If you are unexpectedly pregnant, your three options are parenting, adoption, or abortion. No matter which path you choose, this is a complex and personal decision that requires research and careful thought to decide what’s best for you and your situation.
For an abortion, this looks like scheduling an ultrasound before you have the abortion procedure.
Safe Harbor Women’s Medical Clinic offers no-cost ultrasounds to learn more about your pregnancy and how they affect your available options. Contact us today.
Here are three reasons you need an ultrasound before an abortion.
To Verify the Pregnancy’s Gestational Age
After taking a positive pregnancy test, an ultrasound can confirm the gestational age of your pregnancy. Even women who have a predictable menstrual cycle are often surprised to learn just how far along they are.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestational age, so confirming the age will help you understand whether or not you’re eligible for this procedure. However, it’s important to note that abortion isn’t currently available in Alabama except in certain cases.
To Determine Your Pregnancy’s Viability
While you may have tested positive via an at-home pregnancy test, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the pregnancy is still viable.
Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of hCG in a woman’s urine, which can be detected at levels even after a miscarriage. An ultrasound can confirm whether or not the pregnancy is still progressing with a heartbeat.
Up to 26% of pregnancies miscarry, so this is an important fact to confirm in order to move forward.
To Learn Your Pregnancy’s Location
The third reason you’ll want to schedule an ultrasound is to confirm your pregnancy’s location. If it is located outside of the uterus, this is an ectopic pregnancy (usually located inside the fallopian tube).
These are non-viable pregnancies and require immediate medical attention. Ultrasounds can save women’s lives by detecting this condition early.
Protect Your Health at Safe Harbor Women’s Medical Clinic
At our clinic, we offer no-cost ultrasounds where you can get the information you need in order to make a confident decision. Contact us today to safeguard your health through lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound scan.