Think you might be unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion? It’s completely normal to be feeling anxious and unsure. Take the time you need to learn all the facts about your unique needs and options. 

Put your health and safety first by learning evidence-based medical information before taking your next steps. At Life Line Pregnancy Center, we’re here to help answer your questions and provide supportive resources to help you navigate your pregnancy decision. Exploring the 3 things to do before an abortion will be key to your health and safety.

3 Things to Do Before an Abortion

1. Confirm Your Pregnancy With a Medical Professional

Chances are you may have found out you might be pregnant by getting a positive home pregnancy test. While this is a great place to start, you’ll want to confirm your result with a medical professional. 

It’s rare, but it is possible to get a false negative on a home pregnancy test. It’s also possible that your home pregnancy test results may vary depending on when you take it (how many days past your missed period). Judging by the date of your last period can be helpful for a ballpark figure but is not always accurate as there may be other factors affecting your cycle. 

The best way to know for sure is to get medical-grade pregnancy confirmation that is signed off on by a medical professional as the first thing to do before an abortion. Our staff at Life Line Pregnancy Center can provide this confirmation service at no cost to you. 

Depending on what next steps you take, you may also need proof-of-pregnancy documentation. We can provide this to you following a pregnancy confirmation. 

2. Get an Ultrasound and Learn Your Unique Needs

Following pregnancy confirmation, there is further information you need to know before determining what next steps you may be eligible to pursue.

You will want to ensure that you are not making any unnecessary medical steps (in the event your pregnancy is not viable and miscarriage is imminent, as in 15 – 20% of all pregnancies). 

It’s also vital to ensure that you do not pursue medical interventions that are unsafe for your unique situation. For instance, the FDA only approves the use of the abortion pill for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestational age. Taking abortion medication past this point in pregnancy could result in incomplete abortion or other severe medical complications. 

The best way to learn key information about your pregnancy and, subsequently, your options is through an ultrasound exam. 

Ultrasounds answer three key questions 

1. If the pregnancy is viable (continuing to grow), or if miscarriage is possible. 
2. If the pregnancy is located in the uterus, or if ectopic pregnancy is a concern. 
3. How far along you are in your pregnancy, and what options might be available to you. 

The answers to these questions are vital to your health and a very important step in the things to do before an abortion. Ectopic pregnancy, for example, is not resolved by abortion and requires immediate emergency medical care.

All findings from ultrasound exams at Life Line Pregnancy Centers are reviewed by our medical director, a local physician who can confirm the diagnosis of pregnancy. Then you can make your next steps confidently, knowing key medical details to protect your health. 

3. Get Your Questions Answered & Learn Your Options

Finally, the third of the things to do before an abortion is getting your questions answered and learn all of your options. Pregnancy confirmation through medical-grade pregnancy testing and ultrasound is vitally important to receive in person to prioritize your health and ensure your next steps are appropriate for your unique needs.

You may also find it comforting or reassuring to discuss your options and next steps with a professional who can answer any outstanding questions you may have and fill you in on what to expect. 

Let Life Line Pregancy Center Help You Find the Answers You Need

Here at Life Line Pregnancy Center, our caring and compassionate staff is here to help. You deserve to have all the information at your disposal and be empowered to make a confident, healthy decision. Schedule your free appointment today to get your questions answered.