Ultrasound is a diagnostic test that can provide many details during pregnancy. The information learned during an ultrasound helps inform your next medical steps and protect your health through screening for complications. In this blog, we will list three reasons to have an ultrasound before an abortion.

If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, obtaining an ultrasound is your first step toward prioritizing your health.

1. Date Your Pregnancy

You may have taken a home test and guessed how far along you may be in pregnancy based on your last period… but this estimate can be inaccurate, especially if you have an irregular period. 

Confirming how far along you are through precise measurements made in an ultrasound exam can help you determine your options. 

For instance, the FDA only approves the use of the abortion pill to terminate early pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestational age. Taking these drugs past the recommended point in pregnancy could increase your risk for incomplete abortion, infection, or other complications. 

2. Ultrasounds Screen for Ectopic Pregnancy

Sometimes, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. If the pregnancy continues to grow outside the uterus, it could potentially rupture the tube and lead to severe internal bleeding. 

In an ultrasound exam, a nurse sonographer can identify whether the pregnancy is located within the uterus so you can be confident you are getting the treatment you need. Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy requires immediate emergency medical care, but abortion is not an effective treatment.

3. Ultrasounds Can Determine Pregnancy Viability

The Mayo Clinic quotes that about 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage – however, the actual number could be even higher given that many miscarriages occur before women even realize they’re pregnant.  

If you are considering abortion as an option, it is important to learn if your pregnancy is still viable, meaning there is a detectable heartbeat and the pregnancy is continuing to grow and progress. 

Otherwise, if the pregnancy is expected to end in miscarriage, your provider may recommend a different type of care, which may include monitoring to ensure the miscarriage passes completely or management of the miscarriage through medication or a surgical procedure. 

To put your health and safety first, you will want to ensure your care is specific to your unique needs and does not put undue stress on your body when it is not needed or indicated.  

Schedule Your Free Ultrasound Appointment

Now that you know three reasons to have an ultrasound before an abortion, it’s time to take the next steps.

Our professional medical team can provide pregnancy testing and ultrasound at no cost, schedule your free appointment today to prioritize your health and discover essential information about your unique needs.