You took a pregnancy test, saw the positive result, and now you’re considering abortion. You may be wondering why you would need another test before deciding what to do.
An ultrasound serves a different purpose than a pregnancy test. Rather than simply confirming that pregnancy hormones are present, it answers several questions that may directly affect your next steps.
First Choice Women’s Center offers medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds for women who want more information before making a pregnancy decision.
Schedule a free appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and the options available to you. And read on to learn why an ultrasound matters if you’re considering abortion.
You May Be Earlier or Later Than You Think
It’s common to calculate pregnancy based on the first day of your last menstrual period. However, that calculation is still an estimate.
Maybe your periods aren’t particularly regular, or you don’t remember the exact date of your last one. Ovulation can also occur at different times from one cycle to another.
An ultrasound can provide a better estimate of gestational age.
If you’re considering abortion, this is an especially critical detail. The type of abortion procedure used depends in part on how far along you are. The abortion pill, for example, is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation.
The Pregnancy May Not Be Developing
Pregnancy loss is more common than many people realize. In fact, as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
A positive pregnancy test alone cannot determine whether a miscarriage has occurred because the hormone hCG (what pregnancy tests look for) can remain in the body for some time after a pregnancy ends.
An ultrasound can provide information about whether the pregnancy is developing. If you’ve miscarried, you may need follow-up care from a healthcare provider.
Location Is an Important Medical Detail
There is another question to answer before abortion: Is the pregnancy located inside the uterus?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, the tube can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Ectopic pregnancy requires medical treatment, and the abortion pill will not resolve it. An ultrasound identifies where the pregnancy is located so that if there is an ectopic pregnancy, it can be identified and treated.
What If I’m Still Unsure About Abortion?
You don’t have to be certain about your pregnancy decision before seeking more information.
You may still be comparing your options, wondering how abortion works, or trying to decide what makes sense for your circumstances. Receiving an ultrasound doesn’t commit you to any particular choice; it gives you additional information to consider.
At First Choice Women’s Center, you can take advantage of free pregnancy testing and receive a limited ultrasound if you qualify. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions along the way rather than relying only on what you’ve found online.
Schedule your appointment today to get the answers you need.
*First Choice Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
**All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.