For your own health and safety, it is important to have an ultrasound before an abortion. Yes, even before taking the abortion pill.
An ultrasound can alert you of potentially abnormal pregnancy complications which could impact the abortion process and your body. It also helps you feel confident in what options are best and safest for you. Not all states require an ultrasound before an abortion (such as Washington State), but an ultrasound is still an important way to protect your health.
3 Reasons You Need an Ultrasound before taking the Abortion Pill:
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 be an important tool in finding out if you have a potential 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. Taking the abortion pill will result in abortion symptoms. However, it will not effectively treat an ectopic pregnancy, which can lead to serious health complications such as internal bleeding, possible hospitalization and even death.
If you are thinking about taking the abortion pill, first schedule a viability ultrasound with one of our medical professionals to check the status of your pregnancy.
2. An ultrasound determines if you have a viable pregnancy.
It is important 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 without you realizing it, so an elective abortion is not necessary if the pregnancy is not viable.
Medical professionals estimate nearly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Approximately 80% of miscarriages occur within the first trimester (before the 12th week). Without confirmation of a viable pregnancy, you can put your body through an unnecessary abortion and possible 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 and what next steps you should take. 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 infection, hemorrhage, retained placenta, or blood transfusion from heavy bleeding.
An ultrasound before an abortion is an important first step in knowing what options are safest for you.
Schedule a free viability ultrasound today.
Move forward in the decision of your pregnancy with an ultrasound today. All our services are free and confidential. We are here to empower you with the accurate information you need to make the best decision for your pregnancy.
Schedule a free, viability ultrasound at one of our locations today.
