Why is an ultrasound important before having an abortion?
There are several reasons why it is recommended to have an ultrasound before having an abortion:
- Confirm Viability: Receiving a positive home pregnancy test is just the start of confirming you are pregnant. An ultrasound is the next step in confirming the presence of a viable pregnancy. Viability means your pregnancy is progressing and has a detectable heartbeat. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about if abortion is an option for you. If a pregnancy is not viable, an abortion is not necessary.
- Confirm the Gestational Age: Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy (gestational age) is important when considering abortion. An ultrasound is a good tool for confirming the gestational age. A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation. Taking the abortion pill without knowing how far along you are can cause major complications and health risks.
- Confirm Location: An ultrasound can help determine the location of the pregnancy, whether it is inside the uterus (intrauterine) or outside the uterus (ectopic). Ectopic pregnancies are a threat to your health and require different medical interventions than intrauterine pregnancies, and an ultrasound can help identify this condition.
Schedule a FREE and confidential appointment today at Options Women’s Care Center to get all the information you need before making a decision about your pregnancy.