is a non-viable pregnancy, which means an abortion would not be necessary.
Research shows as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. Approximately 80% of miscarriages occur within the first trimester (before the 12th week). A pregnancy test is not a reliable source to confirm viability. Since pregnancy tests respond to hormones, it is possible the test might still show positive, even if you have miscarried.
Without confirmation of a viable pregnancy, you can put your body through an unnecessary abortion and health complications. Ultrasounds are one of the fastest ways to confirm the viability of your pregnancy.
3. Ultrasounds confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy
An ultrasound confirms exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy to determine what abortion procedures you are eligible for.
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, the FDA states you should only take it within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. That is about two and a half months. The only way to confirm the exact timeline of your pregnancy is through an ultrasound.
Taking the abortion pill when more than 10 weeks pregnant can cause an incomplete abortion and increase health risks such as a hemorrhage, retained placenta, or the need for a blood transfusion from heavy bleeding.
An ultrasound before an abortion is an important first step in knowing the safest options for you.
Schedule a free ultrasound today
Move forward in the decision of your pregnancy with an ultrasound today. Our compassionate team of licensed medical professionals are here to answer all your questions so you can be fully informed to make the best decision for your pregnancy.
Your visit is free of charge and your results are confidential.
