If you are considering an abortion, you may think an ultrasound isn’t necessary. But did you know that a positive pregnancy test and a late period may not be enough information to make an informed decision? There is still more to know about your unwanted pregnancy, and only an ultrasound scan can provide you with some answers.
What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your uterus. Our skilled nurse sonographers apply gel to your abdomen and then rub a wand-like instrument called a transducer through the gel. The transducer picks up the echoes of sound waves in your abdomen, which form an image on a computer screen.
Here are the 3 Questions That Ultrasound Answers:
1. Is Your Pregnancy Developing, or Have You Miscarried?
Are you aware that over one in four pregnancies ends in a miscarriage? Also, most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage.
Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to its pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test and no longer be pregnant. Ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat) or if you have miscarried.
2. How Far Along Are You?
If you are considering the abortion pill, the FDA approves this method through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are.
An ultrasound reveals the number of weeks you have been pregnant. Many women are surprised to find they are farther along than they realized.
3. Where Is The Pregnancy Located?
That may seem like a strange question, but it is an important one. Although rare, some pregnancies develop outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous, even life-threatening. An ultrasound detects the location of your pregnancy to ensure it’s growing in the right place.
Get a Free Pregnancy Test and Ultrasound First
Our team at the Pregnancy Resource Center provides free and confidential pregnancy testing to confirm your pregnancy. We will schedule you for a free and confidential limited OB ultrasound if our medical-grade pregnancy test is positive.
You will also want to be tested for the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many STIs do not have immediate symptoms. It’s vital for protecting your health and safety.
Get the facts about your pregnancy first. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, our team of medical professionals can get you the information you need to make a confident decision.
Make an appointment at our center or contact us to learn about our mobile medical unit’s location and schedule. We care about you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.