You may know that you’re pregnant and already be researching abortion. However, knowing the result of a pregnancy test isn’t the same as confirming that you’re actually pregnant.
Before an abortion, an ultrasound can answer three questions that directly affect the information you’re researching. It will also help guide your decision-making as you explore your pregnancy options.
Anderson House offers lab-quality pregnancy tests, and free ultrasounds are available at our Uvalde location. You can also meet with a client advocate to ask questions about your pregnancy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Keep reading to learn why an ultrasound is needed before an abortion decision.
#1: Check the Pregnancy’s Location
A pregnancy can produce hCG and result in a positive test whether it develops inside or outside the uterus.
When implantation occurs outside the uterus, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with the abortion pill and can become a medical emergency if it ruptures. Ultrasound can help determine whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
#2: Establish How Many Weeks You Are
The abortion information that applies at six weeks isn’t the same information that applies later in pregnancy.
Mifepristone, a drug used as part of the abortion pill regimen, is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation. Taking abortion drugs past this timeframe isn’t recommended, as it poses additional risks to your health. Surgical abortion procedures are used at later gestational ages.
Ultrasound measurements can help estimate how far along the pregnancy is, particularly when menstrual dates are uncertain.
#3: See Whether the Pregnancy Appears to Be Developing
Not all pregnancies develop properly. In fact, as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, sometimes before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant.
A positive test can remain positive for a period of time following a miscarriage because it takes time for hCG to return to pre-pregnancy levels.
An ultrasound can provide information about whether the pregnancy is developing. If the scan determines that you have had a miscarriage, you may require monitoring or treatment to prevent complications.
That’s why this scan is especially important before undergoing an elective procedure for a pregnancy that may have already ended naturally.
Pregnancy Information at Anderson House
At Anderson House, you can begin the pregnancy confirmation process with a lab-quality pregnancy test and meet with a client advocate.
Free ultrasounds are available at the Uvalde location for clients who meet the appropriate criteria. We can also discuss your options and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Contact us today to make an appointment and learn more about your pregnancy before an abortion decision.
Anderson House does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
